Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm just getting old and tired. Maybe I'm just sick of the constant trolling, yelling and generally lots of people trying to out-asshole one another on so, so much of the internet. But I don't mind LinkedIn. I find the cynicism on display here very sad. Sure, there are plenty of narcissists and vapid people posting on LinkedIn. So? At least they're posting "inspirational" stuff, and you know what - even if its BS - if the net emotional effect on other people is generally positive - well wtf is wrong with that? The right kind of BS can be inspirational and drive good behaviours (just as the wrong kind can drive terrible behaviours) - I offer as evidence every religion ever.

For me, I use LinkedIn as my work memory. I've been working since 1987 and have had gigs at so many companies, and worked with so many good people over that time that it's literally impossible for me to remember my own resume (let alone names and faces). It's how I stay in touch with the people who move around and may be the one to help me get my next gig.

A lot of people on HN often go on about freedom of speech, but it just seems to me that where people are happy to defend asshole's speech, no matter how terrible, the kind of saccharine, do-gooder, positivity found on LinkedIn gets torn to shreds. Live and let live. If it's not your cup of tea, please feel free to develop and use an alternative. I'd love to see it. Unless its full of people being total assholes. Then I'll stick with LinkedIn. And HN.