The LinkedIn vs Facebook Debate: My two cents!
Who's To Judge Inappropriate Posts?
The real Question is: Why are you on LinkedIn?
The common answer will be Networking!
So what is networking (more specifically “Social Networking”)?
Social network sites are defined as web-based services which allow individuals to:
(1) construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system,
(2) articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and
(3) view and traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system.
What makes social network sites unique is not that they allow individuals to meet strangers, but rather that they enable users to articulate and make visible their social networks. This can result in connections between individuals that would not otherwise be made, but that is often not the goal, and these meetings are frequently between “latent ties”!
Back to LinkedIn vs Facebook...
Every so often, People are commenting "take that to Facebook", “Not appropriate for this Site”, “Not Professional” or "this isn't Facebook."
We all know and understand: we ourselves are all accountable for who we allow into our network, we do not have to accept or continue to connect with people of other professions that may post or like information, pictures, or other media that is deemed unacceptable to us or felt to be inappropriate.
I agree, some content should not be on LinkedIn, but I don't see anything wrong with most of the content that some of us believe shouldn't be here.
For example:
Celebrations – Office party, Birthday, anniversary, etc. In one incident a young female professional posted a photo on her birthday. Her photo with two of her friends, all of them in business professional clothing. Yet, some still commented that it wasn't appropriate to post the photo, while others simply wished her a Happy Birthday!
Professional Work - A professional body paint artist posted a photo showcasing her (truly awesome) talent. Granted, anyone could easily tell the model was nude BEFORE the body paint was applied, but the artist covered her model with more-than-enough body paint so that there wasn't even a hint of nudity (and obviously, LinkedIn has no problem with it). A few although a minority commenters had to sound-off.
Politics – Now that is a kicker!
Any post of the political climate and the Social Police attack! Instead of engaging in the debate on the topic, issue, or incident. People run to defend and praise their candidate and hound the post/er with insults/slurs. With demands of not professional to post! And some challenge the accuracy – justified – regardless of bias!
It may interest people to reflect that those who scream the loudest are the ones who claim to be tolerant and accommodating of all. Yet any contradiction then the sirens blare loud!
However, I challenge those of you who claim you are committed to professional appearance and utilize this forum to its professional networking level. Yes, this is a professional/business networking site! But how are you using it?
Personally, I am not on here only to read your resume or congratulate you on your work anniversary. Although, as many of you know firsthand, in respecting this network, I do send out the endorsements and congratulatory messages to my connections and on their posts.
But my frustration is provoked, more than the occasional model in a bikini or young male executive at his favorite bar, when that as self-entitled professional, on a professional business network, do not even acknowledge with a “thank you” for my networking attempts.
I’d would even appreciate a, does not apply to us at this time. Any intelligent acknowledgement, I personally think, is what will keep this forum professional and alive and stand apart from any other social media network.
Interestingly some complain about sales pitches, but isn't that what this forum supports?
Fact is anyone can block, remove connections and leave sales conversations but it’s as simple as that, delete or leave. If necessary I have and will report material which I deem is completely vulgar or unrelated. But in all other cases I will and do respect sales professionals pitching their sales through a business network. Is that not what networking and this Network platform for? Otherwise, what stands LinkedIn apart from Facebook then?
Professionals, Professionalism and Networking:
Professor regardless of topic of study is seen as a professional.
Lawyer, IT (developer, administrator, recruiter, etc) CPA, Real Estate, Investor, Banker, Insurance advisor Marketing and Advertising, Engineer, are apparently known professions.
Many challenge that Religion can be a profession – However a Theologian (preacher regardless of faith is a professional)
Equally a Politician – regardless of party affiliation, as are their staff members, lobbyists, aids, etc.
Point being there are many professionals in many different professions and that is what Linkedin is all about, connecting people together to form alliances to grow in knowledge, communication and business development. Linkedin does not provide a segregated community, You do by choosing your connections based on their profile, their profession and your previous acquaintance with them.
Question:
What I want to know from everyone is:
Where do YOU draw the line from what is Professional?
As for that which is not appropriate on LinkedIn?
For those of you who leave comments telling people to take their posts to Facebook, have you considered using the "I don't want to see this" feature that is attached on, I believe, every single LinkedIn post / update?
With as many people that post non-professional political views and photos of cars and lions on their timelines (which don't bother me)!
I think some people take the "LinkedIn vs Facebook Debate" out of proportion - but maybe it's just me.
In order to keep your viewing information appropriate to what you would like to see there is a solution; Take control of your Professional Connections, instead of writing on a post that you find inappropriate maybe you should write the connection that liked, shared or commented on the post and ask them why they felt that is appropriate, or maybe the best solution would be to remove that connection from your network.
I have deleted several connections based on the fact that they are interested in professions or connections that I feel are not important to my network.
To everyone who comments telling me to read, be wise, check my facts, take it of LinkedIn, not an appropriate post, Get a job, get a life, etc. Thank you!! Because we are networking and learning by sharing!!
Take ownership and stop being offended.
Eventually if you delete enough connections you will not see the posts that offend you.
Everyone cannot be you, choose to make your network yours. Share so that we can enlighten those that just don't think about an easy solution.
After all, LinkedIn is still a SOCIAL network - targeted for professionals.
Professional opinions and feedback welcomed!
Discuss! Debate! Share! Like! Tell me THIS post belongs on Facebook! Go!
Just my two cents.
Because That Is Networking!!
People are the most valuable resource any business has. Let's work together to help you hire better , support, motivate and reward your team for less turnover, higher productivity and success for all!
8 年My main reason for joining LinkedIn was the business focus and that it definitely wasn't Facebook where it's expected to share family photos, your lunch menu and political tirades. I may have totally misunderstood the purpose of LinkedIn, but I consider it a place to share serious business knowledge, talk about trends, engage in discussions and network with peers in specific discussion groups. Yes, anything CAN be posted to any social site and a bit of levity on LinkedIn at times is fine but, followed to the logical conclusion, do we really want indistinguishable social sites? LinkTwitbookchat? The farther LinkedIn drifts towards being a Facebook for business people, the more I'll be looking forward to joining another site that recaptures a business focus and purpose.
Sales Enablement & Sales Operations Leader
8 年Richard Sherry
Nationally recognized LinkedIn Authority Expert at makeurdreamsareality
8 年Very good opinion on the subject of networking and professionalism
Security Operations Manager U.S. Army
8 年Great article and discussion, I agree with many of your points. LinkedIn is a networking site originally designed, I think to promote professional business connections. I see many people posting this is not Facebook. Well there are no games to play here, there are a few silly or outrageous photos posted, but for the most part it is a site where people of all professions can connect with like minded individuals. I have made connections and have gotten my first public speaking engagement from a LinkedIn connection. It doesn't matter what site you might use there will always be someone who posts something they find humorous or political. Deal with it and move on.. you waste more time complaining and typing a post this is not Facebook then you would if you ignore the things you don't like and read the great articles on leadership that are posted here.