This is because once someone is following 2,001 they can’t follow any more until they’re being followed by at least only 10% less followers.

For example, someone being followed by 2,000 can not follow more than 2,200. So, as most people reach the 2,001 following limit they are usually being followed by less so they have to unfollow people in order to follow new people, this includes following back their new followers.

So, unless a certain Tweeter is famous or especially interesting, they will end up losing many of their followers over time.

If someone really wants to gain many followers for traffic they must sacrifice the intimacy of having only a small amount of people to follow.

I follow over 9,000 and have no problem catching much of what they say and communicating with them over time.

The Lists feature is very helpful in this way too, as well as using Tweet Deck and Tweetvisor to manage and keep track of RTs and mentions.

Here’s an interesting example of all this:
http://twitter.com/FollowBackRules

Happy Tweeting!

My point is, that there’s a sort of etiquette there. There’s an unspoken reciprocity of civility. I think there’s a similar one on Twitter as well.

Should he have expected you to follow? NO. But I only say that because he initiated most of the conversation and emailed you. But if you asked for more information from him and engaged him further, I think, then, that you should follow him.

But just like in the dating analogy, there are those that are going to expect things because they themselves initiated. And there are also those that refuse to reciprocate in kind, while showing interest, engaging and accepting.

I think there’s fine line here somewhere. I think we’re all just trying to figure it out.

I did check out Tom’s tweets and just was not interested in numerous tweets each day. It would have added a ton of noise to my tweet feed.

I have only found 34 people worth following right now. As time goes on it will probably increase. And only I can decide who is worth following. It’s like real life. You don’t have to be friends with everyone. Maybe that makes me an elitist.

I much prefer to interact with people via email. Email gives me less noise and more characters.

I actually list my email address on my twitter account (it’s part of my background). BTW, if you have any traffic questions feel free to email me and I will help you out NicksTrafficTricks at gmail.com

I want to use Twitter to network but I don’t want to be over run with too much noise. I thank everyone who RT’s my stuff and answer peoples’ questions. But I may not follow them.

Learning to use the lists feature has helped me immensely to sort out the “noise” from the quality tweets that I am most interested in (and I don’t even have that many followers yet!). By keeping my lists private, I eliminate the possibility of offending anyone by being (or not being) on a certain list. I can go right to a specific list and read the tweets I’m interested in very quickly.

As for being obligated to follow someone, many of the people here are right that there are no rules on Twitter (for who to follow) and you can use your account any way you want, however good etiquette would have you following most people who are open to a friendship or any exchange of ideas or information. Isn’t that why we’re here?

It’s just like in the offline world, there’s no rule that says you have to listen to someone who took the time to listen to you, but proper etiquette would be to allow them to speak as well. It’s called a conversation. In fact, I don’t think I would have as many friends if I wasn’t a good listener.

My choice is to keep the “social” in social media.

Love,

Tom

That said, I do vette each person before I follow them and if, upon visiting their tweet stream, I saw a post like the one Tom posted to you, I would certainly not follow them. That type of comment is, in my opinion unecessary and unkind.

I often say Who You Follow + Who Follows You = Your Twitter Experience My experience has really been quite positive and productive and I am truly enjoying it. Being careful and cognizant about who you follow truly helps ensure a good experience.

Thank you for starting this interesting conversation!

Have a great day