Update: I wrote this over a year ago. I spent a good time away from Twitter and honestly, started weaning out folks I followed, based on this post. With even more social sites to choose from, I've realized how important this still is today, in 2012.
This is more of a personal rant, and possibly a learning about social media--aka "being part of the conversation".
I joined Twitter approximately nine months ago. I've had a couple of different accounts, 1500-1600 tweets/re-tweets, and I've learned something which I find interesting.
Most of the people I follow work in the SEO or social media field. The social media folks, myself included, habitually tweet about best practices, how to be a good "netizens', social media for business, etc.
Now here's the "rub". When you are a participant in a conversation, when you are addressed, do you respond? I think so. Unless, of course, you are NOT trying to be in the conversation. So, if you are involved in social media, preaching to the masses regarding how to participate, shouldn't you respond?
This being said, if you have thousands and thousands of followers, all actively reading and retweeting your blogs, etc, I understand how you might not have time to respond...but come on! I follow some major "hitters" in the SEO, blogging, SMO, etc world and I DO get responses from them from time-to-time.
So...here's the food-for-thought. If you espouse the joys, follys, learnings, and practical advice regarding social media...then practice what you preach and occasionally, be a part of someone's conversation when they reach out or support you!
And to those I've reached out to, and you've responded...thanks for the quality you bring to social media.