I almost never get asked for references, and the ones I used when I ask them afterwards they almost always say they weren't contacted.

Same here.

You generally work with more then one person

This is obvious that it makes me wonder if you are talking down to me or just think that I'm 12...

so it's pretty easy to get references

Lol... Sure, it's easy to get "references," but the only referemces that people generally care about are the ones from your direct supervisor, manager, or executives (who you have worked under AND closely with). Nobody gives a fuck what your coworker or Don from accounting thinks of you work in marketing. Lmfao...

and about half of companies don't even ask for them anymore.

Yeah, soooo... About half still do. I'm from Planet Earth. Nice to meet ya. Be nice, and I'll take you to our leader.