I would have to agree with everyone here. Do what you think is best. For myself, I can't say whether or not I'll buy any of your merchandise... heck I don't buy ANYONE's merchandise as it is right now

(an occupation of Student really sucks in the finances department

)
I deffinantly have to agree with MasterXO though. I mean if I saw you in public, the most I might try to do is attempt to say hi and that I recognize you as a fellow member of the BEA, maybe try to strike up a small conversation and that would only be if I really recognized you and it was a very public place, but then I'd be very forward and open about it. Though I doubt I'd ever have the nerve to do even that.
But following? Na, I consider just following someone with in the same building like that border line stalking. Heck, if I find that I've been walking or driving the exact same path as someone in front of me for some way,
I start getting paranoid that the other person will think I'm following them.
And actually following someone after they drive away? That's really crossing the line.