The Sixth Annual LinkedIn Awards

This is one awards show not affected by the Writer's strike. Because I am not paid? I don't care about ratings or impressions and the masses could not care less about my body of work.

Most Annoying Trend: Indifference

I have had people blow me off. When they are people I have met before who found better friends and then get angry when I leave dejected- it's no better than that hot tub party right after high school.

Because I don't want to devote a full article to this lesser experience where one woman jumped the shark (some people are nice until they are not) I caught the wave to a party after work. At the time I was not socially active. I also was not expecting a hot tub. I had no bathing suit and didn't want to- this is going to become an article.

The "In the Kingdom of the Blind the One Eyed Man is King" Award: Not knowing what to post.

I cannot imagine that problem. Is it like when Mitt Romney thought $250,000 per year was a middle class salary? I'll take it. I have no comprehension of "I don't post because I don't know what to say." Write like no one's looking. Chances are, they aren't.

Best Decision: Not Checking "Who Viewed Your Profile".

If you want to contact, it is not difficult. I have receive snide comments and then someone views my profile like they are superior to me. Even worse, I have commented with someone different, they make no comment and view my profile as if they are better than I am. At this point, I don't know and don't care. At least I am not bragging about how many view my profile and how many are anonymous. In my twelfth year on this site I still have not found value in anonymous views. It is not the gateway to communication.

Best Topic: The Challenges of Male Mental Health

Men are notorious for bottling up their feelings. I don't want to tag the men who have admitted deep dark secrets. It costs nothing to support each other. If you brag that you spend fifty thousand to join a mastermind and cannot express your feelings- it is no use.

Strangest Brag: How Much Someone Spends on Coaching

Coaching did for me what alcohol did to Amy Winehouse. It took a vulnerable talent and destroyed them. Beware of false prophets. Some have helpful coaches. I know of some effective coaches. Mention who helped you. Spending ten thousand dollars may or may not lead to something better. This is not gambling although the house always wins.

Far too frequently I was sent to professionals, they gave generic advice and did not care if I felt better because they were paid. There was no such thing as "Emotional Safety" when I spoke to therapists. Never again and time lost is never found again.

Best Gateway To Leadership: Young, attractive guys

I made one connection and he led me to:

Leadership on my job either comes from the middle or management reads off a list. There is a void filled by young, sensible men. And a few women. Anyone can do it.

Connection of the Year: Tyler Graham

Mando Sallivanti came on strong in the last few months. Keep in mind I have been shunned by married couples because no one made that a viable option. Some with children refuse to talk to me because I never fathered a child. If Robert DeNiro can make a baby as he is pushing eighty I can if a young woman wants to explore that option.

Not tonight. Tyler has six small children. I am baby adjacent. Who knew my sister would lead me to a VIP section of sorts? I don't mind when young men describe leadership and they don't mind when I discuss dealing with children. There are people who make this site worthwhile.

After dealing with a shockingly indifferent group it was a relief to come home, log onto LinkedIn and see posts from these guys. Take it as it comes. Some are better to meet in person. Others make you want to seek them out and meet in real life. Does that mean I am heading to a different part of South Carolina? Not tonight.