Not long ago, Elaine Fogel used a post at the MarketingProfs Daily Fix Blog to discuss her case of "Social Media Rejection Syndrome." It all began when someone not only rejected her LinkedIn invitation but also sent a note explaining why: "I only make connections with people I've met personally or have worked with, but perhaps our paths will cross in person one day."

At the same time, Fogel received a warning from LinkedIn. "Please note," it read. "This message is a notice that you are nearing the threshold of 'I don't know' responses you can receive before you will be required to enter an email address when sending invitations. Please remember to only invite people you know."

Fogel was confused by the rejection—even though it was friendly—and by the severity of LinkedIn's note. This was the first time anyone had declined her invitation with the "I don't know" response. And why all the drama? Don't social-networking sites like LinkedIn exist so professionals can connect with each other?

Her post generated a lively discussion in which she discovered just how differently many people use social networks. In the case of LinkedIn, she discovered, users are encouraged to make connections only with people they know well. The user who rejected her was simply following an explicit guideline that Fogel was unaware of.

Now enlightened, she has reported on her findings in a new post, and even gathered many of the responses—along with some of her conclusions—in a downloadable whitepaper.

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