I'd disagree that in-person networking is superior for most. Many are much more comfortable making those positive first impressions online because they are less

I'd disagree that in-person networking is superior for most. Many are much more comfortable making those positive first impressions online because they are less comfortable in face-to-face settings. Thankfully, by the time they are required to meet with others, they already have gained some points through their online interactions. The need to physically meet people has become much less important, and reputation seems to be the difference. There are probably hundreds of people on HN who have received work from people before meeting them live, and perhaps were even referred by people they've never met live.