My response:In last few months, I accepted every LinkedIn invitation (200+), talked to every person who asked for my time (despite their highly unprofessional behavior), reviewed essays (for free) and still almost no one expressed any gratitude. Thoughts?
Your article has been among the top 15 most viewed ones in 2017. Speaks a lot about the value folks see in it. Something for you to be proud about.
The not-so-great part about such visibility, & the generosity you show to people who approach you, is that a lot of them start taking the help for granted.
What you've experienced is something I've been facing every single day for over a decade. People who genuinely appreciate (free) help are very few.
Which is why, though I try to help as many people as I can, I've also started becoming selective about who I will go the extra distance for.
I don't accept all LinkedIn invites. I draw a line between what I'll do for free (e.g. general tips) and what I won't (e.g. MBA essay reviews).
You can start doing the same. Decide which LinkedIn invites you'll accept.
It's perfectly fine to turn down requests for help when you aren't fully convinced about their intention or attitude.