The Declining Impact of LinkedIn?

Well people, I fear that what I thought might happen, is in fact occurring. When LinkedIn implemented their "InMail" feature, where you can essentially bypass the normal chain of contacts typically needed to reach a given LinkedIn member, I feared that it would be the end to LinkedIn's health as a community. First, I objected to LinkedIn changing the game mid-season and allowing people to reach my contacts just by paying a price. Second, I was afraid that these unsolicited direct connections would ultimately lose validity, amounting essentially to social networking spam.

I think we're there now.

I have spoken to a number of heavy LinkedIn users, all recruiters, and I have to say that LinkedIn must be making a bundle on InMailing. I too submitted to the "well if they're all doing it" excuse and bought a LinkedIn membership. I guess at the time I figured that the company has to make money somehow even if I do have serious reservations. That being said, I have noticed that the number of people who will respond to a nicely worded, friendly InMail is dropping and dropping fast. I think there is going to be a special category in the spam box for LinkedIn unsolicited contacts!

Do I have an answer, well no I actually don't now that Pandora's box has been opened, but I do wish in a way that the system remained closed. I guess I'm idealistic, but in the long run, I think it would have been healthier for the LinkedIn social network community to keep the chain of contact intact. I'd love to hear what you have to say.