A few months I more or less bashed the new social-networking site Viadeo on this blog, and after that post was published I heard from a couple of people who work for Viadeo. I was impressed that they would take the time to write to me, and one of them offered to talk on the phone, but, sad to say, I don't have time to do that.I just can't make it a priority to talk to these folks, nice as I'm sure they are, and hear about how they're working on the bugs that I complained about in my earlier blog post.
The thing is, though, that after I heard from these Viadeo guys I felt kinda bad. I'm not a basher, in general, except when I bash abstract ideas like forced-ranking systems and companies abusing job-seekers and junk like that. These Viadeo people, of course, are real people, so it was a little different. Even though the excuse they gave me in their email messages -- explaining why the site had so many problems --- was the world's worst excuse ("we have just launched the English version of the site") --- I've been wondering whether I should give them another chance.
Okay, so now you have the setup. Then, today, comes this message in my in-box. I'm not blaming the Viadeo guys for the message, of course -- you get this kind of thing from LinkedIn and Facebook too -- but check this out. Is this networking?:
I have recently been invited to join this network by Eric Didier, COO of Viadeo. He has encouraged me to build a profile and a group for my company [whatever]. We are currently building a network that spans an endless taxonomy for [blah blah blah]. [Our thing] is a [yada yada] website where members can upload there books, media, training courses, PDF, presentations, etc… and give it away for free or fee. Our vision for [this outfit] is to have a common medium of communication for cross pollinating global teachings on everything in the world. Our hopes are that we will help bridge the gaps in education, religion, politics, and economic barriers globally. Every business connection brings us one step closer to finding the contributors who will hopeful one day change the world through education. I look forward to sharing ideas and a mutually beneficial relationship! Sincerely, [el Spamito]
Seriously -- is there any way this could be considered networking? Don't know the guy from Adam; and here comes this email message inviting me to connect directly with him on Viadeo, and the message is nothing but a misspelled, long-winded promo for his website. Yes, let's do, by all means, I couldn't imagine anything more delightful than being your direct connection on Viadeo! And also, can you please come to my house and stick needles in my eyes? What the heck!
You reach out to someone, you want to say something about that person. Like "we know Marjorie Smith in common" or "I have heard so much about you" or "I saw you speak at the Rotary Club luncheon last month." The worst part of it is that every other word I write is networking how-to advice. So if you send me a spamtastic opening message, then it's a double diss, because you're saying "I don't have two seconds to spend looking into who you are or what you've written" along with the usual "here's all about ME."
Yeah, so Viadeo is back in my doghouse.
2 comments:
Hello Liz
At Viadeo we try to limit the number of direct introductions a person has (a direct introduction being the ability to just send another member an email intro) rather than going through your network (indirect introductions). We do this to reduce the risk of spam - there are other networks that only allow direct intros and are a spammers paradise!
We are acutely aware of the damage a few spammers can do to your confidence in a social network! You can go into your Accounts & Settings and uncheck the option to receive Direct Introductions - that will prevent this happening. That will mean that no member can send you an introduction request unless they pass through your network.
You can of course refuse the intro - with or without giving a reason and block future messages from that person!
If you believe this person is a real spammer please report this to us using the 'Report Abuse' option as we will close the accounts of any spammers or multi-level marketers found on the network.
I think that this is more of a case of an unsophisticated approach than a real spammer (ie a offer for Viagra or an email from the son of the ex-dictator of Benin etc) but none the less unwelcome all the same. I agree with your comments about the nature of an approach - some of our members are new to social networking and do not appreciate the difference between networking and selling! I know this as often new members ask me if their approach emails are correct in tone.
If you would like me to investigate the individual concerned please contact me on Viadeo and give me his/her name!
Kind regards
Peter Cunningham
Viadeo
Liz-
the problem with all online social networking tools is that some people think it replaces the work involved with building real relationships. No matter how hard the company tries to market the benefits of their service, unless ALL members use the tool the same way, then it delutes the tool for everyone.
Online networking does not replace the power of human interaction. Opportunities come from people, therefore we all need to really get to know people if we want our networks to bring us opportunities.
Emails like you got, or the bizzillion I get via Linked In from strangers do us no good in the real world. To some people online link collecting is like a parlour game. But just having a link to someone does not really mean anything without a true connection.
thom
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