This is NOT Facebook

I've just spent 3 days trying to explain to very unprofessional people why I don't think that political propaganda should be permitted on LinkedIn. And I was genuinely irritated that there was no way for me to have it removed. I literally tried to report it, but was unsuccessful. I have said, repeatedly, that I think LinkedIn is just devolving into "Facebook in a suit".

I was insulted and accused and judged--in different ways, several times--by the same kind of people that posted the propaganda, when I expressed my frustration and disappointment. They called me names and accused me of things that were not true, just in an attempt to tell me that they have every right to say whatever they want, basically: "This is America". And that I'm a bad person (a fundamentally bad soul) for saying that I don't want political propaganda on a website that I come to for business-related activities. I think I held my own pretty well. But the bottom line? I still think that there should be some parameters around what should and should not happen here.

The post that I was wanting to report served no other purpose than to stimulate conflict. It was for no other reason than to create anger inside of the people reading it. It had no professional substance or social value to offer to readers that would help them expand their careers or become better people. I was told that I am closed-minded; I don't like anything other than my own opinions. Then I was told that I was hateful; my heart is genuinely toxic. Then I was told that I have no business telling people how to behave. It's not my right or my place.

I'll tell you why they were all wrong.

First of all, I love to disagree with people, because I love a respectful debate about the differences in thought and feeling that humans have, because that's what makes humans so fabulous: variety! My best friends in life are people who have the opposite personality of mine. I am actually an expert at teaching people how to "agree to disagree".

Second, I am very willing to put up with things that "push the envelope" because in doing so, I give myself the opportunity to step out of my own comfort zone, which is fundamental to propelling my own continuing personal growth. As a relationship coach, if I'm not willing and able to do that, then I have no business teaching it to others (pun intended).

Third, I do believe that it's okay to set a standard for behavior that is not negotiable, in a particular setting like this one. Just because it's not appropriate for this particular environment doesn't mean it's, by definition, something that should never be done. I just think that when people come here, to this website, they should have a certain standard for the things that they do and say. Not just in the content of their message, per se. But more importantly, in the delivery of it.

Let me give you an example:

Do I think a man's genitals are a bad thing? Absolutely not! I love what my husband shares with ONLY me, behind closed doors. And I happen to think that my breasts are quite delicious. But they only belong to him, and for a very special purpose. That does not involve anyone else. So no one other than him will ever see them. Period. Not negotiable.

There is a time and a place for everything. Political propaganda, that serves no professional purpose, posted by socially selfish people, in a confrontational way, does NOT belong on LinkedIn. It's something that belongs on Facebook. And Twitter. And will always be on Facebook. And Twitter. If you're interested in that, go ahead and jump over to one of those sites. They're open 24-7.

Please let me know if you agree. Or disagree! I'm fine taking a social inventory of my LI peers and colleagues and connections. You can agree or disagree. All I ask is that when you speak to me here, you do it in the same way you would be expected to do it in an office setting. That's what LinkedIn is supposed to be: An office--online.