Kevin Simler

But a *custom* onboarding program can work, because when a facilitator brings their own audience, they already share so much in common — interests, attitudes, context, etc. Importantly, an individual can bring taste and perspective to the onboarding process.

Personally, I don't want to run this kind of program. (I'll explain why in a minute.) But if I were to run one, here's what I'd do:

1. Post about the program on my blog and mailing list. Explain the value I get from using Twitter, and why others might be interested too (especially if they've been considering it but don't know how to get started).

2. Provide a curated list of Twitter accounts I think the new users might like to follow. These would be accounts I find interesting + are good role models for how to do Twitter well.

2.5. Maybe sketch a map of the parts of the Twittersphere I inhabit, to help orient new users.

3. Write a short guide to good Twitter usage + etiquette. Explain the basics (likes, RTs, quote-tweets, replies, DMs) as well as higher-level use cases (asking questions, having conversations, sharing screenshots, meeting up with people IRL).

4. Collect new user info with a Google form. Require people to actually make an account + add a profile and profile photo.

Now the key to the whole thing.... 5. Get all new users to _follow each other_. That way they don't start at 0. That way they can post top-level tweets and actually have an audience. That way they can like and reply to each other.