Are you Facebooked? LinkedIn? A closet MySpacer? If so, you've undoubtedly dealt with unsolicited "friend" requests which leave you wondering: Should I let this person into my network? What does she want with me?

Tim O'Reilly from O'Reilly Radar is calling for some manners when it comes to inviting people into your network:

Most of these [friend requests], relying solely on the boilerplate invitation text, go right into the trash. "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn." Sure. Who are you? What do you do? Why should I care? (Even if I've met you, I might need my mind jogged, especially if you might have the same name as other people I know.)

Instead of using the typical boilerplate invitations, O'Reilly suggests writing your own, explaining who you are and why you'd like to connect, like Janet here, who briefly explained why she'd like to connect with him:

So, the next time you try to befriend someone via the intarwebs, make sure you offer a little about yourself. Otherwise, your invite—and potential business relationship—might just end up in the trash.

[Previously]:
Beyond MySpace
Are You LinkedIn?
Is Your Netiquette Turning Customers Off?

[via]