Oh, Kathleen - THIS WAS FUNNY  Just for that I am adding you as an associate!  It's okay - you don't have to add me to your will but I would really like to come to Lake Anna!

You crack me up, Kathleen!  Since you are on my Associates list, I shall watch the mail for your contribution to my son's college fund.....and my daughter's Sweet 16 is coming up.

I don't pay a lot of close attention to this feature.  One of my very best friends here in the Rain and I laughed really hard when we realized that neither of us were on the others associate list.  In fact, I'm afraid to go look and see how many people that I really admire are not on my poorly kept list (sorry guys!).  However, when I do add someone, I really want it to be because I would work with them, not to gain a large number of associates on my profile.  That would make it a meaningless.

Kathleen  - The great Liz Carter did a post on the associates. This might help:

Associates vs Associations...the difference + be careful they are not "For Your Eyes Only"

You are too funny, but sure provide a different way to look at things.

Great questions.  I'm new to AR and somehow I have two Associates.  I don't know who the people are, but their there.

I would only add someone whom I know personally to my associates list.

I add people I have developed relationships with.  I do get notified of being added by folks I never heard of - it makes me wonder what makes them decide to add me?  

Excellent post Kathleen - I've been asking myself the very same questions.

When you get real answers, I'd love to know them. In the meantime, I subscribe to your Blog and enjoy your posts - Thanks.

Kathleen, who's that good looking guy in the second photo? You can invite me to Lake Anna any time. I'll bring an ice chest full of beverages and we can sit out on the dock. If you have a big birthday bash and I'm nearby I'll be sure to attend. Associates to me I just want to keep track of and I know they are my kind of folk. Whether a business referral ever takes place for any of us has more to do with who comes across our doorstep. But trust me, for me at least, when I think Lake Anna, I think Kathleen. Oh, and BTW if you are worth millions, I'll get my home address spelled up correctly for your attorney from your favorite bud : )

Kathleen, That's too funny!  I don't often add associates but I just go ahead and subscribe to people's blogs that I enjoy.....I used to think associates were created before you subscribed but actually, I still am clueless about this :)

Kathleen what a strange cast of characters.  I want to make a trip your way soon and explore Lake Anna.  I like what you have to say which is why I added you as an associate.  Beyond that you are on your own :-)

I would love to attend your 75th birthday party, if you attend mine.

Can't put your grandkids through college as I have 3 kids in college right now and my husband just started his masters.

Of course my kids will EXPECT a wedding gift from ALL my associates.

I'm packing as we speak.

Wow Kathleen!  I'm now more confused than ever!  LOL

I don't often add Associates because I don't think of it.  Now subscriptions is another story!  I'll be watching to see what kind of answers you get.  I think you have piqued the curiosity of man of us!

Hi Kathleen,
I do like your sense of humor.  Like you I added Associates early on but have pretty much stopped.  I thought at first it would be a great way to find people in different areas if I had a referral but I've discovered that I am familiar enough with members that I don't need that as a reminder.

But.....now my child will be ready for college in a few years so I wonder how many Associates I need to collect enough for that first year's tuition?

What? You mean you are not saving me from bankruptcy? I thought I had clear sailing with 183 associates!!!!  Actually, I was under the impression that Associates meant if we had a referral we would use these people in different parts of the country and that we had added them because we read some of their posts and felt that we knew them somewhat.   If I am still alive by the time your 75th rolls around, send me an invite:)

It is a great question. I think it shows the AR community and reader that your approval rating is higher by having members willing to associate with you.  Like a vote of approval for your blogging skills and topics.

Kathleen, LOL, good post and Happy Pre-75th to you incase I miss the day.

Kathleen-I added you as an associate a while back. I think of associates as people who made a positive impression on my and I want to remember in the future. Maybe with a referral, if we are both lucky.

These are just people whose blogs you read or that if you had a client that needs to be sent to another state could be helpful to you in making sure that they are satisfied.

I'm going to add you as an associate right now.  I'll be waiting for my party invitation...

<<<smile>>> Now that is why I enjoy your posts, you make me smile! I add people as associates for the very reasons Rich Quigley stated above! If they have made a good impression on me and referrals would be a possibility.