Like a lot of folks the announcement that Google was beta testing its latest kick at the social media can had my attention. And thanks to friends on the innerweb I landed an invite (eventually) and set myself up on Google+. It was a couple of days, however, until I could give it any sort of attention and ascertain to any extent: what it is, what it does, whether it’s useful to me.
I’m still not confident that I’ve got a handle on it…but I’ve got a handle on enough of it to be rather excited about it. Not iPad excited…but excited! Here’s what I’ve gleaned so far:
- Allows you to share somethings with anyone who wishes to follow you, or certain groups or communities (circles ou «flux» en français) – sort of the best of Twitter and Facebook.
- Integrates other Google tools (unsurprisingly) very well, including Picasa, Youtube, Calendar, Gmail and Chat…though the Hangout trumps Chat (see below).
- The Hangout («bulle» en français) is a stand-by video conferencing tool that supports up to 10 participants–WOW!!!!
- Allows you to trend concepts or interests via the Sparks (déclics) function
All of which hinges upon having a Google account. Which presents the first dilemma: what about those of us who have independent online personal and professional personae? Answer seems to be multiple Google+ accounts to go along with our multiple gmail accounts. But would’ve been cool to have this addressed too!
I came across this video (via G+ of course) that gives a more eloquent review of Google+:
Colleagues can add me via john dott patrick dott egan att gmail. dott com if they so wish!
That looks like one big giant sandbox!
I am intrigued by Google+, but right now it’s just “not another site for me to join” attitude. Between Facebook, twitter,and linkedin, I feel fully booked. But knowing me I’ll join probably fairly soon (I can’t avoid technology for very long)
Lucky you! I look forward to exploring G+ when it’s rolled out.
Thanks for this, John. I’m most intrigued!
John, I came across this link while perusing stuff on social media. Thought you might find it useful. http://chronicle.com/blogs/profhacker/introducing-google/34643
Thanks Debbie!
Hi John,
I am very keen to try this out. Any tips on getting an invite for beta testing?
Also, check out http://mashable.com/2011/07/17/journalists-using-google-plus/ about how journalists are using it.
It seems that Google + has a lot of buzz going for it especially considering it’s invite-only right now. Another great marketing ploy by Google. I wonder whether it really will be a gamechanger in the social media world. Will Facebook and Twitter meet their demise a la MySpace? It may be a question of whether people would be willing to give up their other social media accounts or try to manage it all as Google + gains in popularity.
Here are some sites that you may want to check out with more info on initial reactions in the online world:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/18/technology/start-ups-try-to-beckon-users-by-invitation-only.html
http://agnosticmaybe.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/googleplus-first-impression/
http://mashable.com/2011/07/12/create-google-plus-desktop-app/
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-get-started-with-google-plus-your-complete-guide/
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-20077730-2/google-has-its-minuses/
Great–thanks Diana!