I do not think it is necessary .

I have several following me. I consider it a compliment.

I've got 26 people following me-no one asked -its okay

I follow a few people, but I still don’t know what it does. I thought I would have a button that said people you are following, or comments from people you’re following. If anybody knows, I would be interested.

Been having that question in my mind since Dec 2nd of 2017... we us old folks belong to the 20th century. Thank You for your post and poll. By the way could be Flattering and maybe the Best Compliment.

No it’s a compliment

follow them

If people are interested in the ideas of a particular person and reading what they write, then they should just click to follow them.

You don't ask writers if it is OK to read work they have put out there for people to read.. If they want what they write to be personal or private they can message one person in particular, instead of publicly post it.

Wow. Not to be insulting, but that person must not internet much. Maybe they were just curious?

I follow anything that looks interesting. Then I creep profiles for more information. Sometimes I reply to other posts I find that way. If anyone has a problem with that they should not be on a message board.

I'm not here for dating, though, so that removes a significant stream of assumptions and implications.

I think you should just follow them! Some people might not fully understand what following means and they might see it as stalkerish but if they ask just explain what the follow button does. I've had several people follow me and I find it quite flattering since I am a dumbass. Lol!

I don't see following someone on this site can be compared to stalking them.

Perhaps the person who asked you not to follow him or her is an autonomous individual and does not want a follower(s)? Who knows? I would not dwell on it.......

so far I havent asked. It is a public site and they can block you if they think it is too much. When I first came on board I followed people to try to learn more about the site. It doesnt seem the same as stalking.

I've participated on numerous social sites for years. No one ever asks first, that I've experienced.