RE: Dear Minnows, ask friendly but don't beg!
Its a normal phenomene. It is why we need to continue educating new users about how to create value by posting.
The problem however is that people can really educate themselves by researching without the help of others and by putting effort into what they want to achieve. Don't get me wrong, it's not as easy as it seems, but it isn't difficult either.
To conclude, I don't think anyone should even ask at all for upvotes or followers. You should never ask, except you should add value. If your post adds value to someone else's own, you can include your link in the comments, by suggesting that they visit your post for more information. You are helping them and not asking. By visiting your post they are learning something and you are adding value.
This is what I wrote. In my opinion, if you wrote a post which other might find good I don't think it's worse if you ask under your post for follows or upvotes.I mean on yur own post. But i wouldnt suggest to put your link into the comments of another's authors post.
Ofcourse, you won't put your bare link which will look a bit messy but you can ofcourse embed your link in a text or word which is fine or you can make reference to a particular post. Ofcourse, you are not doing it to get followers. The main intention should be to help/add value which the author will definitely appreciate. You may gain followers in the process which is an additional bonus.
Yes, in that way i agree with you.