I just got the email below (and no I am not responding to it). It would be interesting to figure out what criteria they are using to filter LinkedIn users to receive this. With enough data points it could be triangulated. I guess I could call Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn’s CEO, to find out, but this might be more fun.

Dear Michael ,
ABC Television’s hit reality television show, The Bachelor, is searching for its next star. After viewing your profile on LinkedIn, the casting producer has selected you as a potential candidate.

ABC is using LinkedIn to find its next Bachelor because this time around, they’re looking for an accomplished professional. LinkedIn is about your professional life instead of your personal life, so we don’t know if your marital or relationship status qualifies you for the show. However, your professional profile fits the bill.

If you think you’d make a great “Bachelor,” please let me know by reply (xxxx@linkedin.com) and I will contact you regarding next steps. LinkedIn respects your privacy and will not release your contact information, so you must reply to the email above for us to pass you along as a candidate.

If you know anyone else that would make a great “Bachelor”, feel free to let us know about them – ABC will pay a $5,000 reward for any referral that leads to the next star.

Wishing you continued professional success,

David xxxx
Assistant to the CEO
LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/in/xxxx