A lot of people who write checks and make hiring decisions are 1) on it and 2) use it. A lot of them are not hackers and can't be bothered to have an indy web p

A lot of people who write checks and make hiring decisions are 1) on it and 2) use it. A lot of them are not hackers and can't be bothered to have an indy web presence, as easy as it may be, linked in is easier, if not more convenient (but obviously with a spammy tradeoff that doesn't seem to have cost them just yet). As an engineer with 10+ years experience, I realize that relationships matter a lot. Especially with people outside your world. And a lot of great work can be done with non technical people who bring other things to the table (money, IP, connections, reducing barriers to entry). So, imho, it's best not to shut off Linkedin as it's a decent enough channel of discovery and contact in the working world, bridging people with different experience, expertise and backgrounds. It's that mix that I like. Im not saying it can't be better - it can and should be. But network effects are in play, adding to it's value. It's not that easy to go at it differently.