There are unfortunately a lot of people out there talking a good game. They'll tell you they have your back (if they have to actually tell you that, odds are, they don't) but when change happens, good or bad, they're "unavailable."
When I was laid off, I was given two months notice to work at home (after that I'd be officially laid off and offered a severance). It looked to the world like the company cut me off immediately and I was hurting too much to explain the situation.
A funny thing happened. Some people started not returning phone calls or emails or would dodge lunches/dinners/family bbq's. I was surprised at who these people were (yep family and folks I thought were good friends).
I was also surprised at who the supporters were. The executive assistant I covered up a mistake for years before? She called a friend at another Fortune 500 company. They didn't have an opening… yet, but they expressed an interest in seeing me.
When I landed on my feet (At the end of the two months, another division of the company offered me a position. I turned that down, took the very generous severance, and went to a customer.), suddenly everyone was my friend again.
Now, I don't hold grudges but I DO remember whom I can count on. Those people I'd fly half way around the world to help out. And all it took was a returned email of support.
The interesting thing is that this happens with success also. This past week, when I was doing my shameless promoting, I heard "I'd book you on my blog but my female readers don't read romance" or "I'd buy your book IF I read romance" or "I don't read eBooks. Let me know when it is in print."
Then there is the opposite end of the spectrum. The brother who haunted the website because he wanted to be the very first buyer, the bloggers who offered up space as soon as they heard about the book launch, the friends, family, blog readers who bought the $6 book just to show their support. Heck, the people who emailed their congrats (I saved each one).
You think I'll remember these names? Yep. Until the day I die.