You seem to be suggesting that there's a lot of overlap between LinkedIn, Facebook, and your address book (in Outlook or otherwise). That's true, and certainly

You seem to be suggesting that there's a lot of overlap between LinkedIn, Facebook, and your address book (in Outlook or otherwise). That's true, and certainly it suggests a certain blurring between work and personal life. My incredulity stems from the inherent contradiction in the linked article, where the author not only slams Microsoft for lacking a social component in its email, but also for not making its software simpler. An email client is very simple: it allows me to have asynchronous conversations with other people in plain text, and keeps records of what's been said. Adding a "social" element doesn't make it better, it just distracts from the simple act of communication. I completely agree that Facebook is an invaluable way to keep in touch with people, in both personal and professional contexts. But staying in touch is a different sort of interaction than having a precise, nuanced conversation. Communication isn't homogeneous, and just because Facebook is good at one kind doesn't mean it's the perfect medium for all communication. Anyone who says differently has drunk too much kool-aid.