Justeddie's thread entiled "Think About It" made me want to expand a bit on the dropping of followers topic. I have made some truly wonderful friends here on the 365. People who I will probably never meet in person, yet have become very fond of in a short period time. However, going through my followers list this morning I found a very large collection of names of people I hardly know or worse, totally didn't even recognize their names. I must have said "Who the hell is this?" a dozen or more times. Some just stopped posting photos early on. I guess life got in the way. So, I removed them. Some post so rarely that they were hardly worth a follow. "Gone." The worst for me was a lot of names I did recognize because I comment on their photos often, yet they NEVER comment on mine or even acknowledge that I commented on theirs. After careful consideration I decide to eliminate many of those. I've found I enjoy the relationships and bond that are created though the back and forth banter as much as simply posting my photos. That's what makes the 365 special. A cut above similar websites.
There were also some who I follow, but have decided I'm not worthy of a follow. This was a tough one. I decided to keep those whose photos I really enjoy viewing and catty as it might seem, cut loose the rest. "F 'em!" as we say in the States (LOL!). This has also altered my decision on who I choose to follow in the future. If I see someone with hundreds of followers, but only follows less than 50 people, its a sure bet they aren't interested in adding any more, so I won't follow them. "Why should I stroke their ego?" is my way of thinking now. LOL! Is that wrong?
I was wondering how others feel about this. Is there any real reason to keep followers that ignore you other than to say "Look I have over 600 followers! Only 30 actually know I'm alive, but you can't have everything."
HI.. it is very difficult, but I found that as more people followed me I felt more pressure and obligation. This coincided with a busy time, and then I felt guilty that I couldnt keep up. All of which ruined the wonder and enjoyment I got from being part of this.
However I enjoy all I follow, I have pruned those who are no longer around.. after trying to check that they werent coming back.. but I dont follow all who follow me, and I end up feeling bad about that, but I know I couldnt keep up if I did.
Im waffling now, and I want to sort of apologise that I cant always keep up..
@boogie -- Sounds resonable, Mags. Keep in mind I don't expect people to comment on EVERY photo, Lord knows that's impossible. I'm talking about those who never ONCE commented on mine, yet I continuously did on their work. It was just to one-sided for my taste.
To me, everyone that is in my friends list and in my followers list are people that I follow. Some are in both lists, some are in just one. I feel less stressed if I keep the number lower in my friends list. It's more a psychological thing for me. Every once in a while, I try to hit up everyone on both lists. It's doesn't necessarily mean that I will comment on every photo that I see---but there is at least a view. It's a lot of work managing such large lists.
@fungirlslim -- Jen, we all lead busy lives. I can't comment on everyone's photo either. Sometimes I can't thank all who comment on mine, but I think there should be a ballanced give and take. Otherwise, what's the point of following each other.
Oh, and I was not talking about you. I'd never prune you off the vine even if you totally ignored me. :-)
If we all spent as much energy working on our photography as we do whinging about followers, comments, the PP, and the Top 20, we would all be Ansel fracking Adams by now.
When I started the project, I started following without abandon because I couldn't get enough of the great photography on this site and more information was more inspiration for me. A few months rolled by, and I all of a sudden had too many to follow, and I realized I was following a lot of people who did not regularly post, or whose photos did not really fit in with what I prefer to see on my thread on a regular basis, so I pruned. I've had such a steep learning curve, and my tastes and standards have changed in this first quarter of the project, I guess. I realize that I can go back and comment on people's photos when they take the time to comment on mine, but I do not necessarily have to be a return follower.
Unlike your "f-em" attitude (lol), I still follow several who have egads of followers and who almost never take the time to comment on my photos. That's because I really find their photography to be excellent and inspirational, and I want to learn by seeing their images on my feed. I'm taking from them just by viewing, so it's not like I expect to get anything more from them in return. I think I'm different from you in that regard, though, because I'm behind you in terms of photography skills and know how.
Oh, and your one of my favorite people to follow not only for your interesting photos, but becasue you are so good at leaving comments that make people smile/think/chuckle. It adds a lot to the experience!
I just checked and yay! I'm still on your list, I love 'chatting' with you Cromwell, and I must admit I've did the same a while back when I knew I'd be busy with being back at work, I just can't keep up with too many people to follow, I also wish I could delete some who are 'following' me but as you say after a few photos they stop posting or I don't hear from them. : ))
Unfortunately there is no way to cut the number that follow you....only the ones you follow. I have something like 285 followers....most of them are not on this site anymore, but I can't do anything about it. I would like them to be dropped off so that it is more proportionate, I get maybe 20 some views and a handful of comments everyday I post, so I know that my actual number is much much smaller.
Ross goes through and culls the herd every so often. @eyebrows designed a zombie tool, to tell you which followers/followee's haven't posted in the last 7, 14 and 28 days...anybody outside of 28 are considered zombie accounts. That tool isn't usuable at the moment because Ross has disabled the search by user function. However it is generally accepted that if you are being a bad follower, the person will probably drop you from their list if they follow you back....its how the world works, you can't be friends and interact with the 4,000+ active accounts on here anyway, even if you wanted to.
@beautifulthing I will become Ansel Adams lately. Even took some black and white today. BTW watched the first David Tennent episode last night just for you. @38mm I never wanted you burnt at the stake and you are always good for a laugh. @shadesofgrey I have 298, we should make a huge push to get to 300 just to say we did. I know some gentleman that are always looking to follow the chicks.
@cromwell I too, have way to many that I follow and and a lot less following me. I agree it has become insane trying to keep up with all the post on my wall. I think I may need to do some pruning. What is the easiest way to do this...as If I prune by clicking on each one, it would be even a bigger time sucker than just trying to comment when I have time.
@beautifulthing -- Not really whining. I guess in a way I felt a little guilty about it and wondered if others shared that and if they just left the list alone. Believe me. I take plenty of pictures. Too many actually!
@tbats22 -- Oh NO, Tiara!! Never would I prune you!! LOL!
@cromwell ah, i see:) no, that's not the case with me, all my followings are true 365-friends, whom i "know" (here) and communicate every day:) although i would like to prune my follower list, as most of them are "dead accounts"..) (posting 1-2 shots half a year ago and then disappearing)
@cromwell thanks.. you tooo, I love your images, your humour and your support for everyone.. I hope you didnt think I was saying no one else was busy.. I just meant everything happened at once and I lost my mojo for here for a moment.. ...please dont think I was against what you are doing.. I actually agree.. just dont have the guts.. or know where to start, so like @5unflow3r I just end up stressing.. and like you feeling guilty.. so at least its out there now!!
You have a good point, Crom, and I follow more people than those who follow me. I know what you mean, and yes, there are some that I comment on theirs, and they don't do it on mine; but if I continue following them is because I like their pictures and style, and I feel I learn something from them...
I don't comment on every picture sometimes out of available time, and some others because I don't have anything nice to say about them. And I learned that if I don't have anything good to say, I rather don't say anything at all...
Unfortunately people comment only when they like a picture. It would be nice if people would give positive critic and advice so I can improve. But, What the heck... life is short... I enjoy 365! I just want to make sure you don't eliminate my name; I enjoy your sense of humor and creative comments.
@cromwell Hi Crom - I hear what you're saying! My view is that I try not to follow too many people simply because I like to have time to appreciate their hard work / ingenuity / creativity, maybe get to know them, and leave a meaningful comment. (Though I think to praise all is to praise nothing). I have some people who follow me who I don't follow, and do try to get to their photos often to reciprocate without adding to the daily tally on my home page. I have plenty of people I follow who rarely comment on my stuff but that's ok if I love theirs.
I feel bad that I don't thank people individually for their comments as you do - I really hope that it doesn't offend anyone... it's just a time thing. As a single working mum time is so short, I only just cope with posting, commenting and reading notifications and so I leave one heartfelt thank you every day.
What amazes me is the number of people who apparently follow me who never ever seem to view/comment on my shots. I'm a bit embarrassed to think I disappoint them....
Well I guess we all do this for different reasons and as long as we do it for good reasons that's ok. :)
I really enjoy following you...not only because you are a great photographer but also because of your sense of humour and support! Thank you Cromwell!!!!! :)
@beautifulthing You summed this one up. Too much time to ruminate it seems. Post pictures, learn from the ones you follow, find new photographers to enjoy, and just take pictures.
@cromwell thanks for still following me ! The only problem I have with 365 (now I have sorted the scrolling issues I had) is that I don't get all the photos of the people I follow on the recent activity list....I do follow a lot of people but I see a fraction of their photos, and I have to click on their profiles to see what they have posted recently.
I often look on the PP page, see a photo I like click on it and realise that it's been taken by someone I follow and I hadn't seen the photo before.
I'm still so in love with this site tho and am amazed that I feel that I know so many strangers from around the world !
I'm new on 365. For me, following someone is a way of getting inspiration; I want to learn and get better at my photography. But I'm also a little bit wary of imposing, I admit. I always check out those who comment my pictures - to see if I like what they do. I do comment on what I like, and my fav-list is growing fast.
It's been said that there's a feeling of obligation towards those who follow you, and I guess I agree with that. But I'm also learning that following a lot of people gives you a lot to look at; you just can't comment on everything.
For me, so far, the friendliness of this community has been an inspiration. I hope that will continue. I hope that if anyone doesn't want me to follow them, they'll brush me off kindly. I'll try not to be insulted. ;-) I prefer honesty. Just a newbie's view.
Oh, no, Cromwell!!! I just barely found you . . . Please don't cut me loose YET! I will try even harder to post photos other than flowers if you'll just forgive when that's all a tired brain can handle!!
I don't really pay attention to who follows me. Anyone who wants to is more than welcome. I do, however, realize that I need to limit the number of people I follow or I will not do justice to anyone. I know some people are very good about responding to hundreds of people; I just can't figure out how they manage it. I follow two types of people: 1) those whose work is so stunning that I pray I learn something from them; 2) those who have been so kind to me in their comments that I feel it's the least I can do. I think there are many brilliant photographers on this website that I don't follow and wish I could. But I already spend hours and hours on here a day! Thank god I don't have a life!
Regarding the commenting on photos. I am so new to this and often wonder what I have t offer in a comment other than I like the photo. And also wonder if I say anything, will someone think, "What in the heck do you know?" I do know I like it and want to at least let the person know that much. I appreciate so much everything I'm learning here. I don't follow a lot because I'm trying to start slow. I have appreciated so much what I'm learning.
LOL - I'm gonna have to check I'm still on your list - better had be!! I didn't really think about this much, but now feel really guilty that I don't comment enough. Also feeling guilty I'm on here and should be writing 1000 more words for an assignment due in tomorrow morning...the stuff you've got to do gets in the way of the stuff you want to do!
@lauralatham -- Laura, your safe. :-) Seriously, I only plucked a few.
@justeddie -- Naaah, no ego bruised here. Forums are for an exchange of ideas and opinions. I liked to hear opposing views as well. Makes for an interesting debate.
I can see this thread in my newsfeed, so you haven't deleted me.....phew! ;-)
I'd prefer to have just a few followers that I banter with on a regular basis, than 100's for the sake off :-), and as much as I'd like to follow more, I just don't have the time, although the people that I do follow, I follow not because I feel I have to, but because I think they're so talented and love seeing their work each day :-)
@cromwell I meant for myself, your an Ape! I'm not even sure that you have an Ego! Aside from psychologists treating humans like dogs, I never covered animal psychology at college ;)
I follow a few people because I like their work, follow new people because I like new perspectives, and have a ring of people who I feel are my "friends," even though we've never met.
For me, it's not about the numbers. It's about the interaction and feedback.
@38mm MOST! That's reassuring ;) The trouble with sarcasm is it doesn't work in text unless it is extremely clever, even if you put a winky face!
@cromwell On topic, pruning my lists is something I wouldn't waste time on, I don't ever check who is following me but if I see it in the feed I follow them back. I'm here for myself first and foremost, anything else I gain from the project, be it friendship, knowledge or something entirely different, that's a bonus.
Just on the subject of if you follow somebody they should follow you back... I'm lucky to have a lot of followers but I just can't follow them all back - already I neglect those I do follow through lack of available hours - but I do comment on those who comment on my photos whether I follow or not. Also I follow other people who don't follow me - I do it to see their photos and get inspired - I'm not offended if they don't follow back. But overall you're right - its all about the interaction so my 'friends' are those of us who comment back and forth.
There's a few old timers from way back, I've been on here since jan 2010, they will all tell you nothing changes, you see same threads all the time ! Ultimately i follow people because I enjoy that style of work not to get followers back, if they don't follow me, it don't matter. Just stick with the ones who comment back and that you can have banter with, I would'nt remove anyone just because they don't comment back though; you should just enjoy their work and don't comment anymore if you don't feel like it.
I too have a lot of followers and am very very guilty of not giving them their just due...I have had such a crazy life lately and have not had much time to comment and be on 365 like I have in the past...I appreciate all those who choose to follow me despite my terrible manners and obvious neglect...I have lost some for that reason as well I suspect, and can't blame them. I think this is a wonderful community for photogs of all walks of life and level of talent and I have been inspired by so many that have shared their passion here:)
@cromwell I think @rockinrobyn said it perfectly. I follow people because of what they have to teach me. I LOVE getting feedback on my pictures but Im here to learn and seeing lots and lots of pictures everyday is the best way for me personally to do that. Sometimes that means I comment on photos without getting comments in return.
I've set my own bar high so Im following a lot of people with a skill set much much better than my own! When they are getting 40 comments a day on a photo I don't expect them to comment on mine. They'de be on the computer all day if they tried. so, I just take their pictures as photography lessons instead.
Honestly, I know my ratio of followers/followees could be better, but seriously, if I were to follow back everyone who followed me, and make it a worthwhile follow with comments/views on their photos, I would be on the computer 25 hours a day. xD A line has to be drawn somewhere.
I follow people whose photos I like - whether or not they follow me back, I don't mind. :) I follow them for the inspiration they give me and skills they show, not because I hope to get comments/views/follows out of them.
I follow the people whose photos I like. I don't live on this site, so I rarely comment on people's photos, plus I think "nice" comments are stupidly annoying. I don't buy into the popularity contest that seems to be the "big deal" on here. If it bothers someone that I follow them without comment, well so be it. Seems like you're it for the wrong reasons then, to me.
I'm glad I browsed this thread as I got rid of a few who are no longer around and made time for a few I should have been following all along. I feel bad that I don't have as much time to browse and comment like I used to, and I am also appreciative of thoes who follow and comment on my photos. At the end of the day, I only follow people if I really think I can give them some kind of return, views and comments and therefore I try to keep my numbers to a managable amount.
@cromwell I am pretty much a newbie.. at 365 and photography, and I follow a LOT of people, because I want to LEARN!!!!! as much as I can and if they don't follow me back, it may be because they do not like what I photograph, or feel like I am not good enough, I don't comment all the time. There are times that I love a picture but feel like my comment is inadequate,you can only say nice so many times, and I don't want to sound like I know what I am talking about because I don't. heck, I can't even get my camera off of auto without making a total cluster. I appreciate each and every comment that is left on my photos, and sometimes I do in fact miss some pics that people post , I do check out the browse function, and have found some really great photographers. I am not trying to be popular, would love constructive advise, and hopefully improve my photos as I go, and as a people person would love to feel included and maybe even make some really cool friends. and my final comment ... i have enjoyed each and every photo i have looked at and am totally amazed at the talent that is hidden in this site. You guys / gals rock!
hey monkey-man... i adore you and your photos... but i cannot get into worrying about numbers of followers, favs or popularity... it feels too much like high school and i was miserable in high school ;p
i appreciate the effort folks make to comment on my photos and i do my darnedest to comment back... i look at as many photos as i can and comment lots... there is so much to learn - so many fabulous photogs here... and so many and diverse ideas and views... all of which makes this community rich and chaotic - and as far as i am concerned, it's all good...
i don't have the energy to make this a numbers game... on days when i am tired and/or short on time, i prolly won't look / comment much, and i will likely concentrate on those who look at my photos regularly... on days when i have lots of time and energy, i'll look at anything and everything, hopping around the site to see who's doing what, what's new and out there in photoland...
'cause at the end of the day, that's what it's about right?
I follow people whose photos inspire me and make me smile and look again, I fave photos I want to return to for inspiration or bookmark them because I want to try something similar.I follow someone because they have so many nice shots I just want to make sure I do not miss any along the way. I'm guilty of not commenting as much but for me i rather comment when i feel i have something really worthwhile to say so that when I say nice, I mean Really nice! 365 is a platform for me to see some pretty awesome photos and to share my photos and grow from the comments, and if I make some friends/fans along the way that's a bonus but not my primary objective.
O.K. Here is a Thought from someone who does have the time..( I cant work)..Who is a total enabler...I cant go without Thanking or saying Im sorry...Who has a totally Sarcastic Personality at times..and didnt know i was offending anyone with my text!! (sorry)...And by trying to comment on every one of my followers and followee's..Post Pic's and Try new challenges and read discussions like these and reply.....I have just announced that my wedding anniversary is this weekend (married 25 years) ,,,But if i continue doing All of the above...Will probably be getting a Divorce soon!!! ....It does consume your Life if you try to do it all...So i guess what i am really trying to say ..is... I love the people i follow ..I love all that follow me...And if i miss a photo or a thank you please know ..Im probably Dead!!!
My followers is a little disproportional to my follow list but I find it a little hard to keep up as it is. I have 7 little people that might be a little neglected if I spend more time on here then I already do!
I also find that people follow but never comment on any of my photos...not sure why follow if you never comment...if I follow someone it is because I like their work and will always comment on a photo with the follow.
I have so many people on my follow list who really inspire me and that is what I love about this site! We learn of each other and share a common passion. :)
I try to look at the images of anyone who comments on my pics. I may not have many followers as many have finished their 365, thus I deleted them, and have yet to pick up more. Do as you will...to each their own.
@cromwell This got me thinking about the mathematics of what would happen to the site if everybody followed the people who follow them? I think it would have to end up with everyone on the site following everybody else...
I'm quite happy to be following people who tend not to follow me and vice versa, but there are others who I interact more with on here.
It does make me wonder ... If you are enjoying someone's photos enough to follow them then wouldn't you also make the effort to comment on at least one of their photos . I have only been posting photos for 3 months but have people who are following me but have never once commented on any of my photos. I comment daily and once a week go through my friends list and view their albums to catch up in any photos I might have missed. It doesn't take that long if you do it regularly.
I thoroughly enjoy every comment I receive on my photos. :)
I don't necessarily follow people back... I follow cos I like their photos or because I like them, as a person. I did cull a while back though.. to allow new ones to come through... by that I mean, I culled people not posting or not very often. I have found that since I started my "taste" has not changed as such, but developed. I've found a MASSIVE appreciation for the types of shots that just don't seem to be "my style"... but trying to learn how to do some of these different styles by following people who are masters of them. I have problems following those I follow now and I know I miss shots but I do endeavour to always respond to those who do take the time to comment on my shots. I know it can take a lot of effort. Some days I barely get through looking and commenting on shots and then I just am not in a mental state to respond to my own lol.
Hmmm... I think different people have different motivations for starting a 365 project and I doubt anyone has any insincere ones.
I wish I had more time to view and comment on other people's photos. I try to find 5 mins here and there to browse, usually on the bus on the way to/from work, and I'm rubbish at typing on my phone so I stalk people a lot and maybe add a pic to my favs, but half the time don't leave a comment even when I really wish I could
@cromwell, you are so good about commenting on others' work. you always write something so thoughtful. I can see why it might irk you when others aren't as considerate or kind... but I'm sure many of them just don't have much time. I know I always appreciate it when I see your comments. :)
Hmm, I follow you (and have for a while), but you don't follow me... which is strange because people who aren't following me are really missing out LOL. I guess you must find me unworthy :)
It is all nonsense really; I follow people who can inspire me, or who amuse me with their humor (or humour... :)) For this reason alone, I will rarely "unfollow" someone. If they come up with one inspirational shot, they are bound to come up with more and I want to be there when they do! I know I am missing a TON of awesome photogs out there; I will discover and follow you eventually! :)
I really liked this photo of yours, which I commented on, and it is inspirational for several reasons; but especially the dof. So, I guess I will keep you on my list... for now... :)
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But I only prune for one reason - if people haven't posted in ages - I prune, then I can follow another :)
However I enjoy all I follow, I have pruned those who are no longer around.. after trying to check that they werent coming back.. but I dont follow all who follow me, and I end up feeling bad about that, but I know I couldnt keep up if I did.
Im waffling now, and I want to sort of apologise that I cant always keep up..
Mind you - everyone has different commitments and time to give to the project :)
Oh, and I was not talking about you. I'd never prune you off the vine even if you totally ignored me. :-)
Unlike your "f-em" attitude (lol), I still follow several who have egads of followers and who almost never take the time to comment on my photos. That's because I really find their photography to be excellent and inspirational, and I want to learn by seeing their images on my feed. I'm taking from them just by viewing, so it's not like I expect to get anything more from them in return. I think I'm different from you in that regard, though, because I'm behind you in terms of photography skills and know how.
Ross goes through and culls the herd every so often. @eyebrows designed a zombie tool, to tell you which followers/followee's haven't posted in the last 7, 14 and 28 days...anybody outside of 28 are considered zombie accounts. That tool isn't usuable at the moment because Ross has disabled the search by user function. However it is generally accepted that if you are being a bad follower, the person will probably drop you from their list if they follow you back....its how the world works, you can't be friends and interact with the 4,000+ active accounts on here anyway, even if you wanted to.
I much preferred it when people were emailing Ross calling for me to be burnt at the stake :P
Oh, and people who start these kind of threads really ain't worth following.
#WeMissTina
@cromwell Light the fire!! ; ))
@38mm I never wanted you burnt at the stake and you are always good for a laugh.
@shadesofgrey I have 298, we should make a huge push to get to 300 just to say we did. I know some gentleman that are always looking to follow the chicks.
@tbats22 -- Oh NO, Tiara!! Never would I prune you!! LOL!
@rockinrobyn -- And I luv you too, Robyn. :-)
@38mm -- So, who asked ya? Let me know when the roast is. I've got matches.
@nyusha -- Oh, my bad. I wrote that wrong. I pruned MY following list. Not the other way around. Hey, Hemmingway I ain't!
@lorraineb -- Your safe. Again, I was just talking about non-responsive people.
I don't comment on every picture sometimes out of available time, and some others because I don't have anything nice to say about them. And I learned that if I don't have anything good to say, I rather don't say anything at all...
Unfortunately people comment only when they like a picture. It would be nice if people would give positive critic and advice so I can improve. But, What the heck... life is short... I enjoy 365! I just want to make sure you don't eliminate my name; I enjoy your sense of humor and creative comments.
I feel bad that I don't thank people individually for their comments as you do - I really hope that it doesn't offend anyone... it's just a time thing. As a single working mum time is so short, I only just cope with posting, commenting and reading notifications and so I leave one heartfelt thank you every day.
What amazes me is the number of people who apparently follow me who never ever seem to view/comment on my shots. I'm a bit embarrassed to think I disappoint them....
Well I guess we all do this for different reasons and as long as we do it for good reasons that's ok. :)
@lorraineb Yep.
Its like Facebook, the fewer friends you have the better able you are to enjoy the ones you have.
Well said. That pretty much sums it up.
I often look on the PP page, see a photo I like click on it and realise that it's been taken by someone I follow and I hadn't seen the photo before.
I'm still so in love with this site tho and am amazed that I feel that I know so many strangers from around the world !
It's been said that there's a feeling of obligation towards those who follow you, and I guess I agree with that. But I'm also learning that following a lot of people gives you a lot to look at; you just can't comment on everything.
For me, so far, the friendliness of this community has been an inspiration. I hope that will continue. I hope that if anyone doesn't want me to follow them, they'll brush me off kindly. I'll try not to be insulted. ;-) I prefer honesty. Just a newbie's view.
But if you cut me I'll stalk you. Somehow, somewhere, when you least expect it........
Sorry about the roses.
We all have our reasons for why we follow or don't follow, blah blah blah... I am sure no one really CARES about why my list is the way it is...
@cromwell I am glad you found your inner peace with hacking up your list. Happy photographing
Ouch!! Ego bruiser or what?!! That has to include me being as this is a continuation of my post.
@justeddie -- Naaah, no ego bruised here. Forums are for an exchange of ideas and opinions. I liked to hear opposing views as well. Makes for an interesting debate.
I'd prefer to have just a few followers that I banter with on a regular basis, than 100's for the sake off :-), and as much as I'd like to follow more, I just don't have the time, although the people that I do follow, I follow not because I feel I have to, but because I think they're so talented and love seeing their work each day :-)
@cromwell Hmmm, do I need to try harder then? ;)
For me, it's not about the numbers. It's about the interaction and feedback.
@cromwell On topic, pruning my lists is something I wouldn't waste time on, I don't ever check who is following me but if I see it in the feed I follow them back. I'm here for myself first and foremost, anything else I gain from the project, be it friendship, knowledge or something entirely different, that's a bonus.
I've set my own bar high so Im following a lot of people with a skill set much much better than my own! When they are getting 40 comments a day on a photo I don't expect them to comment on mine. They'de be on the computer all day if they tried. so, I just take their pictures as photography lessons instead.
I follow people whose photos I like - whether or not they follow me back, I don't mind. :) I follow them for the inspiration they give me and skills they show, not because I hope to get comments/views/follows out of them.
I follow the people whose photos I like. I don't live on this site, so I rarely comment on people's photos, plus I think "nice" comments are stupidly annoying. I don't buy into the popularity contest that seems to be the "big deal" on here. If it bothers someone that I follow them without comment, well so be it. Seems like you're it for the wrong reasons then, to me.
@cromwell I agree with you. Be right back. Going to take a gazillion flower photos, for the rest of the month.
i appreciate the effort folks make to comment on my photos and i do my darnedest to comment back... i look at as many photos as i can and comment lots... there is so much to learn - so many fabulous photogs here... and so many and diverse ideas and views... all of which makes this community rich and chaotic - and as far as i am concerned, it's all good...
i don't have the energy to make this a numbers game... on days when i am tired and/or short on time, i prolly won't look / comment much, and i will likely concentrate on those who look at my photos regularly... on days when i have lots of time and energy, i'll look at anything and everything, hopping around the site to see who's doing what, what's new and out there in photoland...
'cause at the end of the day, that's what it's about right?
:)
I also find that people follow but never comment on any of my photos...not sure why follow if you never comment...if I follow someone it is because I like their work and will always comment on a photo with the follow.
I have so many people on my follow list who really inspire me and that is what I love about this site! We learn of each other and share a common passion. :)
I'm quite happy to be following people who tend not to follow me and vice versa, but there are others who I interact more with on here.
I thoroughly enjoy every comment I receive on my photos. :)
I wish I had more time to view and comment on other people's photos. I try to find 5 mins here and there to browse, usually on the bus on the way to/from work, and I'm rubbish at typing on my phone so I stalk people a lot and maybe add a pic to my favs, but half the time don't leave a comment even when I really wish I could
@cromwell, you are so good about commenting on others' work. you always write something so thoughtful. I can see why it might irk you when others aren't as considerate or kind... but I'm sure many of them just don't have much time. I know I always appreciate it when I see your comments. :)
It is all nonsense really; I follow people who can inspire me, or who amuse me with their humor (or humour... :)) For this reason alone, I will rarely "unfollow" someone. If they come up with one inspirational shot, they are bound to come up with more and I want to be there when they do! I know I am missing a TON of awesome photogs out there; I will discover and follow you eventually! :)
I really liked this photo of yours, which I commented on, and it is inspirational for several reasons; but especially the dof. So, I guess I will keep you on my list... for now... :)
@cromwell You so know you love those flower shots... stop denying it and you'll be happier for it :P