LinkedIn Math

Does anyone know LinkedIn math – I thought myself a good student of math but can’t figure out LinkedIn math. I know all statistics can be manipulated but numbers still need to make sense. This past week I have accepted about 100 invitations on LinkedIn – began the week at about 1400 1st degree connections and now have just over 1500. My profile page says I have added a little over 47,000 New People in my network since January 14th – but over this past week my total network of linked professional went from 16.4 million to 16.2 members. Even given the fact some may drop out of your network – I still find the math a bit funky. This is not the first time I have seen this type of unusual math. Not that it matters that much to me for my purposes but I might be more disturb if I was paying a fee structure according to web site stats.

Curious to know if anyone noticed this about LinkedIn….

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Permalink Reply by Robert Hans on January 16, 2009 at 1:18pm

Jessica,

Thanks for the suggestion – my new question maybe how receptive support is to a non paying customer.

I like the secret formula thought – you may be right on with that comment.

Have a great weekend!

Robert

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Permalink Reply by Zale Tabakman on January 16, 2009 at 3:02pm

What probably happened was they kicked out some super user that connected you to a ton of other people.

I have 13,000+ direct connections - but second level (the ones you see) fluctuate around 2,000,000 to 2,500,000.

When linkedin doesn't let me in - those 2,000,000 disappear on your list. Now if you connect other super connectors like me - you might not lose the 2M. But if I am your only super connector the results can effect your network.

Zale

http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/ZaleTabakman <- An invite to me adds 2,521, 187 really nice people to your network.
http://66DayJobClub.ZaleTabakman.ca <- My way of helping 10,000 people find a job. No Membership fees.

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Permalink Reply by pam claughton on January 16, 2009 at 3:09pm

Robert, my network is around the same size as yours, about 1500 first level and around 18 million on third level, but oddly, that third level jumped up a few million recently, so you can fluctuate up or down a few million just by losing or adding a few superconnectors.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Hans on January 16, 2009 at 3:20pm

Interesting comments - Pam I notice the same jump recently - which started me taking notice of the LinkedIn math.

So the formula is 1st + 2nd + 3rd = total contacts (or stated better people I can reach through connections)

Thanks Zale & Pam - by the way are we connected :-)