Is Linked In all it's linked up to be?

Linked In has three times the number of registered users than any other professional networking site on the Internet. But do these numbers automatically mean that Linked In provides a better service than the next networking site? I have read several reviews on the value of the website. And surprisingly, its praises are not being sung throughout the web as I would have expected. The general consensus claims an invasion of privacy. Linked In works with Outlook to install various features to your system, including collecting contacts from your received mail, uploading your current contacts list. These are innovative and interesting features, however problems can arise when contacts are collected from junk mail or your contact lists would rather not be bothered. Simply put, Linked In attempts to extract as much information from you as they can. All the while proclaiming they are protecting your privacy. But the key data which drives the business is your connectivity to others. Even if you give them every ounce of information you have, how realistic is it that you will respond to a request from someone four degrees away?

Basically, if you are not desperately searching to find a new job, hire staff or consultants, or sell products to specific industries, Linked In is a waste of your time. And, how many people professionally network just for fun? That being said, the most successful businessmen are not going to be looking to hire from the site. They seek a level of quality that cannot be conveyed through a website. I don’t care how popular it is. There just doesn’t appear to be enough economic value in the relationships facilitated by the social networking websites.