Connections vs Following

Connections vs Following

Connections are a two-way mutual relationship between collectors. Following is a one-way subscription to someone's public updates. You can use both at the same time — they solve different problems.

Key differences

Connection type

Privacy level

Connections can see content marked for mutual connections. Followers only see what the author shares publicly (or with followers, when you follow them).

Limits

Default setup

• Connections: When you accept a connection request, CollectionStation automatically follows both ways so each person's public updates appear in the other's feed (unless someone unfollows later).
• Following: No connection required — follow anyone who allows it.

How connections work

• Both collectors must agree (request → accept).
• You see their posts (connection-only and follower-visible content).
• They see your posts the same way.
• Best for real-life relationships and trusted collectors you want in a mutual circle.

How following works

• No permission is needed unless the collector turned off follows in privacy settings.
• You see their public updates in your feed.
• They do not automatically see yours unless they follow you back.
• Great for public figures, brands, or acquaintances you want to watch without a mutual tie.

Managing your settings

• Unfollow while connected: Hides their public/follower posts from your feed. You remain connected and can still see connection-only content.
• Block a follower or collector: Removes the connection, all follows both ways, and pending connection requests until you unblock.
• Disable the follow button: In account privacy settings, turn off Allow followers so new people cannot follow you (existing follows are unchanged until removed).

Need help? Click the chat icon in the lower-right corner of CollectionStation (you must be signed in).