I’m intrigued, but I already feel overwhelmed by the amount of information that passes through my life each day. What benefit would it be to add even more? I think I’ll pass, until I come by some very compelling reasons to join in with the rest of the twits.

I definitely think it’s easier to “let go” of Twitter when I’m following so many more people – since I miss so many updates over the course of an average day anyway. Somehow that makes it easier for me to “use” Twitter effectively, rather than attempt to “follow” everything that gets posted.

I think that randoms just like to think they can follow people- I did wonder about locking my tweets down but that seemed to defeat the whole purpose.

I find a different purpose in Twitter… I’ve discovered that the benefit of following someone is you can get a rare insight into a different person’s thoughts and opinions on different aspects of their (your) and other people’s lives.
I started following people randomly by judging them on their avatars (which seems a little mean) and the way they see the world has really added another dimension of knowledge, another resource to the growing list I’ve obtained from the internet.
When those I were following followed me back, an amazing set of discussions begun. the most surprising thing was, without even realising it, I had (in general) picked developers, designers, IT guys… most of whom worked a couple of blocks away!I’ve met a number of them since.
I think it’s dependent on context and experience, but following random people on twitter can also be enriching, too.

By the way… I’m following 51, 69 follow me, and I’ve made 1504 tweets so far…

As for optimal network numbers, I think you’re point on “whatever works for you” is a far better measure of success or ideal to strive towards than that of the “optimal ratio”. I’d go even further to add that it’s more likely whatever works for you at any given time. You’ve indicated that your use of and reliance on the network has already changed over time and this will most likely continue. It will also change as you identify different information requirements, learn more about your network members, cycle through and discuss the list of topics that are of shared interest. We know that quantity does not necessarily constitute quality, so, I think you’re suggestions on selectivity and choosing your personal network well in the first place will garner the best results.

Who knows, I may just find the right network myself some day soon. In the meantime, I’ll be quite happy in my optimal ratio or 0:0. I’m not following anyone and better yet, I don’t have to look over my shoulder because no one’s following me!

Why follow 14,000? Perhaps this is a reason… In the hope that some will simply click and follow them without going through a similar process to your own. The users following 14,000 or more are selling something. If only 10% return the favour they will have 1400 people on their marketing list. Do you think that may explain it?

Like your relaxed approach to the Twitter experience. Did you remember to wind your clocks back one hour?

Cheers, John ^_^

Personally, I think the magic number is somewhere between 300-500, for me at least. I would be able to conduct a poll like dswaters did on web 2.0 tools and gather good information quickly, yet also be able to keep abreast of the great ideas out there with that number. Similar to helping students, it’s a great feeling to help a fellow teacher out there. I find Twitter makes me an exponentially better teacher than if I were to surf on my own for ideas.

With Twitter, some days I feel more like a gardener. Weeding. Trying new strains. And some days.. just plain sunburned.

Twitter: MikeRomard