I have been using Google+ for a couple of weeks now. Although I have reservations about Google being my one-stop hub for everything Internet, on its own Google+ is far better than Facebook for managing interactions with different groups of people by allowing you to group people into “circles.” When you post anything, you can make ad hoc decisions about who gets to see that post by making it public, sharing it with one, some or all of your circles, or with specific individuals. This directly addresses one of my biggest gripes about Facebook, which has forced me to pair down my friends to those I actually know in person and referring many people to follow my blog fan page instead. Which, by the way, you should do!
The amazing thing about Google+ is that it can be used as an alternative to a blog, Twitter and Facebook. You can even use it to interact with clients and business colleagues keeping up professional appearances while still being able to let loose with your buddies. Tech writer Mike Elgan posted a concise description of Google+’s versatility and revolutionary workflow. He writes,
Instead of saying, “I’m going to write a blog post now,” or “I’m going to send an e-mail” or “I think I’ll tweet something” you simply say what you have to say, then decide who you’re going to say it to.
If you address it to “Public,” it’s a blog post.
If you address it to “Your Circles” it’s a tweet.
If you address it to your “My Customers” Circle it’s a business newsletter.
If you address it to a single person, it can be a letter to your mother.
I’d say this is pretty revolutionary.
Yup, that pretty much sums it up.
If you are on Google+, look me up.
