NotchUp - Opportunity Knocks...but for who?

Today I was shared a blog post via Mixx from xrrg.com concerning the new service NotchUp.com.  Their service is confusingly simple.  You provide your resume to a pool that employers can search through.  Instead of paying a recruiter, the employer can pay you for interviewing with them if they feel you are a good match for their position and the price is right.  Interview costs are set per individual, ranging from $75 to $5000.

I recieved a beta invite to the service this weekend from a friend I haven't had any contact with in quite some time.  At first I was happy that this person thought of me to send the invite, maybe he knew I was in the job market. Then puzzlement took over when I investigated the site and read who their targeted audience was.  Their homepage states:  "NotchUp is for you if:  - you're happy at your job; - you're good at what you do; and - you're not looking for a new job."  Well that doesn't fit me so why did my friend invite me?

AHHH I SEE.  As you register you come to a part where you can import your LinkedIn profile.  This was a great addition as you don't have to refill out the monotonous forms that every job board requires.  After that part of the registration it asks if you want to import your LinkedIn contacts so they can send invites to the service...AND OH BY THE WAY...you get 10% of any commissions earned by your referrals.  BINGO!  Thats how I received my invite.  There was nothing personal in sending it, just the easy reward of a possible commission by allowing a service to take a portion of my social graph and spamming it.

I would highly advise anyone, both prospects and employees, to stay away from this or similar services using this model. 

For the employee you are taking an immediate risk right from the start.  The service targets people that are happy with their current jobs and not looking to move.  Will you really pay $500 or more to interview someone that doesn't want to change jobs? 

For the normal user, is that how you want your social network to be utilized?  Networks built on LinkedIn and others social sites are built with trust.  Services like NotchUp misuse that trust and should not be rewarded for their effort.  I hate to use the term pyramid scheme here but if the shoe fits...

What do you think?