a straight-up sincere question

I don’t consider it something that should be asked at all (so I guess that means “no”); It should be an act of personal choice. I personally, check out the gallery of those that follow me and comment on, and like any that appeal to me; but I only “Follow Back” if I like the overall aesthetics or humor of the creator. Sometimes I get bad vibes from a gallery and I find myself wondering why they chose to follow me. 🤔

I don’t mind if people ask me to follow back, it’s much more likely that I will if they are nice about it (ie “saying please” lol) if someone just says “follow me back” then I probably wouldn’t. Thankfully not many people have asked for me to follow them. I think I’m pretty generous with following people anyway, and I try to always follow back, especially if I like their gallery anyway 😊😉

yes and i do

I follow those that I click on and they have enough works that interest me. People who only follow me and don't like anything or say anything are mostly ignored. Because yes, this isn't just a creation tool, it's a community. And a major dopamine and endorphin supplier 😉

I followed you, now tell is it polite, if I ask you to follow back, you also must have received few notifications too 😉

Yes that's what I say

I used to follow everyone first. But then very few followed me back.

Yes, it is polite. There is nothing wrong in it.

It's not so much rude as generally unhelpful. Most people that are likely to do so will have already after you follow them. Those that don't likely would be less likely. I don't follow many, but I go into the galleries of everyone that follows me. If they're generous with their likes, don't publish large amounts every day, respond to people, and have open prompts, I'll follow them. I've never followed anyone because they asked me to.

Just my thoughts on it, though. Others may be different. Sincerely complimenting them on their galleries would likely be more effective, though. I do make exceptions on some of the above for those that actively engage with me. Although the most effective way to gain followers is by doing well in community challenges. Sometimes easier said than done, but it's where most of my followers came from.

Excellent

AND