If you feel people getting on about what you are doing, it gives you a lift.
I can't say I feel influenced by today's guitar players.
It gives me a good feeling to know that people out there really care.
If all you've got is somebody else's stuff that you've lifted, nothing really deep, then it is going to thin out.
It's great to have something you can be proud of.
I don't tend to stand still for very long.