Our new site (http://vibemetrix.com) is a first stab at this for blog conversation engagement but I think it also addresses some of the problems for the latter type of person you mention. Heck, I fall into that catgory as a CTO and ‘reserved’ type. I find having a work flow, lists of posts I’ve flagged as interesting, and then being able to flag those posts (and blogs) for following up makes it easier on me and more systematic.

Making engaging in blogs systematic, accountable, and trackable has been a piece that’s been missing from the social media equation (IMHO). I also think it solves a problem between personal and corporate social media engagement. It’s easy to split people into these two camps, but companies I think lean more heavily towards being reserved (depending on the size). Without accountability and some sense of ROI, it’s hard for bigger companies to understand and connect with the tools.

I stay vigilant by targeting people, rather than tools, for attention. By experimentation, networking, and just good natured friendliness, I like to build relationships with individuals and make sure I stay up to date with what they’re doing across a wide variety of communication touch points.

It’s sort of the “narrow and deep” versus “broad and shallow” approach. Neither way is the right way, but I find the former more satisfying!

It’s easier to stay vigilant when I am passionate about talking with certain people.