There's such a buzz about LinkedIn - everyone seems to be talking about it (some public mud-wrestling too) - Joi Ito, Marc Canter, Stuart Henshall, the Many-to-Many bloggers.

I got an invite and took the opportunity to sign-up to see firsthand what the buzz is all about.  Being naturally curious about online networks and communities, i can't help thinking that i like the basic concept of referrals, i don't mind paying for them - yet LinkedIn seems to be of little value to me today in its current form.

My two-bit grouses : 

1. Most of my searches result in a pretty senseless match - perhaps early days but i'd prefer to see 'noone' than the force-fits i seem to get

2. The profiles leave me cold ... i'd like to be able to link back somewhere to my blog, company url 

3. I'd like to be able to see the networks/connections of people in my network

4. It seems like a closed network - exclusive rather than welcoming or inclusive - a space more for people with already large networks and connections, already 'linked in' (which makes me wonder why they need yet another space). Maybe thats the way its designed.

5. Am a bit uneasy about opening myself up and leaving the system of referrals completely in the hands of the administrators - (maybe i'm missing something here) 

These issues make me uncomfortable ... i am hesitant to ask for a referral/request a contact or to invite others in.  Makes me wonder if there's some value in soft human profiles as well.

As someone living and working in India i'm not sure yet about what it offers me .... 

Then this is still in beta !