You probably are right to a point. Unless you are already famous (or infamous) outside of G+ then your circle counts will be largely a function of similar interests, activity, etc. (all in my opinion). Like other arenas, it almost depends on 3rd party validation. When that top photographer or tech guru notices what you're doing and takes a shine to it. That person may indicate to others "hey, you might want to check this awesome Welsh dude out." Then, b/c of his/her clout - more people are willing to give you a look and give you a chance.

I'm active and trying to do a better job interacting with others that + or comment. Maybe, over time, this steady interaction will build momentum.

Yeah, I'm rambling and have no idea. :)
My recent post Not Where I Belong…and I’m glad

That is true. It is just something to consider.

Stuart,

What a very thoughtful post that is SPOT on! This is a must read for all the kids that believe that future generations just didn't care and killed the environment. As a kid, we repaired and reused a LOT of stuff.

Adding to your list from my US perspective (and a few years younger):
1. When jeans got holes in the knees, we used patches.
2. We opened windows to cool off whenever possible instead of running the A/C (I live in the southern US, gets really hot.) to save power.
3. Our game system was in 4D - called the good old outdoors.
4. Clothes, toys, tools and other household goods could easily be hand-me-downs.
5. We ate at home a lot more instead of driving to a restaurant to eat out.
6. More of that food was simple and home made instead of pre-packaged.
7. We bought what we needed when the stores were open and didn't expect them to be open 24 hours a day.

Thanks for the jolt of reality.
My recent post The Christmas Story – Digital Style

Hey man...that is sooo cool! I fell off the wagon for a bit during the holidays, but I am about to break the 18 pound mark. I'm hoping to lose between 25 and 30. Are you using the app?

Sadly, good service is so rare these days that it's noticeable when you actually receive good service. I always try to contact the right people when there is a service experience that needs to be addressed. Some companies do well in responding - International Hotels Group aka Holiday Inn is a prime example. Others much less so - Marriott International made a HUGE customer service error with my brother and has failed to respond to any inquiries. He reserved specific hotel rooms because my niece is wheel chair bound in a rather large chair. The offending hotels either gave away the room that was reserved or sold them a room type that did not exist. Sheesh. Anyway...

In most cases, I simply want to help the company improve its service - especially when service is at very poor levels like you mentioned above. I used to work more directly with the public and feedback on areas of improvement are necessary.

But, I make an extra effort to notify management when customer service is excellent. This is important. Yes, companies need to know when they mess up, but it is also important to let them know when they do well.

It's just like kids or pets - rewarding and acknowledging good behavior may contribute to that behavior being repeated! :)

I'm in on this as well! It's gonna be tough....for sure. I will keep checking your photos if you promise to keep after me about the project as well.

Any of your readers that would like to stay after me, feel free to do so - http://gregsimmons.posterous.com

Here's to many creative photos in 2012!!
My recent post The Christmas Story – Digital Style

If you're just an attendee then not showing up is a bit easier. As the host house, if we have sickness in the house, it's a bit different. We don't want anyone else to get sick for sure.

Yep...that's another post in and of itself.

True. My main point was that sickness has more of a direct impact in a house church - IMO. If everyone were going to a church building, the sick would just stay at home. However, if the host house has sickness, then people have to make other plans. Logistics I guess.

Yep...like buying fire insurance. But, there is so much more!