Thing 5: Linked In

Well, my jury's out on Linked In. For years I have received emails from friends requesting that I join their network on Linked In. And now, Thing #5 insists that this network is an important one for me to join. The problem is: I don't want to. Frankly, there's just a lot going on in my life. And it's not that I don't appreciate the value of Linked In. After watching a short video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzT3JVUGUzM) about how it works, and the benefits it can bring to someone who needs an advertising agency or assistance with various elements of their business, I get that there is something to be said for a network like this. However, I'm not sure I'll take the time to keep up my end of the bargain. I'm trying to get into Web 2.0 and this blog is a big step for me, as is joining a Ning (http://englishcompanion.ning.com/ - see Thing #6). But Linked In hasn't proved itself to me yet. So, I'm not going to join at this time. Perhaps I will see how my fellow bloggers feel about this Thing; if it's beneficial to them, then I'll reconsider. After all, isn't that what this blog is about - getting feedback and input from others who are wiser than I am? So, I'll wait and see.