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I love social media. I think it’s a great way for journalists to hear directly from viewers/readers/listeners, it allows us to hear from people with different points of view and from all over the world.

It also can occasionally be a bunny hole for conflict. Case in point: Along with several other members of the media, I attended an on-the-record breakfast with House Speaker Paul Ryan this morning. Afterwards, I tweeted just a few tidbits from his comments; CNN will have a larger piece later today about them – one that Dana Bash will write that will appear on CNN.com – but I wanted to offer a few snippets just for reader’s edification.

One response, from twitter: “you are a terrible one sided journalist!!”

To state the obvious, a 140 character tweet is not supposed to be a full and comprehensive look at an issue. It can’t be. And I don’t have the time to explain that every time.

So here are some of the responses to various tweets along those lines. 

I frequently try to engage with folks who have constructive criticisms, but most of the angry tweets would merit one of the following responses:

* It’s a tweet, it’s not meant to be a full and comprehensive look at an issue. I’m sorry if you disagree with my view that such snippets are a valid use of twitter.

* I tweeted or posted the story, I didn’t write the story and I didn’t write the headline. If you have objections to either, I suggest you tweet the author.  I’m sorry if you disagree with my view that tweeting stories I have read, even if I wouldn’t necessarily have written them or their headline that way, are a valid use of twitter.

* I tweeted (or RTed) or posted what this person or group said because I thought it was news-worthy, not because I necessarily agree with it. I follow people across the international ideological and political spectrum, and I don’t do so because I necessarily agree with each and every one. I’m sorry if you disagree with my view that such snippets are a valid use of twitter.

* In terms of choosing which stories to tweet about and which politicians to quote, you cannot judge a reporter’s point of view based on one or even a handful of tweets on a particular subject. In all likelihood I have indeed tweeted or covered the other side of the story, including the one you want covered but see no evidence of in one or a handful of tweets.  I’m sorry if you disagree with my view that using social media to cover one story or subject – even though that means other stories or subjects are not covered in that social media post or tweet – are a valid use of twitter.

* I strongly suggest you click on the link and read the story/watch the video before reaching the judgment I suspect you reached without doing so.  I’m sorry if you disagree with my view that tweeting links to stories are a valid use of twitter.

*  I miss a lot of tweets and social media posts and I see a lot of great ones that I don’t respond to – just because of time. I am truly sorry about that; please don’t think I’m being rude.

* I’m reluctant to engage with someone who starts the conversation with insults. In fact, it’s possible that I have now muted you and will never again read your words. Social media affords everyone a tool to connect with everyone else – in this case with someone who is part of the world of journalism and wants to hear your input and constructive criticism – and   I think it’s a shame that you have decided to throw away that opportunity to be heard and potentially make a difference. I hope you reconsider that approach with others going forward.

* I try very hard to be a fair reporter, neutral on politics though not on facts. I learn all the time about ways I can improve. But yes, I do think I’m fair, but I’m willing to hear about ways you think I could be better. As a general note, politeness is more effective when appealing to journalists, I find.

* Yes, every now and then I might post something in social media that is a joke, or is about a subject that isn’t important news or even news at all. No, that doesn’t mean that I think that’s an important subject, or as important as the stories you think are important.  I’m sorry if you disagree with my view that such snippets are a valid use of twitter.

* I’m not going to engage with people pushing brazen racism, misogyny, anti-Semitism and the like, or idiocies such as the offensive idea that the murder of 26 innocents at Sandy Hook Elementary School didn’t happen. This is the United States of America and you have the freedom to think whatever ridiculous thing you want, and I have the freedom to ignore you. I’m not sorry about that in any way.

Thanks!