Social networking in legal profession : No rules please

Chris Kraft of Hubbard One posts today that when it comes to social networking for business (LinkedIn and the like) there are no rules, just take it for a spin.

People started using the Internet, not so long ago, to connect with people. Pure and simple. The trends around social networking are really just the latest manifestation of this desire to communicate with communities of people……With the evolving nature of the Internet, it is difficult to put exact structures around appropriate usage [of social networks for business purposes]. What might work today could drastically change tomorrow with the invention of a new feature, community or application. As noted in the Pew Internet article ‘What feels old and ‘traditional’ about the Internet to our respondents is that it’s a voluntary social sphere where people can give and can take. What’s new about the Internet to these enthusiastic users is the rate at which it is influenced by people who use it for new kinds of social purposes. People aren’t waiting to figure out its proper use, or for clear ‘rules of the road’ to be articulated, they’re simply taking it for a spin.’

Chris’ talk reminds me of Shel Israel’s point that I very much agree with that communities on the net form naturally and by like interests, not by gated and walled communities.

Communities are bodies of people loosely joined together by a common interest. Historically, that common interest could be geography, a profession, a religion, a political affiliation or even a hobby like stamp collecting.

The Internet has reduced the physical boundaries of community. You can now have a strong bind with community members you have never met. It is based on shared passion and interest.

Though Shel may argue that LinkedIn is by its nature is a portal with walls and gates, how we use LinkedIn and other social networks is wide open. We’re wide open as to how we strengthen existing networks, meet people with similar interests, or ask questions of thought leaders. We’re also free to leverage what and who we find at one at one place, ie, FaceBook, with another, whether it be LinkedIn, Twitter, or whatever.