LINKED IN-JUSTICE

Until early this morning, I was an active writer and self-publisher on the LinkedIn platform. Until, that is, I published a satirical post questioning the veracity of many LinkedIn profiles. Specifically, I questioned how there could be more that 2.5 million self-designated CEOs listed on LinkedIn, but less than 500,000 non-CEO senior executive managers.

U.S. CENSUS SAYS IT ISN'T SO...

I pointed out that U.S. Census statistics run opposite to this ratio, with some 400,000 CEOs being identified against more than 2 million non-CEO senior executive managers. I then detailed several other key LinkedIn statistics concerning claims in profiles to being thought leaders, leading edge innovators, success coaches, marketing gurus, entrepreneurs, and so on. And I argued that in each case the numbers of LinkedIn members claiming in their profiles to be these things are so large as to be preposterous, and a clear indication of rampant puffery.

My conclusion was that a significant number of LinkedIn profiles are most likely "faked" in one aspect or another. I also concluded that LinkedIn's "rules" against -- for example, a satirical writer such as I using a pen name -- are ridiculous, in view of that fact. Especially, since LinkedIn's recent introduction and promotion of what it calls its "long-post" publishing platform, which is much more literary, and less social-media-like than its heretofore common "update" and "sharing" platforms.

WHAT'S IN A NAME...OR A PROFILE, FOR THAT MATTER?

I argued that my use of a pen name was perfectly legitimate and, moreover, a time-honored tradition in literature. I maintained that my shielding of my identity was completely innocuous because, as a writer, my posted work speaks for itself. Unlike many seeking work and jobs via LinkedIn, I am not, did not,  and have never sought to secure paid work or anything else on the basis of "qualifications and skills" listed in my profile. In short, I said that, in my case, what you see is what you get. And you could see a substantial body of my work right there in my posts listed on my LinkedIn profile. All notwithstanding that my profile withheld some irrelevant personal information from public view.

DON'T MESS WITH THE LINKEDIN GODS...

Well, guess what. It seems that I stepped on the toes of the LinkedIn gods, because my account has been suspended, and my considerable body of work on LinkedIn is no longer available for viewing. No notice. No discussion. Just poof -- gone.

Perhaps, LinkedIn has just gotten too big and full of itself, if it cannot tolerate even a reasonable criticism. However, the "rapier sharp wit" of Jim Able will not be silenced. I am negotiating with a couple of national publications to do a feature article on Linked In-justice, as well as on the rampant self-certifying puffery that transpires in that particular venue. I have already found numbers of others who have been treated badly and autocratically by LinkedIn; and I expect that those numbers will grow as I pursue the story. Okay, LinkedIn, it's your platform. But it isn't your world.

NOT THE END OF THE STORY...

Follow this blog for updates and further developments. And please do email me with your thoughts, or post them as comments here. I am still available to all my old online friends, and welcome new ones who choose to communicate. All suggestions, comments, and criticisms will be treated seriously and with respect n-- at least with as much as I can muster for any subject..

Best regards from ―

Jim, the guy who writes because he's Able.


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