Are you Google +ing yet?
I was sceptical. I still remember the wasted moments wandering through an empty Google Wave. I questioned Google's approach of limiting the sign ups for Google + - after all, social networking only works if everyone's there.
BUT. I love the ease of adding people to your circles. Now instead of bombarding my friends and family with the endless links I find on the craft of writing, I can target those posts directly to other writers. I also feel more comfortable adding people, knowing I don't need their permission to follow them (like Twitter - you can block someone if necessary).
People will migrate from Facebook and Twitter to converge in Google +. I don't expect it to be quick, others will be wary and many will be nostalgic about the platform they've spent so much time building (remember the die-hard Myspace enthusiasts?). I'll stay in Facebook while I've still got Friends there - I'm not attached to particular platforms, but I'll go where the people are - I like the people.
If you're not in Google + but would like to start building your profile there, drop me an email and I'll try to send you an invite (I'm not sure how many I can give out, so first in first serve). If you've already started and want to add a widget to your blog to promote your Google + check out:
Now, I'm thinking... BLOGFEST TIME! I've never held a Blogfest before, exciting times.
On the 31st July I'll post up details of the 'Imagination Sparks Blogfest' and how to sign up. For the blogfest we'll all share a creativity exercise that helps get our Muse revved up to write. To get you started, I'll blog about a great exercise Tom Evans, author of The Art and Science of Light Bulb Moments generously shared with us.
I haven't ventured to Google+ yet, even though someone invited me. I'm already getting alerts from the site though - not sure why.
ReplyDeleteIs it your opinion that this new 'platform' will draw people away from Blogger? Not terribly wise for Google to devise competing forums.
ReplyDeleteI may be talking gibberish, here ...
I've only just heard about Google+ -- I feel a bit behind the times already!
ReplyDeleteI don't find it as user friendly as FB, and I don't think it competes with blogger, but I do like the selecting who to share with. I just already have 2 FB profiles--a personal and a writing one, so I was segregating info that way.
ReplyDeleteI'm not crazy about facebook, but I sort of use it.
ReplyDeleteI'm still waiting for google + ... we'll see...
Still haven't decided about G+ yet. I have little enough time for writing as it is, I really don't want to commit to another platform if I can possibly avoid it. So far from the reviews from people who've tried it, it seems like more of the same, just with better compartmentalisation.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
@mooderino
Alex, yes one thing I did find strange is Google + offered to add some people I knew, I accepted some of those but it turns out they don't even have the platform yet and it sends them notifications when I update - I think it suggests people from your gmail address. So the person posting probably doesn't realise that's happening.
ReplyDeleteSuze, I don't think that's the idea. It is a form of micro-bogging, but all your google accounts are in your profile and you can switch from blogger to mail to google plus easily. It's more of a replacement for Facebook and Twitter, it kind of combines those two.
Carla, I've only just joined google plus myself, I knew about it but didn't think it would take off at first.
Hart, I think Facebook will be around for a long time yet but slowly people will drop off it. I had two accounts two but found it too hard to remember to update both.
Jolene, I was just using it for friends and then started using it for writing only about 3 months ago - now I feel like I'm starting all over again with google plus - but I do feel like it's necessary for new writers to get info out about their writing.
Moody, it is very similar and I agree I would rather not have to start this again. But I do think by making it slightly easier to use than FB it will win over the users.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the Sparks blogfest.
ReplyDeleteWill wait until the migration happens to even look at google +
Haven't gotten an invite but I already feel overwhelmed with the FB, Twitter, Goodreads, Shelfari, and Blogspot. OMG. ***gasping for air while I clutch at my chest***
ReplyDeleteI'm on Google+ too, but I don't venture there very often. It's a cool idea - I just need more time :)
ReplyDeleteI haven t gone this path,yet. I love your blogfest idea ;great idea!
ReplyDeleteI don't even know what that is really. I am so behind in everything when it comes to the internet and Google.
ReplyDeleteYeah Blogfest!!!
Blessings, Joanne
Ooooh...a blogfest! Looking forward to hearing about that.
ReplyDeleteI'm on G+ but still have a lot to learn. I haven't figured out how to remove someone from a circle, so that's next on the list. So far I like it, but I've reached a point where I'm overwhelmed on Facebook and hiding people left and right so I don't have to get their five billion updates anymore.
ReplyDeleteTina @ Life is Good
and I are joining forces in a followup A to Z challenge. We're going to visit and comment at each of the original A to Z participants, and we hope you'll join us!
Shannon @ The Warrior Muse