Comments on: We are NOT Friends.

By: Geoff

Geoff — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:36:43 +0000

This is great. Linkedin doesn’t bother nearly as much as Facebook – Although the requests from really spammy folks do bother me, even on Linkedin.

Also, I love that you incorporated Stephen Colbert.

By: iPullRank

iPullRank — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:34:28 +0000

Amen to this.

*sends Rishi LinkedIn request*

By: Michael J. Kovis

Michael J. Kovis — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:49:33 +0000

While I agree with the many of the points made here in the comments, I do disagree that it is solely LinkedIn’s fault. I believe it lies within the user because they lack the knowledge on how to use social networks properly and productively.

Much like most of us understand proper table manners, there is such a thing as social networking manners. The majority of the users lack that. They don’t realize there is such a thing because they don’t understand how to effectively and properly use the social network to create new connections.

I receive tons of these generic “network requests” every month. Sometimes I respond, sometimes I don’t. I believe from now on I will just reply with a link to this post. Especially when they add me as a friend and use the generic message.

A little bit of education can go a long way.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 13:43:12 +0000

Hi,

I use LinkedIn as a Rolladex that keeps itself unto date, I used to do a lot of networking on groups but the spam and BS that was sent my way would of taken me a week to filter through.

LinkedIn should get a grip on this, they don’t seem to be doing a lot of listening.

Matt

By: Liam @ Zaddle

Liam @ Zaddle — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 13:32:06 +0000

Yep – get these requests all the time

And every single one gets reported as spam – (I am under the assumption that LinkedIn has a low spam reporting threshold but I may have dreamed this).

Even worse is when I get asked by “connections” to give them a full blown testimonial, despite the fact I have never used their services #awkward

By: Jane Copland

Jane Copland — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:16:19 +0000

Agree with Joanna on how LinkedIn feels nowadays – like they are more focused on revenue than on the core offering. Seems a little cart-before-the-horse at the moment.

By: IrishWonder

IrishWonder — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:08:48 +0000

This!
Been through this countless times. Sometimes rather than connect request they just send their spammy offers through the LinkedIn mail system.

By: Alessio Madeyski

Alessio Madeyski — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 10:58:20 +0000

I share all the comments against recruiters. I even talked on my blog once: http://www.alessiomadeyski.com/recruiters-you-are-doing-it-wrong/

LinkedIn is annoying really. OK, I don’t have 72 people who wants to connect with me, but the standard message really annoys me and let me down. Why? Because someone could use that message to say something funny or simply be REAL.

I wrote once on twitter: if you want to connect on linkedin, at least write me “I want to connect because you’re a jerk”. But at least it’s something real.

I admit I used the standard message sometimes, but now I tend not to anymore for the reasons above.

By: Joanna Butler

Joanna Butler — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 10:34:00 +0000

Agree with Joff to a certain extent – I think LinkedIn’s priorities simply don’t lie in improving the social side or user experience. There are some core things they seem to refuse to focus on. A redesigned group page would help them… improved spam filters… better verification of who people are… better connection with other platforms to provide a better professional resume… etc.

But back to the contact requests. Rishi, I had the same moan about this a couple of months ago. Recruiters, fake profiles of link building companies, you name it. I absolutely frickin’ hate the standard message, but I’m a hypocrite when I’m tired and can’t think of something better. I usually at least edit the message with the person’s name and a brief unique opener, though.

LI just won’t get round to improving this. They are too focused on generating revenue and are no longer passionate about the core offering. IMO.

By: Joff

Joff — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 10:07:01 +0000

For me, LinkedIn just doesn’t work as a networking tool as it implies you know or have met the other person.

There should be another option on their site when “adding to a professional network”, something along the lines of “I don’t know you, but I think that our businesses would mutually benefit from talking to each other”.

All of these downright (LinkedIn-enforced) lies make the inviter look like a moron and the invitee angry.