Lunchclub - Curated 1:1 professional connections

In this COVID time, LunchClub has been great to network to meet other high-caliber people. I've been able to meet a number of great people; and found several founders to guest on my podcast (The Savvy Founder). As time has gone on there is noticeable higher number of 'taker' individuals. Takers are people that try to sell me services no matter my situation. (and incidentally certain cultures, particularly those selling outsourced IT and Business services, seem to have a higher number of sales people takers - ). This means I find value in about half the conversations. And the other half not so much. I will say LunchClubs recent push to lean into the network effect and control everything is off putting. I would wish LunchClub stick to facilitating great connections. I don't like that they want to control the video (their product sucks compared to zoom) I don't like that they are trying to build a CRM/Closed discussion system; I already have my own system for managing conversations and connections - I don't need another tool. LinkedIn screwed up the conversations. LunchClub seems to be screwing it up so they can sell our data. Like all social networking systems - caveat emptor. For now it still adds good value. I don't know for how long that will be true.