> (Was the person's interest in the blogpost secretly mercenary? Maybe, but it doesn't matter -- they were friendly and respectful, and like most tech companies, we _want_ people to apply.)
It'd matter to me. In some circles it's understood as acceptable in business networking; in other circles, it's insincere and manipulative.
I strongly agree. If I had OPs experience I would have felt manipulated and would not have referred the person.
In the end I think the interpretation of the experience depends on the world view and the view of people.
I don't like people in general. I think (most) people are manipulative, egocentric and in only for themselves. To most people I met I was a means to an end.
So I stop. I try (often failing) to not be - and as far as possible not make myself - a mean to someone's end.
But with different life experiences I could imagine seeing people differently and assuming positive intend. This would ensure a different interpretation of such encounters.
It'd matter to me. In some circles it's understood as acceptable in business networking; in other circles, it's insincere and manipulative.