use the "alerts" top left, then accept friendship. DON'T choose "add XX as friend" button if they've asked you -

but if they haven't asked you to friend them yet - click to ask to be their friend

Yes, but do it conservatively. Don't "over request" will hurt Karma and makes it overwhelming to follow...

I agree with Vdub144. One can handle a lot of friends on twitter but plurk will take more time to read through responses...

...although you can mute some you don't wish to go back to

okay i will choose wisely