As a regular Twitter user, I’ve grown accustomed to using the platform as a way to connect with others. The online community has been amazingly helpful at providing answers to innumerable offbeat questions, joining in the conversation covering every topic imaginable and more.

Though many tweets I see in my timeline are informative, thought provoking, humorous, entertaining and educational, lately, I’m finding my stream cluttered with umbra that is taking the normal luminousness out of my social media experience.

Shutter Stock/Paul Fleet

So, what types of messages are clouding my view? Here are a few examples:

Basically, as a user on social platforms, you want to read and take in information that is of value. These examples prove otherwise (unless you need discounted paper towels stat!).

Bottom line? Be of service to your online community and they will reciprocate. Let’s keep the clutter out people. Otherwise, before you know it, social media will be just an ad filled spam fest. Sound like fun? I didn’t think so.

Duane is a marketing professional that is passionate about helping individuals, entrepreneurs and small business owners tell their story online. In addition, in early 2014, he began helping Milwaukee become more sustainable by launching Compost Express, an organic recycling business. Follow him on Twitter @duanedrzadinski