This just in from CNET News.com in an item about LinkedIn posted by Caroline McCarthy: The business networking site just announced that it now allows its members to upload a photograph to accompany their profiles…

Now there's a surprise, not. But the item is of interest and worth a read for those who care about product positioning and differentiation. Does this option of adding a 'professional' photo of yourself on LinkedIn move the business-minded offering too close to Facebook and MySpace? Is LinkedIn doing something to itself that undoes its unique position or brand? I shutter at the thought?

Nah! I don't think so. But if you think it is a disaster, you're invited to vent here.

I'd say watch for LinkedIn to evolve even more by adding additional optional features in order to compete. Too much of that, of course, and you end up with a replica and most experts I read these days say average people aren't going to sustain multiple profiles on a variety of platforms. On the other hand, it's just as possible LinkedIn will add more unique features that reinforce its business brand as it evolves and competes at the same time. Those are harder to come by, of course. We'll just have to wait and see. Meanwhile, moving to the photo opption at LinkedIn just seems a rather obvious thing to do.

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