This week, I want to talk about the new Social Media Network. The Search Master, Google, has launched a Facebook competitor. In my opinion, Google has done a great job. Google+ is already a success and it’s still in the Field Trial period. As of right now, the only way to get onto Google+ is by invitation.
Circles. One of my favorite features is Circles. Circles provide a way to organize all your social contacts. Adding someone to a certain Circle is almost like following someone on Twitter. On G+, the contact doesn’t have to be mutual. You can selectively publish information or posts to a particular Circle. So, if there is a group of people you don’t want to give certain information, put the information in a different Circle. When I talk to people in my Family Circle, I don’t really want my Photographers’ Network Circle to see the same post.
Stream. The Stream is sort of like the Facebook Wall. This is where you read posts from people in your Circle and posts that you share. As I mentioned above, you can share with a particular Circle or multiple Circles if you like. But, you have to be careful who you share with. My first few times logging on, I had someone posting personal things. You have the option of making your posts Public. If you don’t want to share with everyone then don’t make it public. Also with your stream, you can chose what Circle to read from. This cuts down on a lot of noise and chatter as seen on Twitter and Facebook.
Hang Out. I think the Hang Out feature is one of the more popular features on G+. The Hang Out is Googles video chat service. You can chat with up to 9 other users. It’s almost like hanging out with your social media buddies. I can see using this for meetings or interviews. You can join others in a Hang Out right from your Stream or start your own Hang Out.
Huddle. Huddle is an interesting feature. I actually just figured it out. It’s a fast-group texting app for mobile device. You can choose to text with an individual or a group of people from your Circles. It’s a good way to keep a group connected on the go.
Photos. Google Photos is actually Picasa. On G+ photos look great because of the huge thumbnails and the lightbox display. As your photos get commented on, the number of comments is displayed in the corner of the thumbnail. The photo sharing feature of G+ is very appealing to photographer like myself. You can also view photos from people in your Circle from here.
Sparks. Here is another feature that I just discovered. Sparks is basically where you can search for things that Spark you interest. They are links to blogs, news, and other interests. You can also share your Spark with your Circle or make it public.
Notifications. The Notifications on G+ are interactive. When someone comments on my posts, I enjoy being able to reply right in the Notifications area. Nice huh… You can also +1 a comment from there. The +1 button is like the Facebook Like button.
+1 Button. The +1 is everywhere now. Much like Facebook’s Like button and Twitter’s Tweet button. Yes I have the +1 button here, so don’t forget to +1 me.
Clean. One of the biggest differences to me, in comparison to other Social Networks, is G+ is Clean. What I mean by that is there is not a whole lot of stuff everywhere. Everything seems to be very organize and well presented. Yes, I know this isn’t a feature but it’s one thing that draws me more toward G+.
Invite. This isn’t a feature either but I’m glad that I got invited early to try out the new Social Network. The Search Master Google has made a huge success in the Social Media world so far. Right now Google is still in the Field Trial stage and you can only log on if you are invited. Also you have to have a Gmail address to join. Sounds simple huh… Google+ is really nice and I think it’s here to stay. If you would like to join me and many others, leave your Gmail address in comments below and I will send out invites. Thank you for reading another Top Ten Tuesday!
What’s do you like about G+?
Suggestions for next weeks post?
Algernon Parker
