Initially, when I got on the blogchain I thought 'following people' was compulsory. I didn't find any newbie initiative and it was just me against the world with the help of my tutor.
Following people, to me, comes with a cost and that's why I choose the people I follow carefully. The first thing I do when I open my peakd account is to go to 'my feed'. My feed determines the way the rest of my blogging would be. If I read a few posts that turn me off then that passion withers slowing.
One of the major reasons why I follow people is because of their contents. I love reading captivating contents that prompt me to leave a comment. The engagement then sets in.
Following people has never been and will never be a compulsory thing, as far as a gun isn't pointed to your head.. At least everyone has that freewill.
Yep, it's not an obligation and each user must create the environment and experience they want to have; that comes through their own content, engagement and by following others. I think this is why being selective and strategic is the way to go, but that's just me.