Thanks a lot Matt! And I hope the out-of-the-blue shoutout was ok... =)
I think getting yourself out there should also be seen as a "means." What will you do with 100 new followers? 10000 new views? I've been thinking about this a lot since "engagement" is different for everyone. I'd rather have 1 new follower who consistently makes thoughtful comments rather than 100 people who upvote without reading...