Etiquette about requesting that someone follow you?

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   Motown2Chitownposted 14 years ago

   Strange (or maybe silly) question - Is there an etiquette about asking another hubber, whose writing you respect and whose input you find valuable, to follow you?  I don't want to seem like a stalker, but there are a couple of hubbers I follow who do not follow me back, and I wish they would - only because I really want their feedback and/or assistance.

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      sofsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      You are free to follow but asking some one to follow you is not acceptable ...they would follow you if they found your work  interesting. I am honestly against anyone even implying that I follow them. I have denied many fan mails just because I got a note in my mail box asking me to follow them. this is my honest opinion.
      Welcome to HubPages 

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      paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      First,
      
      Beg.
      
      If that doesn’t work,
      
      Beg vociferously.
      
      If that doesn’t work,
      
      Mention money.
      
      If that doesn’t work,
      
      Mention stalking.
      
      If that doesn’t work,
      
      Well, I guess it isn’t going to happen...

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         Motown2Chitownposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Oh my goodness, paradigmsearch!  I haven't laughed that hard in months...THANK YOU!
         
         Does that stuff really work?  I'm desperate, I'll try anything! ;-)

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            paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I doubt it, but there is always Flowers Express (or whatever they’re called).

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               Motown2Chitownposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               I think you mean 1-800-FLOWERS.  I have an account with them.  I may try that.  Of course, if you want to just post your account and routing number here in the forum, I'll just send cash?

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                  paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  

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                  Rochelle Frankposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  No, I think you want 1-800- FOLLOWERS.

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                     Motown2Chitownposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     Dumb typos....yes, Rochelle, that's actually what I meant!

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      relacheposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      How rude! 
      
      People shouldn't follow someone whose writing and Hubs they don't know anything about or genuinely like for their own reasons.

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         lightning johnposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         aww! Don't you want to follow me?

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         Motown2Chitownposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Excellent advice, relache.  Perhaps that's why I have NOT been rude and asked any of the specific hubbers to whom I'm referring to follow me. 
         
         I personally don't feel that asking the question was rude, but I appreciate your very sincere feedback.

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            Eaglekiwiposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Not rude in the least,but then it doesnt take much for some peoples feathers to get ruffled
            
            Ive had people ask me to follow them. I didnt,but bother me any ,nah (actually I get more flustered by the dinner Im burning)
            
            Keep asking Motown ,post threads,read up, stalk ,lurk ,plead and beg.
            
            I certainly cant offer any expertise ,but the best authors can read between your lines

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            relacheposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            My comment about rudeness was my answer to your question Motown2Chitown, not a statement about your asking the question in the first place.

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               Website Examinerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Oh boy, that's a relief!

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               Eaglekiwiposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               What is the difference?

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                  Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  The difference in asking the question in the forums versus asking the individual person to follow you?
                  
                  Do you see the difference?

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                     Eaglekiwiposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     No.
                     Different words ,conveyed same message

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                        Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                        Asking about asking other people to follow you? Asking the question itself in a forum isn't rude. But, to ask the individual is rude.
                        
                        Better?

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   Website Examinerposted 14 years ago

   I agree with Sofs. Asking someone to follow is in poor taste, although there is a lot of that going around. I would walk on burning coal to help a fellow Hubber, but not follow them on request if they put a gun to my head - metaphorically speaking.
   
   If you need their feedback and assistance, ask them for it directly.

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   Motown2Chitownposted 14 years ago

   Fair enough.
   
   Frankly, I am looking more for writing advice than feedback on the subject matter.  I'm perfectly aware of (and comfortable with) the fact that my writing may not be interesting to everyone.  It happens that I find these particular hubbers to be incredibly good writers.  I'd like to know more about how they do it. 
   
   I've never asked another hubber to follow me, actually, sofs.  Nor do I intend to.  Hence the reason for posting this question.  I appreciate your answer.
   
   Website Examiner, I promise not to put a gun to your head (metaphorically or otherwise) in an attempt to get you to follow me.  I think your answer - after that part - about asking them directly for assistance - is the best.
   
   And before someone makes the suggestion about posting a link on Extreme Hub Makeover, I've done that, with some success. 
   
   Guess even asking the question makes me seem like a stalker.  Ack, that certainly wasn't my intention. 
   
   Thanks for the answers, folks. 
   
   

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      Website Examinerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Quite the contrary. I think your question is both relevant and well-presented.

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         Motown2Chitownposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks, WE.  Appreciate the serious consideration you've all given.

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      lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Yep, it's considered 'bad form' to ask for followers, but on the positive side, interaction with other hubbers is a fabulous way to introduce yourself to folks on the site.
      You're doing a fine job, M2C!
      Welcome and enjoy.

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         Motown2Chitownposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you, lorlie6.   
         
         So far, I enjoy myself here on HubPages.  Not even on this forum looking for followers.  Was really just looking for some feedback on what is or is not considered acceptable, and info about whether it's a HP rule or sort of an unwritten "house rule."

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      Aficionadaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      
      
      I can understand how you might be reluctant to address someone directly to ask for their feedback.  Others here (including me) have been hesitant to have contact with other Hubbers outside of the forums.  As time has gone on, though, I have gotten to know a few by e-mail and other methods and that has been a rewarding experience in itself.
      
      Don't forget that a Hubber who doesn't want to be contacted would disable the "Contact ---- " button on their profile.  So, if the link is there, you can feel confident that the Hubber in question at least permits it, or perhaps even welcomes it.  It does not need to feel like stalking to you.

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         Motown2Chitownposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Good point, Aficionada.  I suppose if they wanted to offer assistance, they'd do so under those circumstances.  If not, it would certainly be easy enough to ignore.  :-)
         
         *Edit - While I'm not shy, I do find myself reluctant to approach some hubbers that way simply because I don't want to impose.  Or, have them thinking I'm Annie Wilkes...you know, their (#1 FAN!)*

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            Aficionadaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            
            
             
            
            I totally understand - but I think the wording can help take care of that. To Start Again suggested a sentence to use, and it sounded rather awesome to me!
            
            You can probably get an idea from the tone of a Hubber's forum posts and from their own comments on their Hubs (responses to other writers) what sort of response you might be likely to get from them.  That could guide you as to whom you might decide to contact.
            
            Also, if you are not aware of it:  Website Examiner has a new account specifically for reviewing others' Hubs, I believe.  I'll try to find it and post a link.  (Did you know about his amazing feat of reviewing 100 Hubs in a very short period of time?)

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      To Start Againposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      
      
      there actually used to be a link on our profile pages that said something like 'invite people to join your fan club' or some such. Sending a request to join your followers via fan mail, I have to agree, would be- and is- bad form. I guess requesting at all kind of is. The others were right- they will follow if they like what they read...but on the flip side, unless they check out your hubs, they won't know if they like it. You kind of just have to hope that someone you follow decides to check out your profile.
      
      Otherwise, as was also suggested, you can contact them thru their profiles. Shoot them an email and say 'hey I like your style, think you're a great writer, and would love to get some feedback from you or any tips you think you can give" I think you would be surprised how helpful hubbers can be
      
      And, just because you follow someone doesn't mean they will follow you back and following you doesn't always mean those hubbers will read your work. So, if you want some genuine critique/advise,  i would definitely email the hubbers in question directly some don't even notice when they have acquired a new follower...

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   Lily Roseposted 14 years ago

   I agree with the responses here. If someone leaves me fan mail and asks that I follow them in return I immediately delete/deny it because it is rude. When someone follows me, I usually do check out their profile and maybe a hub or two and then make my own decision as to whether or not I want to follow them.
   
   As far as requesting advice on your ubs, there's always the Extreme Hub Makeover forum...

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   Marye Audetposted 14 years ago

   I don't tend to follow people, not because I want to be rude or ignore them... but because I work long hours and rarely have time to read articles that I am not editing (for pay) or using as research...even of the people I follow..if that makes sense.
   
   You can get a lot of writing help by READING the articles of the writers you admire and becoming knowledgeable about how they structure their hubs, use words, and craft their sentences. By reading their articles, not for information but to analyze their style, you can implement the things you like into your own writing over time.

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   Cagsilposted 14 years ago

   Etiquette about requesting that someone follow you? It shouldn't be done. If you and the hubber have something in common, then it is most likely to happen without your request.

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   Aficionadaposted 14 years ago

   This is the account that offers a free review of your hubs.  http://hubpages.com/profile/Novelty+Reviews
   
   Do understand, though, that the review itself would be made into a Hub which anyone could read.  If you are wanting private input and feedback, the better route would be to contact someone directly.  Extreme Hub Makeover is also a good route, but it is more public than you might want.

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   Mikeydoesposted 14 years ago

   Rather than asking them to be your follower, why not contact them and ask them your questions? You don't need them to follow you, that is for sure, they can still read all of your work.
   
   There is no right or wrong way to go about Hubpages, and nothing is really wrong with asking someone to follow you. The thing is, I'm sure many won't follow you back.
   
   It seems like you don't want them to follow you, it seems to me like you would like to talk to them. If you do keep in contact with these people, that will certainly increase your chance.

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   Website Examinerposted 14 years ago

   Eaglekiwi is no delinquent. I suspect she has fully understood but made a point of her own. Not very clear, perhaps, but a point nonetheless.

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    Eaglekiwiposted 14 years ago

    Thanks W.E
    
    
    Initially I thought Relache sounded abrupt (IMO) for a seasoned hubber addressing a new Hubber,however we are all different.
    
    
    2nd Point.
    
    Given the question was asked in the forum,I read the posts appropriately (IMO).
    
    
    
    Finally I guess Relache was directing her answer to Motown and neither me or you Cags

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    Motown2Chitownposted 14 years ago

    Well, now that the dust has settled a bit, I'd like to thank each of you for responding to the OP.  I'm taking away that the good majority of folks find it rude and/or unacceptable to request that a fellow hubber follow you.  Each of you may rest assured that I have neither done so, nor intend to do so.
    
    I'm also taking away that the best means of requesting the critique/evaluation/advice of fellow hubbers is to contact them directly through their profile's contact option.  I'm not shy, and if they haven't disabled their profile's contact option, I'm guessing they aren't either.
    
    Thanks a bunch for all the feedback.  It was much appreciated.  And, at the end of the day, I guess it's not stalking. 
    
    

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    Mighty Momposted 14 years ago

    Yeah, the etiquette on Hub Pages is a different from places like Facebook.
    It is considered rude to come right out and ask someone to follow you. Especially if you say that in a fan mail you leave for someone. Not cool.
    
    What is allowed (encouraged, even), is commenting on someone's hub and stating that it's a topic you are very interested in and have written about yourself. Ask if the hubber minds if you link to their hub in your hub. That's a subtle (and effective) way to get the hubber to visit your hub on the topic and more than likely cross-link with you.
    But you can't count on the person actually following you just on that one exchange.
    
    Be an active contributor -- post in forums, write hubs, comment on hubs -- and people WILL notice. Oh yes, and be patient! It takes time to build your reputation!
    You're doing great so far! MM

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       Motown2Chitownposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, MM - It's funny, you're one of the folks who started following me as a result of my participation in the forums.  After giving it some thought earlier today, I have in fact asked another hubber to follow me, although it was done in jest in a comment on one of his absolutely fabulous hubs. 
       
       I make an open apology for that now. 
       
       I have never, ever - nor would I - ask in someone's fan mail for them to follow me.  My theory is sort of that fan mail is to say why I choose to follow them, not to pimp myself out to them.
       
       As always, your feedback is appreciated and incredibly sensible. 
       
       Thanks!

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       Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       You're doing great Mighty Mom. Keep up the good work.
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       and no you don't have to follow me, because you already are.

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    Mighty Momposted 14 years ago

    Yeah,I am.  But if I wasn't already, I would follow you in a heartbeat, Cags!!
    Love the angel avatar. Very fantasy fiction. Very androgynous, too. Cool!

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       Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       

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    Mighty Momposted 14 years ago

    You can ring my be-e-ell, ring my bell!

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       Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Cute. You're adorable.

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