Much has been written on email etiquette. Great stuff like blog.42floors.com/email-introduction-protocol/.<p>But everyone assumes:
1. The introducer wants the two parties to meet.
2. Both parties want to meet.
But what if this isn't the case.<p>Let's say a fried of mine (Jim) asks for an intro with my mentor. And either (a)My mentor says he doesn't want to meet Jim. Or (b) I think it's a waste of time for my mentor to meet Jim.<p>What do I say to Jim? Tell Jim my mentor is busy? Say "I'll check with my mentor," and not. Is it my job to play gatekeeper for my mentor? Or to repay Jim for the intros he's given me (by asking mentor if he has time for Jim)?
Depending on the situation and the relationship you have with Jim, saying "I'm not in a position to ask for that right now. Happy to help in other ways." might work.
Why not actually tell Jim the truth? Why not be open and honest? Anything else is being a bit of a douche, no?<p>I assume you would have a reason for declining the opportunity to make the introduction - help Jim to understand that.