You're being way, way too self centered and naive. Let's assume you have no interest in local bands. A young cousin of yours starts a band, and gushes about it

You're being way, way too self centered and naive. Let's assume you have no interest in local bands. A young cousin of yours starts a band, and gushes about it whenever he meets you. "You gotta come hear us!" What are you going to say? "No, I'm not interested in your band"? Of course you say "Sure, I'd love to come sometimes." But now it's a month later and he's hurt that you never came. Guess what? You're busy building your project and his band didn't meet an urgent need of yours. I'm impressed that you got HALF of your acquaintances to sign on. Count yourself lucky. Yes, they really felt some measure of caring towards you when they were saying they would visit, and probably meant what they said. No, your service did not meet an urgent enough need to compel them to visit when you're out of their face and they're dealing with their own problems. I recommend you read the book "How To Win Friends and Influence People". Nevermind the crappy title, the contents are gold. Central message: stop thinking about your needs, and start thinking about theirs.