LinkedIn: A Fundamental Problem with the Site

I’ve tried. Seriously. I’ve really tried to embrace LinkedIn as much as possible.

I’ve got an ample number of connections, take part in group discussions, answer questions, shar links in my feed… but it just doesn’t do it for me from a conversational standpoint.

They’ve given the site some needed social tools, but LinkedIn itself can’t fix one issue that stands out like a sore thumb to me.

Groups.

In theory, LinkedIn groups are a great place to discuss various topics with like minded people. That happens on occasion, but it’s always as if the party is interrupted by someone pitching something or people that are trying to out “expert” each other.

You’ve seen this happen right?

Someone will start a discussion and a couple replies will be posted. Then, all of the sudden the “experts” start weighing in it becomes a game of “I’m smarter than the last person that left a comment.”

I could be 100% wrong here, but when this pattern ensues it seems like the discussion and learning opportunity are drastically hindered.

Yes, I’ll continue to use LinkedIn because it’s one of the many tools I need to be familiar with, but I certainly don’t see myself falling in love with the site. Oh, and if you want to connect with me on the site feel free to do so.

Is this an issue? What value do you see in LinkedIn?