This LinkedIN thing..

[asterix]

Someone I knew a while ago has asked me to become a LinkedIn contact.

I've never had a LinkedIn account, don't use FB nor do I tweet.

What should I do? I've now had 3 requests and still no wish to

1. offend my former acquaintance
2. join social media groups

 

[Spinney]

Don't do it then.

I joined LinkedIn because I was trying to contact a work colleague from some years ago, and the only trace of him I could find on the web was via LinkedIn. Since then my contacts have expanded - I tend to accept requests to become contacts, but this is really only because some of my work comes from 'advertising' myself via this kind of thing on the web. But in a couple of years I don't think I have had any useful contacts from it. I think some people want lots of contacts to show how 'networked' they are...

If you don't need this kind of publicity for work, don't join it. If you think your former acquaintance might be offended, why not just explain this, or ask them why they want you in their network. TBH, if they are a former acquaintance, does it matter if they are offended?

 

[User169]

and still no wish to

...2. join social media groups

er, OK!

 

[TVC]

Don't bother, the thing is fading away anyway.

I assume your former acquaintance has your contact details, and you theirs, so contact them and say you you're interested in staying in touch with them but not leaving a public profile.

 

[ianrauk]

Mrs Ian uses it for business contacts and it has helped bring a lot of work her way.

 

[Night Train]

IIRC LinkedIn has been in the news recently as one of the social media networks who 'accidentally' released the personal details of their members to the web.

I don't use it and just ignore the 'join' requests.

 

[pplpilot]

LinkedIN, also known in our office as www.massage-my-ego.com

 

[mr_cellophane]

I use it when meeting people or if they are interviewing me for jobs. Helps knowing as much about the interviewer as they know about you.

 

[asterix]

The thing is I knew this guy before social media was invented and I am quite happy to meet up again off the t'internet. I just have no wish or need to be sucked into anything like FB etc.

er, OK!

In my opinion (and possibly other people's opinion) forums are distinct from the likes of FB and LinkedIn. OK?

(I take that was what confused you!)

 

[4F]

I have tried it and seen no benefit whatsoever, this thread has just prompted me to close it.

 

[hopless500]

I get invites for LinkedIn too. I just ignore 'em. Can't see the point of Twitter either. I do however use fb as it's useful to see what friends and family have been up to.

 

[yello]

I know of it and its uses (my sister uses it) but I've never myself felt the need. I've been contacted by former work colleagues to join but it's not my thing. I've left that world behind, never really played that game in truth. I'd go as far to say that the fact someone is on it is reason enough for me to not want to keep in contact with them...

Something like Groucho said, I'd never belong to a club that'd accept me as a member.

 

[goo_mason]

I joined up in its early days, but was using it as a Podcaster and not for my everyday employment. Last thing I want is to connect my various online presences directly to my employer, so that they can then track back and see everything I ever do or say.

I've never updated my profile since I joined, and rarely accept connections unless they're from people I know through podcasting.

It's always fun to look up current or ex work colleagues and read how impressive their skills are and what high-powered jobs they have / they've had - especially when you know exactly what they do / did and how little resemblance their LinkedIn profile has with reality and the truth!

 

[Crackle]

I'm on it with no details, just a name, I've never put anything in the profile and never will, yet despite that, people I've worked with have found me. I may delete the account one day as it has no perceivable benefit.

 

[asterix]

OK, thanks guys. I'll ignore the request. I know he can contact me by 20th century methods if he wants to!