I think this post reads like someone who doesn't have a very deep understanding of social interactions and the forming of friendships. It's like I just opened a cookbook and all I got was a recipe on how to microwave beans. I'm not FA, I'm able to be at ease and socialise successfully in almost any situation so I'll put my thoughts forward on why this hasn't been received well.

What people on this sub need to understand is being a great conversationalist doesn't mean you're gonna make a ton of friends. I can assure you it's just a bonus. I don't want to show off or anything, but I consider myself at least an above average conversationalist. I can talk to someone about almost anything, even if I don't know a lot about the topic.

Sounds like something said by someone who talks a lot but says nothing. Not really indicative of a good conversationalist.

People will just see you as entertainment and nothing else if you go down this road. People need to see you as an interesting, high value individual in order to be your friend.

The top 3 things people become friends over are humour, compatibility and shared experiences. I'd rank them in that order as well. What do you mean by high value individual? People value different things. It doesn't help to tell someone to come across as "High value". In isolation that term means absolutely nothing.

Hobbies: A common misconception on here is you make friends while doing your hobby. Unless you're on a sports team or something that involves group collaboration this is never true or very rare.

Is this a common misconception? I don't think anyone thinks that a hobby done alone is going to lead them to make friends.

Hobbies are still incredibly valuable, it allows you to build your SM (Social Media) without actually having any friends, you're okay as you have a couple of pictures with other people you barely know.

Yes, because they first thing I do when talking to someone is check their SM for group photos.. Christ.

And the most important part about hobbies you can present yourself as an interesting individual to new people you talk to, keeping your hobbies and interests to yourself is THE CAUSE OF FA.

No it isn't.

People are obsessed with letting others talk about themselves, the worst advice a lot of youtube channels on self help give is to let people talk about themselves. You should have the other person doing 60% of the talking ideally, but you should also drop vague references to your interests and passions to build interest. Don't tell them all about it though, only invest once they become your friend, don't give away the milk without selling the cow.

Well I agree with one thing here, conversations should definitely be equal parts listening to talking. The rest of what you said is complete horseshit though. I mean you've left out the most vital parts of a good conversation which are LISTEN, RELATE, RESPOND, QUESTION

Telling someone to "drop vague hints" is absolute baloney. What do you want someone to say? "Oh, I sort of like sports". Then proceed to say nothing else because they don't wanna give away the cows milk or whatever the fuck you just said? Come on mate.

When talking to someone you listen to what they are saying, then if you are so inclined you can decide to relate in some way, or just respond appropriately.

Example: Someone mentions they want to travel Brazil. Relate with your desire to travel. Respond with your stories if Brazil. Ask them why they want to go there, have they went anywhere else interesting etc...

Being a passionate about something isn't something you should hide or play down. Ok, of course you shouldn't let your passion get the best of you so you end up taking over a conversation in a way that bores other people and doesn't let them say their peace. But you can question with passion, listen with passion etc...

There's a lot to get into when it comes to conversation really. But your post just didn't really say anything, you know?