LinkedIn, What's Happened to You?

Dear LinkedIn,

This may come as a shock, but I need to see other platforms. I've sneaked around on you before, yet I always return because you've been the most professional social network and I've blindly maintained a sense of loyalty. But I'm afraid I just can't go on like this any longer. 

You were always utilitarian in a way that served my needs perfectly: you were a repository for my online CV; you allowed me to connect with other people I've met in real life; you allowed me to share links, join groups and even pen longer pieces.

But lately, you've let yourself go. Your new messaging interface is confusing. It's all too easy to click on "Add Connections" when I'm trying to get to the dropdown "See invitations" from the notifications toolbar. And good Lord —those invitations! I have to hover over the little mail icon just to see the message, and since you no longer allow users to customize their connection requests, every single invitation begins with "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn."

Every. Single. One.

Maybe there's a way to customize that. If so, I haven't found it on the mobile app. And the "slick" interface you've created on the web version on the "People You May Know" page is full of "Connect" buttons — which, when I click on them, shoot out a request without giving me the option to customize an invitation message.

That's awfully inconsiderate and impersonal. And in this hyperconnected world where we're all looking for contextual relevance, you've managed to remove it.

I would hope that at your age and maturity (not to mention your market cap), you'd be able to hire some UX designers that could give you the counseling and therapy that you so desperately need right now. If you do that, I know you'll make some other lucky users very happy in the future. But for now, I need a break.

To be clear: it's not me, it's you.

— Scott

Originally (and ironically) published on LinkedIn.

Your Thoughts

Am I alone here? What's your experience been with LinkedIn? Chime in with a comment.

Image credit: "James Campbell - News from My Lad - Google Art Project"

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