I've given up on looking at new accounts, basically for the reasons you have mentioned. I have found it is worth it to wait a little while and if they are of value I will run across them in another month or so.

I don't understand not responding to comments. From day 1, no matter who comments - big accounts, little accounts - doesn't matter, I always respond. I'm grateful. I also treat my blog like a creative writing project though, and not like a business, which is different from almost everyone here.

As far as actual handshakes go, I'm a little shifty on that :) I would never decline to shake someone's hand, but I'm a chronic weak handshake person. I just feel like that old strong handshake stuff applies to men. My body language shows character in other ways. I'm having deja vu. I think we have had this conversation before...