Everyone says "just talk to users."

Almost all the advice around engaging with users is unanimous:

"Just talk to your users."

I thought that was a good place to start.

Started leaving comments on Reddit.

Answered the questions of founders on Indie Hackers.

Joined conversations where it was clear that the people were struggling with the same problem as me.

The outcome that I expected:

→ Conversations.

→ Feedback.

→ Maybe some initial users.

Actual Outcome:

→ Leave insightful comments.

→ … and they never reply.

Zero follow-ups. Zero conversations.

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Now I'm starting to second-guess myself and my sources of advice.

Is the problem not talking to users?

Maybe it's:

→ Finding the right people to talk to.

→ At the right time.

→ When they care enough to reply.

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Currently, my mission is to figure out:

* What really means that someone will engage with you?

* How can I distinguish high-intent founders from politely replying commentators?

* Where can I find these people hanging around?

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It feels like there's an extra step that I'm missing between:

"Be valuable in conversations."

and

"Have conversations."

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Out of curiosity,

have you tried something similar?

How did you find the people that would actually reply?