Comments on: Facebook Has LinkedIn In Their Crosshairs http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/ Startup and Tech News Sat, 17 May 2008 05:40:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: A LinkedIn to the Past at Blog P.I. http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1909729 A LinkedIn to the Past at Blog P.I. Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:37:21 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1909729 [...] much chatter in the tech blogosphere over the past year about whether business-oriented social network LinkedIn would fade in the face [...] […] much chatter in the tech blogosphere over the past year about whether business-oriented social network LinkedIn would fade in the face […]

]]> By: Facebook Just Ain’t For Business, Get Over It (Business Needs Social Networking in Context)| Zoli’s Blog http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1763793 Facebook Just Ain’t For Business, Get Over It (Business Needs Social Networking in Context)| Zoli’s Blog Sat, 17 Nov 2007 01:20:06 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1763793 [...] Facebook vs LinkedIn debate heated up again today, for the millionth time. The Facebook Fanclub’s recurring theme [...] […] Facebook vs LinkedIn debate heated up again today, for the millionth time. The Facebook Fanclub’s recurring theme […]

]]> By: Alon http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1679655 Alon Wed, 17 Oct 2007 07:43:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1679655 Is facebook down now? It seems that they are expiriencing some troubles for the last few hours. Is facebook down now?
It seems that they are expiriencing some troubles for the last few hours.

]]> By: Lindy Asimus http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1679268 Lindy Asimus Wed, 17 Oct 2007 02:25:41 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1679268 I think it doesn't do to get too attached to any of these networks. Just make sure you have saved your most valuable connected people into a database that you control, so that if one of them implodes, or locks you out (as I am given to understand has happened), then you still have the means to keep in touch. Change is inevitable. Meanwhile I was interested to see this little app that lets you view your LinkedIn contacts while in FB. LinkedIn Contacts http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=5894318459 I think it doesn’t do to get too attached to any of these networks. Just make sure you have saved your most valuable connected people into a database that you control, so that if one of them implodes, or locks you out (as I am given to understand has happened), then you still have the means to keep in touch. Change is inevitable.

Meanwhile I was interested to see this little app that lets you view your LinkedIn contacts while in FB. LinkedIn Contacts http://www.facebook.com/apps/a.....5894318459

]]> By: Rusty Weston http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1678871 Rusty Weston Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:02:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1678871 This is good news for those of us who tend to blend personal and professional relationships but sometimes wish to draw a bright line between the two. I blogged about this issue (http://www.myglobalcareer.com/archives/2007/08/29/misadventures-on-facebook/ ) and would like to see more granularity in choosing what we can reveal. This granular control over who sees what is particularly important for job seekers. I'm hoping that the group feature solves it. Meanwhile, I'd also like the ability to pick and choose which types of apps my 'friends' can expose me too. If I see another frickin gold star or fake cocktail again it will be too soon. ;-) This is good news for those of us who tend to blend personal and professional relationships but sometimes wish to draw a bright line between the two. I blogged about this issue (http://www.myglobalcareer.com/archives/2007/08/29/misadventures-on-facebook/ ) and would like to see more granularity in choosing what we can reveal. This granular control over who sees what is particularly important for job seekers. I’m hoping that the group feature solves it.

Meanwhile, I’d also like the ability to pick and choose which types of apps my ‘friends’ can expose me too. If I see another frickin gold star or fake cocktail again it will be too soon. ;-)

]]> By: Q http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1678445 Q Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:06:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1678445 I am a developer and have done a lot of work with service APIs [i.e., Google, Technorati, etc.]. In my opinion, the problem with Facebook is that it is so well documented and so easy to build applications that many developers may pass-- thinking the function already exists. I have not waded through even a percent of the available tools for that service. The other problem with-- Facebook, it is closed -- meaning a password is required from the application side that has to go through an external process. Adding the meeting networking to the API mix -- not sure if it is going to be a draw-- either for developers or users. That said-- I am very impressed with Facebook and keep trying to figure a way to make it do more for my business efforts. Regina Thomas QiSoftware.com I am a developer and have done a lot of work with service APIs [i.e., Google, Technorati, etc.]. In my opinion, the problem with Facebook is that it is so well documented and so easy to build applications that many developers may pass– thinking the function already exists. I have not waded through even a percent of the available tools for that service.

The other problem with– Facebook, it is closed — meaning a password is required from the application side that has to go through an external process.

Adding the meeting networking to the API mix — not sure if it is going to be a draw– either for developers or users.

That said– I am very impressed with Facebook and keep trying to figure a way to make it do more for my business efforts.

Regina Thomas
QiSoftware.com

]]> By: Jeremy http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676582 Jeremy Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:41:54 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676582 Not everyone wants to spend all of their free time (or time goofing off at work) on the Internet. In fact MOST people don't want to spend all of their time that way. I am one of those people and it turns out that most of my friends are the same way. So, I signed up for facebook. I used it for awhile and then stopped. Why? Because none of my friends was interested enough to spend the time to make facebook worthwhile for us. Linked-in, however, has worked well for me. It is not a site I need to visit frequently to make it worthwhile. I have established a substantial network of colleagues on LI. I know it is there and will be there when I need it. I don't need to visit it everyday to make it worthwhile. It would be a real pain to have to re-create that network somewhere else. So, unless FB and LI merge in some way, I don't see me and my professional contacts moving to FB. I also wonder about the longevity of FB given that it sounds like there is a generation gap. When I was MZ's age, I thought the friends I had would last forever. But the social graph changes. Many of the friends fall away and new ones are made. Most importantly, the friends move all over the world, get married and have children. After that, no one seems to have time anymore. As the FB generation gets older they will have less time to spend on Facebook. Traffic will decrease unless they can continue to bring in the younger generation. How do they do that if FB tries to mature with its current core audience? Its going to be very interesting to watch this evolve. I am not willing to be on anyone yet. Not everyone wants to spend all of their free time (or time goofing off at work) on the Internet. In fact MOST people don’t want to spend all of their time that way. I am one of those people and it turns out that most of my friends are the same way. So, I signed up for facebook. I used it for awhile and then stopped. Why? Because none of my friends was interested enough to spend the time to make facebook worthwhile for us. Linked-in, however, has worked well for me. It is not a site I need to visit frequently to make it worthwhile. I have established a substantial network of colleagues on LI. I know it is there and will be there when I need it. I don’t need to visit it everyday to make it worthwhile. It would be a real pain to have to re-create that network somewhere else. So, unless FB and LI merge in some way, I don’t see me and my professional contacts moving to FB.

I also wonder about the longevity of FB given that it sounds like there is a generation gap. When I was MZ’s age, I thought the friends I had would last forever. But the social graph changes. Many of the friends fall away and new ones are made. Most importantly, the friends move all over the world, get married and have children. After that, no one seems to have time anymore. As the FB generation gets older they will have less time to spend on Facebook. Traffic will decrease unless they can continue to bring in the younger generation. How do they do that if FB tries to mature with its current core audience? Its going to be very interesting to watch this evolve. I am not willing to be on anyone yet.

]]> By: SEO in China http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676450 SEO in China Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:58:43 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676450 For business networking I definitely prefer LinkedIn to Facebook, the only thing that they lack of is traffic :) For business networking I definitely prefer LinkedIn to Facebook, the only thing that they lack of is traffic :)

]]> By: Valorie Luther http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676442 Valorie Luther Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:53:03 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676442 I don't believe this story at all. Facebook is not only not set up for networking but it appears they don't want people to do business on Facebook. My client's profile got mysteriously shut down by Facebook 2x. They said no one can have a company profile on the site, my client then put up her personal profile and they just shut it down this weekend. No warning, no communication. My client only shared industry news and health tidbits with like minded people (who love tea)...nothing on the profile ever said "go buy here" and of course no profanity or inappropriate behavior! I call this the dark side of Facebook...how come you aren't covering that? When I called their headquarters (and it was hard to find the number), the receptionist said that they get hundreds of calls per day from distressed users...of course there isn't a 800 number to call or an email address where someone answers you quickly (it took them close to 5 days to answer my first round of questions as to why the profile was shut down)....so if these guys are supposedly selling for $10million, where are the business people/buyers who should be looking at good old fashioned proccesses like due process, effective communication, and efficient customer service??? Or has good old fashioned PR (and now blogs) stepped in to put a bright glow around Facebook? I don’t believe this story at all. Facebook is not only not set up for networking but it appears they don’t want people to do business on Facebook. My client’s profile got mysteriously shut down by Facebook 2x. They said no one can have a company profile on the site, my client then put up her personal profile and they just shut it down this weekend. No warning, no communication. My client only shared industry news and health tidbits with like minded people (who love tea)…nothing on the profile ever said “go buy here” and of course no profanity or inappropriate behavior! I call this the dark side of Facebook…how come you aren’t covering that? When I called their headquarters (and it was hard to find the number), the receptionist said that they get hundreds of calls per day from distressed users…of course there isn’t a 800 number to call or an email address where someone answers you quickly (it took them close to 5 days to answer my first round of questions as to why the profile was shut down)….so if these guys are supposedly selling for $10million, where are the business people/buyers who should be looking at good old fashioned proccesses like due process, effective communication, and efficient customer service??? Or has good old fashioned PR (and now blogs) stepped in to put a bright glow around Facebook?

]]> By: James http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676394 James Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:19:15 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676394 Not everybody wants to mix their business and personal lives. My view is: Facebook for friends LinkedIn for business contacts Not everybody wants to mix their business and personal lives. My view is:

Facebook for friends
LinkedIn for business contacts

]]> By: Jim Fish http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676388 Jim Fish Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:12:19 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676388 Why would anyone with an ounce of credibility use facebook for professional purposes, unless your workday starts after 9PM? Why would anyone with an ounce of credibility use facebook for professional purposes, unless your workday starts after 9PM?

]]> By: Graham Johnston http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676352 Graham Johnston Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:30:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676352 "Currently, users can only choose between Friendship, A Relationship, Dating, Random Play and Whatever I Can Get as their reason for being on Facebook." These aren't the reasons for being on Facebook, they are just the options to list a user's romantic relationship status. “Currently, users can only choose between Friendship, A Relationship, Dating, Random Play and Whatever I Can Get as their reason for being on Facebook.”

These aren’t the reasons for being on Facebook, they are just the options to list a user’s romantic relationship status.

]]> By: Graham Chastney (oak-grove) http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676276 Graham Chastney (oak-grove) Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:19:27 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676276 <strong>Facebook - Mixing Personal and Professional...</strong> I tend to have two worlds that I keep reasonably separate - personal and professional. There is, of course, some overlap, but for the most part, my professional relationships are different to my personal ones. I keep this principle in... Facebook - Mixing Personal and Professional…

I tend to have two worlds that I keep reasonably separate - personal and professional. There is, of course, some overlap, but for the most part, my professional relationships are different to my personal ones. I keep this principle in…

]]> By: marc dahan, israel http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676264 marc dahan, israel Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:04:30 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676264 undoubtely, there is a place for a facebook-like dedicated to coworkers undoubtely, there is a place for a facebook-like dedicated to coworkers

]]> By: trt http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676051 trt Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:42:39 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676051 Its an emotional game? Its an emotional game?

]]> By: taige http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676011 taige Mon, 15 Oct 2007 08:51:32 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1676011 I am just really tired of social networking right now... it's getting ridiculous. There's like a million sites out there. And people are still talking so much about them... I started using facebook in 04, so it's getting quite old for me. and interesting i know at least 10 people who've stopped using it. Dang. And I keep getting Hi5 invites and "tags". Just don't know when all this facebook social networking talk will cool down. I am just really tired of social networking right now… it’s getting ridiculous.

There’s like a million sites out there. And people are still talking so much about them… I started using facebook in 04, so it’s getting quite old for me. and interesting i know at least 10 people who’ve stopped using it. Dang. And I keep getting Hi5 invites and “tags”. Just don’t know when all this facebook social networking talk will cool down.

]]> By: Mari Smith http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675870 Mari Smith Mon, 15 Oct 2007 06:19:41 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675870 I think it's all a personal choice and how you use any social system out there. I've had a profile on LinkedIN for a long time, and have a decent number of contacts. But, as an independent consultant, I've never seen any measurable results from using LinkedIN. Facebook, on the other hand, is the perfect platform for BUSINESS networking. Within less than 3 months, I've built an extensive community that is strictly professional - no dating, flirting, or other frivolous nonsense. [lol]. I'm finding it ver easy to immediately connect with quality, like-minded people, find out all kinds of great things about them and start to build relationships. I think it’s all a personal choice and how you use any social system out there.

I’ve had a profile on LinkedIN for a long time, and have a decent number of contacts. But, as an independent consultant, I’ve never seen any measurable results from using LinkedIN.

Facebook, on the other hand, is the perfect platform for BUSINESS networking. Within less than 3 months, I’ve built an extensive community that is strictly professional - no dating, flirting, or other frivolous nonsense. [lol]. I’m finding it ver easy to immediately connect with quality, like-minded people, find out all kinds of great things about them and start to build relationships.

]]> By: Jeff Fitzsimmons http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675647 Jeff Fitzsimmons Mon, 15 Oct 2007 03:38:19 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675647 Great post. I am really excited about these new developments because we are launching an app on Wednesday, called Hobnob! that is designed to help people access their extended friend network for business connections. With these new Facebook features, we (meaning me and other people that use Facebook) can separate some business contacts while intermingling others with/as friends (like the real world works!) I am using Facebook MUCH more than any of the other networks because it is a great blend of catching up on friend's photos/activities/whereabouts and an extensive networking tool. Facebook users were originally college only and these are the people that are graduating into the workforce. They need to build a professional network and if they can do it smoothly and efficiently within a network that they are already comfortable and ingrained in, why switch to another? Great post. I am really excited about these new developments because we are launching an app on Wednesday, called Hobnob! that is designed to help people access their extended friend network for business connections.

With these new Facebook features, we (meaning me and other people that use Facebook) can separate some business contacts while intermingling others with/as friends (like the real world works!)

I am using Facebook MUCH more than any of the other networks because it is a great blend of catching up on friend’s photos/activities/whereabouts and an extensive networking tool.

Facebook users were originally college only and these are the people that are graduating into the workforce. They need to build a professional network and if they can do it smoothly and efficiently within a network that they are already comfortable and ingrained in, why switch to another?

]]> By: Tom http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675567 Tom Mon, 15 Oct 2007 02:16:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675567 I know this is a plug, but I felt it was relevant. My company created a facebook app that allows users to search for service providers(other users). It is ideal for people that want to find new customers without being bombarded by recruiters. We created it quickly and are now in the process of reworking it and adding new features. You can find it via my name link above... I know this is a plug, but I felt it was relevant. My company created a facebook app that allows users to search for service providers(other users). It is ideal for people that want to find new customers without being bombarded by recruiters. We created it quickly and are now in the process of reworking it and adding new features. You can find it via my name link above…

]]> By: Liam http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675455 Liam Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:32:21 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675455 The only people using facebook for business: Musicians, carneys, web-cam girls, club promoters, affiliate marketers, etc. The only people using facebook for business: Musicians, carneys, web-cam girls, club promoters, affiliate marketers, etc.

]]> By: Voices http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675391 Voices Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:43:12 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675391 The easiest solution for Facebook is to develop "profile templates" allowing the user to select how they want to use the application. Account types could be; student, personal, business, organization etc... Why hasn't this been done yet? The easiest solution for Facebook is to develop “profile templates” allowing the user to select how they want to use the application. Account types could be; student, personal, business, organization etc… Why hasn’t this been done yet?

]]> By: phenom http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675354 phenom Sun, 14 Oct 2007 22:38:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675354 LinkedIn is for professionals, but most users aren't professionals. No wonder why facebook rocks and is better, in my opinion, than linkedin. http://vidsonly.blogspot.com LinkedIn is for professionals, but most users aren’t professionals. No wonder why facebook rocks and is better, in my opinion, than linkedin.

http://vidsonly.blogspot.com

]]> By: larry http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675332 larry Sun, 14 Oct 2007 22:22:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675332 I used to use facebook, and myspace. I also use LinkedIn. I have started using searchles past two month or so. I have been really enjoying it compare to others. Anyone else is a member of searchles who can share his/her expereince with me? Either reply here, or if a searchles users, my display name is Geek on the site. please, fine me and reply there. Thanks Larry I used to use facebook, and myspace. I also use LinkedIn. I have started using searchles past two month or so. I have been really enjoying it compare to others. Anyone else is a member of searchles who can share his/her expereince with me? Either reply here, or if a searchles users, my display name is Geek on the site. please, fine me and reply there. Thanks Larry

]]> By: Sam http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675202 Sam Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:49:35 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675202 It makes perfect sense that Facebook would go after, or open up for more professional networking. See my post on this topic http://decker.typepad.com/welcome/2007/07/why-facebook-wi.html It makes perfect sense that Facebook would go after, or open up for more professional networking. See my post on this topic
http://decker.typepad.com/welc.....ok-wi.html

]]> By: Geoff McQueen http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675195 Geoff McQueen Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:43:23 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/13/facebook-has-linkedin-in-the-crosshairs/#comment-1675195 @ Jack (#27): Spot on. I fit that demo and I've been shocked at the number of people from all sorts of places in my past - college of course, but also non school stuff - who've found me and added me to Facebook. It is "the" social network for people who move beyond the more teenager MySpace, and I've got no plans on going elsewhere. A significant number of these people are becoming business related contacts as well. Business related contacts are also adding me and looking me up; at a dinner with some business types the other night the suggestion was to "add me as a friend on Facebook" instead of doing the business card thing. If they enabled networking, and some of their contacts enabled networking... well, it would seem like a natural place to do that sort of thing without doing it in the aggressive recruiting salesperson type of way... @ Jack (#27):

Spot on. I fit that demo and I’ve been shocked at the number of people from all sorts of places in my past - college of course, but also non school stuff - who’ve found me and added me to Facebook. It is “the” social network for people who move beyond the more teenager MySpace, and I’ve got no plans on going elsewhere.

A significant number of these people are becoming business related contacts as well. Business related contacts are also adding me and looking me up; at a dinner with some business types the other night the suggestion was to “add me as a friend on Facebook” instead of doing the business card thing.

If they enabled networking, and some of their contacts enabled networking… well, it would seem like a natural place to do that sort of thing without doing it in the aggressive recruiting salesperson type of way…

]]>