[Your Name Here] & Associates

I'm not really a fan of clichés or sayings - but there is one that I do believe in. 

"You are the company you keep."

Naturally we all converse and sometimes Tweet at people that are simply business contacts or acquaintances, regardless of how if we personally like them or would want to hang out with them. This is commonly known as being political, polite, or not a jerk. 

But there is quite a difference between throwing an @ someone's way every other blue moon or saying a quick hello at an event and going out for cocktails, collaborating or acting like online BFFs.

I'm in no position to tell people who they can and cannot speak or Tweet to. People can do as they like - however - I'm still going to judge you for it. 

Sometimes when people befriend a wolf in sheep's clothing simply because they don't know any better.

Is it your job or place to warn them? To send a quick, "Hey, I saw you speaking to _____, and I just thought you should know that..." email?

No.

Unless your best friend is about to marry a serial killer and has no clue - you can't say shit. It's not your place. If they ASK you, then that's something different, but it's not your job to play the Friendship Police. 

However, if it's blatantly obvious how someone is, or what their game is, or what their reputation is like, and people still think the sun shines out of their ass and that they are exactly the kind of person they like to associate themselves with - all I have to say is that you are the company you keep. 

Getting drinks with the industry gossip? You must like to gossip.

Giving a congregation of morons link love and Tweeting at them every five seconds? ONLINE BFFS 4EVA.

I could bring up how the sayings "actions speak louder than words" and "the enemy of your enemy is your friend" also spring to mind, but I think you get the point.