Clarification on a Join and Follow

Hi all,
Well I got my language a bit mixed up.

You can "join" the site and other will see you there. It's on the right side.
Or you can just 'follow" that is down toward the bottom.
I'm not sure of the difference. But just to let you know.

I know some of you are "following". and not "joined".
You might want to check that out.

As you can tell I'm a bit new at all these blogs can do.
Sorry for any confusion.

Thanks,