I’ve been using Google+/Google Plus (either spelling seems to work) for nearly a month. However, I think it may have plateaued. I’ve invited many of my friends–if any reading this think I have forgotten to send them an invite, I apologize. But I’ve tried. I’m following a few different tech geeks on it, and one thing I’ve noticed is that out of the whole group I’ve got on Google Plus, 80% only have a few friends on it and thus, are not using it for any reason, and will not be compelled to replace Facebook with this any time soon.
My Facebook friends keep asking me on Facebook questions like “how much is Google paying you” or things like this, commenting under my profile picture that states I’ve moved to Google+. The idea is not to drive everybody over to it, (which I think they should do, anyway), but since they’re not there yet, I have to settle for the fact my best “audience” is over at Facebook. I feel the same way about using Apple vs. Microsoft. One may be better than the other, but for the time being, only the minority are using it. Same with the social media networks. But personally, I prefer Google’s so far.
I remember starting to use MySpace in early 2006, and it took me a LOT of getting used to at first. Learning the ecosystem, the difference between wall posts, bulletins, and inbox messages. Then in late 2006, I opened an account at Facebook and it took a lot of getting used to, because, well, it was NOT MySpace. My problem with adapting to Facebook, was I was treating it like it was the same thing as what I had been using previously for social networking, even though the two were comparable, but different ecosystems of how to do things. I think Google Plus is facing the exact same problem from the start if it’s ever going to become a significant rival to Facebook. People check it out, but because they can’t (or don't know how) to do this or that like on Facebook, give up. That, and the lack of people even using it yet.
Article comments
1 - Bob
First myspace, then facebook, now google+. You have to learn to use one. Then when you change you have to migrate and learn to use the next. Seems like a lot of time spent churning, for nothing more than a vanity platform, really. Myspace was really hot, and now it's dead. That's not a lesson lost on me...I'm sticking with the phone until the dust settles.
2 - Ron
Interesting article. I've been playing with Google+ haven't turned my full attention to it yet. Maybe unlike the old days, one platform doesn't have to be dominant as we all have multiple ways of connecting with each other.