The many bots strategy is really a great one for supporting newbies and also retaining them as you said....they will be inspired to keep checking their blogs..
I guess i qualify to be in your bot list hehehe,its me who started the Uganda community and helped grow it til where we are now..!!
Let me not over sell myself,i just even wrote a post asking for ideas of promo activities.... I have taken over 2 months without self voting...anyway if you have time you can prove my claims hahaha.
I like your house...that tv is massive.
Thanks for the great work and good heart.