How long before you log-on to LI and hear a MIDI playing in the background and a photobucket slide-show on everyone’s profile page?

ANSWER: Hopefully never!

Good note. I think the way that works is, you can go through the process to add anyone to your network, and you’re offered a pull-down as to how you know that person. If you worked with them at a specific company, it lets you proceed; for certain ones (e.g., friends), it prompts you for their personal email, as before.

I totally agree with you that LI is innovating quietly but interestingly and surely, and I hope it continues.

I think in defense to facebook’s dramatic growth they appear to have loosened the rules around sending an invite through a mutual friend.

Let’s say I know a guy who is in your circle. If I didn’t know their email address, I’d have to request that YOU make the intro. Very recently it would appear they have loosened (or completely thrown out) that rule. Now when I log on, (as you describe) it suggests people you may know. From there… I make the request instead of having to go through a middle-man/woman.

Interesting…

Cool.