The first time I heard of Google+ was on the Booksparks PR blog (which is great website, btw) and I have to admit, my first reaction was really? The last thing I need is another social networking site to suck away my precious writing time (not to mention my precious family time and my not-so-precious housecleaning time). I briefly scanned the post and figured that Google+ would be another Tumblr (Twitter’s red-haired stepbrother).
But… not so fast.
Now it seems that I can’t get away from Google+. All my online writing communities are buzzing about the new belle of the Social Networking ball, and as usual, I feel like the wallflower of the hour. Google+ is still in the testing phase and apparently they don’t need any more testers. Even if you’ve scored an invitation to join you’re still out of luck (because they’ve exceeded their “capacity”). Meanwhile, those of us on the outside looking in are hearing all about the circles and hangouts and sparks and waiting our turn to try out what some in the biz are hailing as the ultimate social network.
I already Twitter and Facebook and blog, so do I really need to Google+?
Well, yes and no.
If Google+ turns out to be everything everyone is making it out to be, then yes, I definitely need to Google+. Because the point of social networking is to be where everyone else is.
But if turns out to be another Tumblr, then I say, probably not.
I guess only time will tell.
What about you? Do you Google+ yet? What’s your favorite/most useful social network?
Maria,
I’m just learning my way around Google+ (yes, I got an invite, and after some waiting, I did finally slip in the door), and I have to admit, it looks pretty cool, streamlined and fun. Right now, it’s *quiet* as opposed to Facebook, which has so many users doing so many things it creates a frenzy. I think Google+ will be onto something really cool if they keep it an environment for people to connect with people. Facebook has turned a corner with all its advertising and promotional possibilities and business pages.
I actually really enjoy Twitter, but I’m not on there nearly enough. Like so many people, I have to dole out my social media time.
I’ve *heard* that Google+ combines the best of both Facebook and Twitter (which would be pretty cool) and I really like the idea of the circles. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how it all pans out. Thanks for your input, Amy!
I just this morning accepted an invite, took the interactive tour, and then joined… And nothing happened. It didn’t say if I was on hold, or whatever. I guess I’ll have to wait.
I like the circles idea. This was very well thought out…if I can get in.
I went back and I’m in. So far I joined a circle, and I have 7 friends. That’s enough time I’ve spent on it this morning.
Congrats on getting in, Edie
I just got an invite last night and signed up. Maybe their ‘full up’ goes in waves. I haven’t really played with it yet – it’s going to be a total timesuck, I just know it. Time will tell.
B.E Sanderson`s last blog was …Drawing a Blank
I’ve been ‘in’ for a couple of weeks (I think I’m the one who sent Edie and Amy their invites
). I’ve played a bit, but I’m in the middle of revisions, so it will have to wait for a more thorough going-over next week.
The thing is, when I heard about it, I was happy. I use gmail for my email address. So I was already plugged in to a number of Google ‘add-ons’ and I’ve always loved my gmail interface. I am happy to embrace it, and I think there are already 10 million beta users. So I guess this has momentum even in its infancy.
Michelle Diener`s last blog was …A pre-release copy of IN A TREACHEROUS COURT up for grabs
I’m on Google +, but I’ll confess, I haven’t used it much yet. I’m kind of just watching and waiting to see what happens.
Cynthia Eden`s last blog was …Kindle Deal: ETERNAL FLAME
I ignored the invite I received. I’m just too buys right now for yet another time suck. I’m sure I’ll end up taking the plunge though…
Karin Tabke aka Harlow`s last blog was …National Bestseller
No Google+ for me…dare I say yet? It seems social media sites are popping up everytime and it’s hard to keep up. I’m not sure I want to keep up. I would like to focus on and dedicate myself on one site, otherwise I’m spread too thin and ironically lose “touch” with people. I took a break from facebook many months, is it years now? ago and haven’t looked back except to visit my favourite author’s FB pages for important updates, but only if I’m made aware of this.
I just heard about it! Had no idea what it was. I can’t keep up! I’m probably on twitter most and even there not as much as I should be. It’s all so exhausting!
Got an invite from Edie and it seems like I was able to join. Yikes! Now to learn the ins and outs.
I’ve been on Google+ for a few days now. Basically I joined it and that’s been all.
I guess I’m just waiting until it becomes something ‘everyone’s gotta have’. Then I’ll figure out how to use it.
Kelley @ Between the Bookends`s last blog was …Lessons from No More Trouble Zones
Maria, I’m technically “on” it (as of this week
), but I haven’t used it much and am not really sure yet how to make the most of its features… I’m pretty overwhelmed by all the social networking sites as it is, so we’ll see how involved I get in this one. It does seem to be getting a lot of buzz, though!
Marilyn Brant`s last blog was …What’s in a Name?
Google + could be good IF my RL friends would get on it. It took forever for them to be on Facebook (they are kind of paranoid) so I’m not holding my breath.
Didn’t get an invite … but is this something that those on Gmail get? If so … I guess I’m outta luck since I rarely check my Gmail. I guess I’m with those who are gonna do the waiting game and see what it pans out to. As of right now, it does sound like a time suck. I’m not often on Facebook and never Twitter … can’t see adding this to my repetoire.
I’m just getting into Google+, too. With a writing deadline looming over my head, it’s on a back-burner right now. Thoughts so far? It’s the love child of Twitter and Facebook, taking the best of both. Facebook has been ticking me off lately, so G+ showed up in perfect timing. I imagine within a year I’ll be using it more than any of my other social media accounts (Twitter’s my favorite right now).
I’m on/in Google+ and wondering what it’s going to do for me. I confess to not liking FB but loving Twitter. I have a lot of followers on Twitter and can’t imagine trying to flip them all over to G+, but I’d love to dump FB. Time will tell. As an author, it would be awesome to have a group for readers if they were interested. Since I already have a Yahoo group for readers, a FB fan page and Twitter, though, something else will have to give if G+ ends up being THE social media hangout.