Socializing a feral cat

I saw Prince last night at the other house, just a few homes away around the corner where he was being fed. He spent an iota of time with me. I realize now how the difficulty in socializing this animal was compounded by another feeding him - the competition of another food source. With me, he had to come inside the home, meet and greet the other cats. With the other house, he had only to appear in the yard and be fed. Surely this slowed and eventually ended the process. I had no idea, having only told the neighbors on either side of me about him. I had no idea someone would feed my cat. I appreciate the thoughts of the 2 comments added the other day. I miss him desperately; I should have informed all the homes along the pond he was my cat a few years ago---how could I know someone would feed neighborhood cats? He was microchipped with a cropped ear. Hindsight too late. Perhaps others will learn from us I hope he comes home when it gets cold. he has an electric blanket here for him. He was my cat, Prince. Patting him before -- he rubs against my hand.