Why Google+ is better

“I really have to take issue with a lot of this list – starting with the subject itself. I agree with some of it, absolutely… or I wouldn’t be here. But things are not so cut and dry.

For starters: better than what? Facebook, I assume, but thats really unclear since Facebook has a few of the features listed. But let’s assume FB.

1. You can edit your post and comments.
Yeah, its a good feature. I love it and use it a lot. But its also easy to abuse – rack up a good chunk of people agreeing with you and you can then go and change what you said. And then lock comments so they can’t disagree.

2. No spam
Spam is down, sure… but no spam? No.

13. No useless apps
Which also means no useful apps either.

14. Create your own meme
Ok, so maybe that should be “no useless apps except those that Google provides”.

20. Google+ Brand Pages
How is this “better” than Facebook? Right now, FB pages are far more dynamic and flexible than Google+ pages are.

23. Google product integration
Huh? Right now there is incredibly sparse integration with YouTube, Google Music / Play, gmail, and gvoice. I see almost no use of the Google Music integration. There is pathetic integration with blogger and google maps. People have been begging for Calendar integration since day 2. Facebook has far far better (and more open) integration with products right now.

27. Google games
People are trying to say that the games available here, almost all rehashes or ports of Facebook games, are somehow better than Facebook? I’ll have more to say on this subject later, I think, since there are a few articles out from GDC today.

32. Post URL
I have no idea what this means, even. The photo sharing URL is done better, I think, but I don’t think this is what he means.

34. User friendly
I’m not so sure about this. It certainly doesn’t seem any more user friendly than Facebook. A lot of aspects are still pretty unfriendly. The text formatting features (number 6) aren’t obvious or easy unless you’re “in the know”.

35. Simplicity
I’m equally unsure about this.

38. Feedback button at the lower right
First of all… its on the left now.
Second of all, while I think the Feedback button is great and awesome, it is amazing how many people don’t use it because we don’t get feedback on the feedback we send. Just look at any thread or hangout where a Googler is, and people will provide feedback there (even off topic feedback) because they have a perception that the Feedback button doesn’t do anything.

43. They listen and respond
I’m mixed about this one. My experiences about response have been reasonably good. But there are a lot of examples of people who have reported real serious problems that did not appear to get any sort of response at all. (Go search for them, they’re not difficult to find.)

Again, don’t get me wrong. There is a lot that is awesome about Google+. BUT there is also a lot that still needs doing, and I’m glad that Google is working on these things. I just wish they’d get here a little faster.”

And then, my own thoughts:

Google+ is where I get the most genuine interaction, and solid feedback for RiteTag.com

We choose which circles to share to, right?  Thus, if you understand that sharing the glory of your religion is going to be appreciated but not one in ten, not one in fifty of your people, maybe its time to reserve that banter for your #biblestudy  circles or strong #atheist  circles…?

In #hangoutsonair  that you are joining in progress, listen first, please.  Then, speak and contribute.  If they are being recorded then read the description, and see if it is a fun-n-games thing, or something rather stodgy and “professional.”  If that isn’t your thing, perhaps you’ll want to skip that one.  After all, the guy launching it is recording it and may intend to use it professionally.  Please don’t mess it up for him.

As with our #aboutpages  and policies for sharing, we try things, and do more of what works, pivot to better policies when we find what does not.