(Quote) from Simon the owner of viralstew.com "It might be deceptive, but the bottom line is that numbers say a lot to people. Its like if you are in a party and everyone is watching you talk and laugh with 3 sexy girls around you (you being a male). People (and girls specially) will automatically believe that you are a cool, socially savvi male and your value will grow in the room. It ends up that the 3 girls are your sisters but no one knows that at the moment and maybe will never know. The perception is created and you have conveyed yourself in a powerful way. The same will happen with number of followers. 50.000 followers will attract thousands of other followers who believe you are a guru... after all you have 50k. No one knows that your 200 followers will die for you. they will just think your not that popular as the 50k guy. Ilusion is part of the art of marketing. Its not about honesty. Its about perception. Perception is reality... so what perception are you giving? "