Weeding Out My Followers
By Jabo
@jaboUK (64361)
United Kingdom
January 5, 2016 4:55pm CST
When I come across what I consider to be an outstanding post I like to 'suggest' it to my friends. To do this I have to plough my way through the list of all the people who are following me, in order to find those who I think would appreciate that post.
This can be very time consuming, so I've decided to delete those of my followers who are inactive, and those who I've never heard of.
Fortunately I know how to do this, as Phredwreck mentioned it some time ago. I click on the names in my 'followers' list so that I get to their profile, then I decide if I want to remove them or not. If I decide to do so, I click the 'block', followed immediately by the 'unblock'. This has the effect of deleting them from my list without blocking them. I've got rid of nearly a hundred in this way.
The only time this has any relevance for me is when I want to suggest posts, and by deleting those names my list is far easier to scroll through.
If you do get a suggestion from me you can be sure that I consider that you will appreciate it. I read any comments on the post in question before I suggest it, so that I can make sure that you haven't already read it.
I don't suggest posts lightly - I've only suggested 5 or 6 posts since the rules changed. They have all been excellent articles that weren't getting the attention they deserved.
I'm aware that a lot of people didn't like this feature when members were able to suggest their own posts, but in my opinion the way I'm using it is the way it should be used. What do you think? Do you object to getting suggestions?
83 people like this
86 responses
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
5 Jan 16
I need to learn HOW to do this, I would suggest everyone read this post :)
7 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
7 Jan 16
@Namelesss @andriaperry I didn't realise that you meant you were going to suggest this post Andria. Thank you. And thank you Elaine for responding
2 people like this
@Namelesss (3368)
• United States
6 Jan 16
@andriaperry You did it right, I got this suggestion from you. Thank you.
4 people like this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
6 Jan 16
I have never used the suggestion option at all. ow I am thinking that I should 
6 people like this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
6 Jan 16
@jaboUK I will have to add that to my new routine too 
4 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
6 Jan 16
@mysdianait It's not exactly routine - just when something special comes along.
4 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79730)
• United States
5 Jan 16
I don't object to getting suggestions and figure maybe something might pop up that I might have missed.
5 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
5 Jan 16
@Marilynda1225 I'm glad you say you don't mind getting suggestions as I know I've sent you some.
1 person likes this
@MALUSE (69413)
• Germany
6 Jan 16
Oh, darn. You've written my post! All these unknown followers really get on my nerves when I want to suggest a post. I didn't know about weeding them out, though. So you're one step further than I am. I'll start the weeding business at once.
I've also suggested only few posts, but that my choice was good is proven by the fact that several members thanked me for the suggestion.
5 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
6 Jan 16
@MALUSE Haha - if I've written your post - it's only fair because you did the same to me a while back
.
I know you work the same as me regarding the suggestions, and I'm one of the ones who thanked you for pointing out TypicalRussian 's latest post.
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I know you work the same as me regarding the suggestions, and I'm one of the ones who thanked you for pointing out TypicalRussian 's latest post.2 people like this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (14351)
• West Haven, Connecticut
5 Jan 16
I honestly dont mind the suggestions, I go through them atleast once a day
4 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
5 Jan 16
@BACONSTRIPSXXX That's good to know - sometimes posts can get missed.
3 people like this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (14351)
• West Haven, Connecticut
5 Jan 16
@jaboUK yeah thats very true, some of the best writters here are still unnoticed
4 people like this
@Missmwngi (12927)
• Nairobi, Kenya
5 Jan 16
I love the suggestions. I have people who suggest post that i end up loving
4 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
5 Jan 16
@Missmwangi As long as we use it sensibly, and don't flood peoples' boxes with too many suggestions, I think it's great. I'm glad that you like getting them.
2 people like this
@Missmwngi (12927)
• Nairobi, Kenya
5 Jan 16
@jaboUK Thats right otherwise we we use it excessively it will end up being a bother like before
2 people like this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
6 Jan 16
after i tried it on one name in the list, i refreshed the page. the name disappeared. i tried it again on another name, same result. it works! thanks!
3 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
6 Jan 16
@hereandthere I'm glad it worked, it's great when we can pass tips on to each other.
.2 people like this
@Drosophila (16573)
• Ireland
8 Jan 16
I haven't ever received any suggestions from you lol!
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
8 Jan 16
@Dropsophila That's because I don't really know you well enough yet to know what sort of thing you would appreciate.
Also I don't think you are following me, and I can only suggest to my followers
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
8 Jan 16
@Drosophila I can promise you that you won't find anything I send you 'uninteresting'. I'll send you the last one I recommended and you can see what you think.
Oops - I've just tried that and someone else appears to have suggested it to you already. Anyway I'll send you the next worthy one I come across.
1 person likes this
@Drosophila (16573)
• Ireland
8 Jan 16
@jaboUK Wow.. I thought I had you on "follow".. odd you were not! anyways you're now, so feel free to suggest away I can always ignore uninteresting posts. :D
1 person likes this
@Inlemay (17714)
• South Africa
9 Jan 16
I like suggested posts but they should be of a decent read. There are some posts of my own I would love to share to all my followers, but alas if they dont read them, they fall way behind. I think i might just weed my garden of followers too some time next week. Good Morning to you
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
9 Jan 16
@Inlemay Good morning back atcha Lany.
I'm actually glad that we can't suggest our own posts, there were far too many suggestions flying around when we could.
As it is, suggestions are likely to be something special if someone has gone to the bother to do them.
2 people like this
@troyburns (1405)
• New Zealand
6 Jan 16
I think it's in everyone's best interests to be able to recommend outstanding posts written by others. It opens up a new audience for the writer and gives the rest of us something special to read. But you do have to pick your targets.
3 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
6 Jan 16
@troyburns I'm glad that you feel that way Robin - it's something that needs to be reserved for special posts.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
6 Jan 16
@JudyEv Yes I know you usaully read my suggestions Judy - I get notified when anyone responds to a discussion I've suggested. I think most of you know by now that I'm not going to suggest rubbish.
Threre is a lot of dross in the followers list, but the only time it matters, as far as I can see, is when you want to suggest.
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Threre is a lot of dross in the followers list, but the only time it matters, as far as I can see, is when you want to suggest.2 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
6 Jan 16
@ivyparkgirl Do you really? I turned off the 'likes', but I want to get all other notifications.
1 person likes this
@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
5 Jan 16
I'm trying to build up my following list as i've struggled recently to find stuff i'm interested in responding to.
At the moment i'm primarily using 'people' and looking at the activity of people i'm following to find interesting stuff.
problem is i haven't used the follow button much.
when i was very active here some time ago i didn't struggle that much and think it was because i had more friends than i do now.
3 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
5 Jan 16
@Mike197602 If you don't follow people they can't send you suggestions. I don't follow everyone who follows me, I'm choosy that way, but I follow a fair few.
There is plenty of interesting stuff here, but it can be easily missed, and suggesting to each other does help.
Regarding not having many friends here - you do have to interact and I've not seen you doing a lot of that lately. Or perhaps I haven't been on at the same time as you.
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
5 Jan 16
@Mike197602 I know about odd hours - I often don't go to bed till 4am.
Anyway, I look forward to seeing a bit more of you.
- I often don't go to bed till 4am.
Anyway, I look forward to seeing a bit more of you.2 people like this
@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
5 Jan 16
@jaboUK by friends i meant followers or following people.
on the old site it was just called friends which theyve changed on the new site.
as for interacting, no i've not been around much as i was at my sisters for christmas and new year so it seemed a bit antisocial to be up all night and asleep in the day as i normally am.
I do tend to keep very odd hours though
2 people like this
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
7 Jan 16
I'm happy to share and receive recommended shared posts though with so much other traffic I often don't get to read recommended material
2 people like this
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
7 Jan 16
@jaboUK many pieces I see recommended are well chosen for me - a few less so. I limit how much I do share as some Mylotters just send out everything they read which can flood out our notifications
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
7 Jan 16
@arthurchappell If I send you something Arthur you can be sure that it will be worth reading.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
7 Jan 16
what?? did'ja weed me? jest kiddin', i aint been here'n some time'n i'd surely not blame folks fer doin' such. most interestin' to block 'n then unblock folks. i reckon i ought to give such a try.
i don't mind gettin' suggestions 'f schtuff folks think'd interest me. i think its a dandy lil feature now that they can't suggest their own (i so tired 'f 'what i had fer breakfast', 'i went to the grocery store', etc.)
so, suggest 'way, sweet friend! i'm so far 'hind i don't reckon i'll e'er catch up 'n surely ya found some real jewels i'd benefit from readin'.
big hugs!
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
7 Jan 16
@crazyhorseladycx Lol - you'd be the last person I weeded out! I'll wait till you get settled back in before I send you anything, but there have been some wonderful posts on here lately that I think you will enjoy.
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
7 Jan 16
@crazyhorseladycx Sent you one - it's quite something
2 people like this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
7 Jan 16
@jaboUK is such possible?? send 'em on, my friend! love ya :D
is such possible?? send 'em on, my friend! love ya :D2 people like this
@bluesa (15023)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
6 Jan 16
Thanks for letting know how to delete those inactive followers, Janet. I will be doing that. I do not mind getting suggestions, if they are good, and your suggestions are good. It is sad though that sometimes those people who have their posts suggested do not interact. Have you noticed that @jaboUK ?
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
8 Jan 16
@bluesa @jaboUK That's something else I have done, ladies. When I suggest something to someone, I go back to the post later and sometimes I just like the people I suggested the post to if they have a good response or sometimes I will comment to/on their response, as well.
I suggest to so few people that it doesn't take much time and it also lets them know I am paying attention and making sure they did like what I suggested.
3 people like this
@whiteream (8567)
• United States
8 Jan 16
@jaboUK That is a lot of people I can see why you did it.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40055)
• Laguna Woods, California
7 Jan 16
That is interesting. I never thought about doing that. However, I have always been too modest to suggest my posts to anyone. On the other hand, feel free to suggest your poetry to me anytime!
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
7 Jan 16
@DeborahDiane We can't suggest our own posts Deborah. What I'm talking about here is suggesting good posts to those of our friends who we think will like them. Posts that they might not come across on their own.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40055)
• Laguna Woods, California
7 Jan 16
@jaboUK - Ahh! I didn't understand that. Well it is good I haven't recommended anything, yet, isn't it? I'll have to do it more in the future.
2 people like this
