One of our assignments this week is to create an account with Linkedin and StumbleUpon. Both sites seem to be fairly clean without a lot of advertisement.
When I reviewed these sites I tried to see them through the eyes of a potential employee, career networker and potential employer.
They aren’t bad sites, but after reviewing them, nothing jumps out at me to convince me that these sites are super advantageous. I don’t know. Once I am an established business person, I may change my mind and revisit these sites.
I do know that regardless of whether or not you actively use a site you join, you are permanently linked to that site by email, name, etc. The actual site title that you signed up for may not send spam or the like, but here is an example of part of Linkedin’s privacy policy. I highlighted some important parts of the partial citation. To read the entire policy, go to Linkedin and double click on their “privacy policy” at the bottom of their page:
"1. Number one out of seven (please check this out for yourself) “Personal information collected,” We collect information:
1. We use cookies and other technologies to recognize you, customize your experience, and serve
2. Like all websites, we automatically receive from your internet use information like your IP address, the URLs of sites from which you arrive or leave the LinkedIn website, your type of browser, your operating system, your mobile provider, your mobile device, and your ISP.
3. We retain information you provide in connection with third party services available through LinkedIn like surveys and polls or other third party research undertaken with your consent,” (linkedin, 2010).
StumbleUpon is a pretty nifty site. It reminds me of a refined FaceBook. It has all the features of FaceBook and tracks your interests and tailors search results to your personal interests and hobbies.
StumbleUpon’s privacy statement is pretty tight. If you do want to join a site like FaceBook but geared more toward your personal interest StumbleUpon may be a fun site to try.
I could only find one policy statement I did not like in StumbleUpon’s privacy statement:
“Any information contained on publicly available portions of the StumbleUpon website (e.g. member profiles or other areas that are not password protected) may be “crawled” by third party search engines. As a result, any Personal Information you include on such publicly available portions of the StumbleUpon website may be accessible through search engines in search results. Moreover information on publicly any information you place on publicly available portions of the website, including Personal Information, is accessible by any third party and is not subject to this Privacy Policy,” (StumbleUpon, 2010).
In conclusion, different Web sites can be a lot of fun and/or advantageous to join for networking and receiving information tailored to your interest. Just be a aware that once you sign up for them you are pretty much linked to them forever.
References:
I love Stumble. I have found so many useful pages for web design there. I keep mine set for just web related information. When I'm bored or thinking about a project I just hit the stumble button and see where it takes me. As for LinkedIn, it's another social site that I joined. I'm sure it will help with business related activities but I don't see any advantages to it over any other.
ReplyDeleteWow. That's awesome Chris. Love is a strong word!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to the day I feel more focused and know what direction I want to take in joining some extra sites. I also look forward to the day when I have some bored time, lol. Just not in the stars for me right now.
Thanks for the great information.
When I hit my second year things just clicked in and became much easier. My wife had told me that would happen, that I would "come into my own" about this time. I'm no longer learning new programs, I'm just using them so it is much less stressful. I started out taking a month to code a website and now I can do it in a weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about being linked forever. I set my accounts up and then, since I was there in the beginning, I go right back to where I left off. I had a LinkedIn account previously and when I went to their home page, it knew me...even though it had been awhile since I was on it. I am going to attempt to keep these accounts and update them as I can. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI just joined StumbleUpon this week and immediately wasted a few hours on it. It's addictive... but I loved the customized results.
ReplyDeleteHi Kay,
ReplyDeleteYou have some good information in your post! You are very knowledgeable! I have to admit I don't get into reading all the guidelines for the Social Networking sites, but I also don't really join any. I hate the idea that my name and email address can be permanently linked to a network. If I join a network I may decide later I don't want to be a part of it, so my information should not have to stay in the system. I guess the Social Network sites have their own opinion, that's for sure.
My biggest concern would be how much information of mine would be saved and who would be able to get it.
Enjoyed your post!
-10of20
Kay you are an inspiration to your classmates and have done some great research here. Great points and observations.
ReplyDeleteblankenfurter -- Thank you for the encouraging words! You’re a good egg (o:. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteAndie – I know. Isn’t it crazy how you log onto a site you haven’t logged onto for 5 years and they still know who you are? Talk about spam! Thanks for the comment. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Mike -- I am so glad you like StumbleUpon. They should pay you for your comment ;). Happy Holidays – have a safe and Happy New Year!
Cranberry Muffin – You get it! And you held your own! Hope to see you in future classes! Have a great break and a Happy Holiday Season!
Banshuwa – Happy Holiday to you and yours – wishing you a safe, happy and peaceful New Year!