Love it or hate it, Twitter only allows you to send a direct message if the recipient is following you. I can’t (and don’t want to) follow everyone following me, but I don’t want to keep anyone from reaching me.

So I created a “public DM” tool that allows anyone to send me a direct message. Include your screen name so I can start following you and resume the dialogue on Twitter. Or remain anonymous, if you like. You must sign in via Twitter to use it.

How does it work? There is nothing illegal or underhanded about this; it’s not a hack or an exploit. You’re actually sending the message by way of @PhelpsBot, my personal robot. Because I’m following my robot, he can send me anything wants. Public DMs are limited to fewer than 140 characters to allow room for PhelpsBot to include the screen name of the sender.

Check it out. Send me a public DM.