does having your twitter private prevent potential followers?

[Iam_SOMEBODY_Im_BLESSED]

My current twitter account is under the private settings on Twitter and I was wondering if having your account on the private settings (you have to request to follow) can prevent potential followers?

[Rocknroll]

You can block people, so if they go to your page it says forbidden.

[ell.]

It does NOT prevent followers, however, as a user of Twitter myself, I am more likely to follow someone who hasn't got their profile on the protected setting as it's easier.
(If you do want to stop people following you, simply go on to the person's profile and block them)