It's not a dichotomy. It's risk aversion. When we share/publicize our work and ideas, we have control over what people see/hear. When it comes to references, we

It's not a dichotomy. It's risk aversion. When we share/publicize our work and ideas, we have control over what people see/hear. When it comes to references, we do not have control. One bad reference (from a spiteful co-worker, a bad manager, or anything else we're trying to leave behind us) can ruin a job opportunity, or even a career.