Google+: The Good, The Bad, and The Lonely
I have been waiting patiently to try the new social network, Google+, created by Google for a little while since its initial launch; in fact, I even wrote a blog post about Google+ Versus Facebook, which can be read here. Reading tweets and blog posts about the new creation was my only allowed peeking into this new social network.
Image courtesy of Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
So, tonight, when I finally realized I was able to sign up and jump into Google+ to try it myself, I must admit I was thrilled! Unfortunately, all the giddy feelings of curiosity soon ended within the first five minutes. I had set up my profile account information and uploaded a photo, then set off to find some people that I knew and/or recognized. With terrific elements, such as customizable groups of friends, editable status messages, +1 buttons, and more, Google+ looks aesthetically excellent like a fresh baked apple pie.
Searching name after name of authors, writers, bloggers, and others, continued to leave me with empty circles. Google+ felt like an abandoned new building, clean, shiny, but lifeless. I could even hear the digital crickets singing their high-pitched song! Google+ no doubt has potential and all the wisdom and expertise to build a number-one social network, but the problem lies in the fact that, by this time in the game people have simply lost interest. Google built up such hype at the beginning-everyone wanted to join, but now, the true question is, “Why?”
A social network is like a meeting or get together; it has to be successful with lots of people to share in the experience. No one wants to sit at a conference table by themselves, eating all the sandwiches and cupcakes alone. Thus, Google+ created a huge stir at the beginning, but limited the amount of people that could start using it at the start.
The result of those actions are apparent; people now realize that there is not a need to be a part of one more social network. With Facebook and Twitter already popping updates on our phones and emails, at some point we have to say enough is enough. There has to be time in life for real conversations that involve speaking and seeing people with our own eyes, instead of only through a webcam. The inundations of status messages must cease as some points in our limited lives to actual provide us with time to be productive.
Google, it was a good five minutes, but I am going to set aside my Google+ account for the time being in anticipation that you will make your social network better with more people. I have high hopes for you, Google+, but honestly, my life is finite, and for right now, I do not have time to puts with having to update another social network. Please understand. Thank you.
Questions: Do you have a Google+ account? What are your thoughts about the Google+ social network?
