Comments on: Why I Don’t Like LinkedIn Recommendations

By: Trevor Wilson

Trevor Wilson — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 02:26:51 +0000

I can see that we don’t see eye-to-eye on the matter, but I do appreciate having different perspectives on the site. Perhaps you can share your constructive thoughts on how to improve the LinkedIn Recommendations process and make it more transparent?

By: Justin

Justin — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:56:00 +0000

I think you are way too critical and self-centered. The way I see it, you are basically refusing to write a brief recommendation for a person who you admit to be a good friend who also does quality work. That’s pretty pathetic. You must think very highly of yourself to then rush off and write a ‘blog’ about this topic to justify your position and also lecture/educate us on your theory of things. I don’t use Linkedin much, or any other social media site for that matter but I think people like you are the worst as you make too many rules for yourself and others. If you don’t like giving recommendations and you just feel that they are a badge of honor, then I sure hope you have 0 recommendations and less than 50 connections because anything outside of that will make you a hypocrite.

By: Christina

Christina — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:31:01 +0000

I do the same as CB

By: Trevor Wilson

Trevor Wilson — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:02:07 +0000

I’m on the fence with this one. While I can understand how it can be considered a courtesy to recommend those who have recommended you, I believe that it steals from the validity of the recommendation.

Just my two cents…

By: David Shapiro

David Shapiro — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:37:46 +0000

I am a recent grad and have only used LinkedIn for less than a year. However,I thought it was common courtesy to recommend the person that recommends you.

When I was recommended by a former colleague (who I asked to recommend me), I took it upon myself to give him a great recommendation too. I never told him that I would. I just did it to show him (and others) that I trust his opinion and that I appreciate his kind words.

I understand how your situation is different though. Your friend was trying to give you an incentive when it wasn’t necessary.

By: Trevor Wilson

Trevor Wilson — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:01:08 +0000

That’s the best way to do it.

It ensures that LinkedIn recommendations retain their value (based on their intended purpose) and slows down the “gaming” of the system.

Thanks for commenting!

By: Curt Bizelli

Curt Bizelli — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:40:13 +0000

I only ask for recommendations from people that know me enough to do so, and I don’t just write recommendations for anybody – only people that I can properly give benefit to.

- CB