Now as to how you filter, totally removing sources of noise can be a little severe. However since twitter doesn’t have native groups and you can’t sync tweetdeck settings across multiple computers (to my knowledge) dropping followers is probably one of the best options.

I need to filter my list soon. Don’t worry you’ll probably make the cut.

As for tweetdeck, I freely admit that I use groups – you, sir, fall into the “real friends” group, which is column #3, right after “replies” and “direct messages”. While my twitter account is “professional”, I still feel a greater desire to engage with people I know in real life than those with whom I only share a professional interest.

There are a million things you can do with Twitter and it seems to me like you’re really limiting yourself with this approach. Of course, if you already have all the information channels you feel you need, then by all means keep Twitter for banter. But non-destructive filtering is always preferred – why not create a simple twitter client that feeds you only those updates from people on your banter list, while preserving your watchlist as a whole? OR hell, Tweetdeck probably allows you to do that with its search capabilities.

Anyway, just my two cents.

Which reminds me – MAN – I haven’t seen you in a LONG time! Martini Club this month?