I am not spamming nor trying to build a network so large that it has no value; however, I am trying to connect with people from former employers – not just to benefit myself, but to benefit them and their clients.

I have worked in the IT department of large companies and in turn been exposed to every employee. I will admit that at times I select everyone in the former colleague list without reading all the names, but this decision was made because so many names were familiar to me that it was easier to select all than hand pick 98% of them.

Unfortunately, I must not have left as lasting an impression on some people and the “I don’t know” button has been clicked too many times.

I don’t understand why someone would not want to connect to a former co-worker even if they don’t remember them and perhaps it is these people that are growing diamonds in there butt. I don’t need to understand these people; however, I don’t belive that even these people understand the implications of clicking on that button. I doubt that they are angry and intending to inadvertantly restrict anyone’s account – they are just given 2 options – “Accept” or “don’t know”. In my opinion they should just hit accept because we are former colleagues and obviously not a spammer – but I will concede that is their option.

I don’t agree with putting restrictions on a service whose intent is to connect people. If I wanted a list of the people I already had contact info for, I would just go to my Outlook address book and not need linkedIn.

However, if they feel that there is some need to police the usage, perhaps it would be better to give people more options.
“Accept (I embrace the concept of linkedIn)”
“Ignore (get on with my life)”
“I dont remember (not the senders fault I am brain dead)”
“Report Abuse (I have coal in my butt)”

Thanks,
Paul

Cord,
I’m the community evangelist at LinkedIn. I can understand your frustrations. The restrictions were put in place to prevent other users from spammers and promiscuous linkers. If you’ve inadvertently triggered the restriction we’ll work on restoring that.

Could you clarify if you’re referring to the restrictions triggered by the recent reconnect feature or otherwise. Thanks!

Also, we’ve recently started a full-fledged customer service center at Omaha and look forward to expediting the responses. In the meanwhile, feel free to email me directly at msundar@linkedin.com.

Mario from LinkedIn

Steven – Thanks!

Huzzah!

“You are not bigger than the game and it is time that you start remembering who is most important to your long term success – THE PEOPLE – your users.”

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve been a big fan of LinkedIn from the beginning and I haven’t used enough lately to get cranky with them.

I use to give companies three chances to mess up. Lately, I’m off to the competitor after the first mistake. Thank god, I’m more patient when dating.

-Steven