I asked for a referral from someone I know on AW. (Hi!
) I felt weird about doing it, but at the same time I have read on a lot of agent blogs about how they often get other clients from referrals. So it must be okay with them, and it must be pretty common, right? Anyway, I asked because this agent was one of my top choices and I felt like my writing meshed with what she was looking for. I also made it clear that it was okay for this author to refuse my request. She ended up saying she didn't have time to read my MS (no problem), but that I could definitely reference her in my query letter. Which I did. Aaaaand I got an instant rejection. C'est la vie.
Anyway, after doing that, I have to say I'd totally do it again if I was very interested in an agent who I knew repped someone else on AW. The first agent I had ("agent") I accepted because someone else on AW recommended them. It turned out to be bad for all of us. But I definitely don't hold it against that person. We're all responsible for our own careers, in the end.
Once I do get a reputable agent, I won't have an issue recommending other people. Actually I would love to help someone else get an agent, assuming their writing was up to standards. I also don't have a problem telling people I do not think they are ready yet or a suitable match. I mean, part of the awesomeness of Absolute Write is how we all support each other, and that includes networking. It's a part of any business... they say most people get jobs through personal connections, not sending out resumes. So why not in publishing too?