Replying on the subject of the Tweetstream
I assume the terms “following”/”followers” derive from the concept of this social network as an information stream, rather than denoting hierarchical status. So one immerses oneself in the stream - following a conversation, or initiating one by posting something of such vast interest that others feel moved to respond. For me, Twitter acts as a mix of notice board & pen pal. I cannot dismiss your observation, though, that all that is physically occurring is reading & writing. I can’t comment on whether my scribes would make for engaging readng, however.