Stature Software

Archive for July, 2008

Fake LinkedIn Users

July 7th, 2008 by Gregory Silvano Posted in LinkedIn | 2 Comments »

Really, I have absolutely no idea why this bugs me so much, but man does it bug me.  Fake LinkedIn users are all over the site, especially in the Answers section.

How do you spot them?  Easy:

1)   Very generic name

2)  Zero connections or just one connection to somebody else with just one connection

3)  They ask lots of stupid or inflammatory questions

 I first realized this was happening when I saw a question from Jessica Jones.  Her (probably his) questions are odd and frequently offensive.  Why is she fake?  Let’s see, there is no “Hostile Games” company and Jessica Jones is a fictional character from Marvel Comics.  I complained to LinkedIn a few times about her, but her/his profile still exists.  Check out the “Jessica’s Questions” link on the profile to find some gems.

Even more frustrating are the countless LinkedIn users who actually answer her/his questions.  I just feel like we’re all getting duped, and I hate feeling like the fool.  I suspect the profiles are created by somebody doing a paper on social web sites or human interaction or something like that.  But do that on MySpace or Facebook.  Leave LinkedIn to the professionals, please.

LinkedIn needs to do something about this.  It’s a growing problem and erodes my trust of their network.

 Tags: LinkedIn

Google Maps Street View – Heh?

July 4th, 2008 by Gregory Silvano Posted in Technology | No Comments »

I was checking out the Google Maps Street View in my area and came across this, um, useful view.

You’d think Google would give its vehicle drivers a simple rule: don’t take pictures at night.  Wouldn’t common sense rule that pictures in total darkness aren’t very useful?

 Tags: google maps, street view

LinkedIn is Slow, Slow, Slow

July 3rd, 2008 by Gregory Silvano Posted in LinkedIn | 18 Comments »

I can’t be the only one with this problem.  LinkedIn has been sloooooow lately.  I think they’re having some network/bandwidth/scalability issues.  I doubt it’s me – all other sites are still nice and quick to load.

Has LinkedIn grown too quickly?  Is the new UI running some inefficient code?

 Tags: LinkedIn, performance

Twitter Mobile Device Setup

July 2nd, 2008 by Gregory Silvano Posted in Twitter | No Comments »

OK, I’m not a total idiot but am I missing something with setting up Twitter’s mobile device and IM account?

I sent an SMS confirmation code message to 40404 (via my Blackberry) and…nothing.

I added twitter@twitter.com to my Google Talk Buddies list and sent the verification code via IM, and…nothing.

I had Twitter scan my Gmail account and pull up 400 contacts.  14 were users of Twitter, so I checked those checkboxes and finished the import process, and…nothing.  They’re not set up as Friends in my account.

The Twitter setup process leaves a lot to be desired.  I’m a technical guy and I’m lost.  Just imagine the countless business folks who are trying to use Twitter but don’t even know where to begin.

I know Twitter wasn’t originally designed for anybody above the legal drinking age, but if they want to make some money they’re going to need to cater to the >30 crowd.

 Tags: design, setup, Twitter