Are you using Google+ yet? Here’s why you should be.
Are you on Google+ yet? I’ve been there for a couple of months now and you know what? I love it. Now, is it new and something you have to put a little work into to get rolling? Yes. (You’ll have to put some time and thought into creating your circles and adding people.) If you’re going to roll your eyes at me or bitch about that, well, then, hey. Go back to working on that thing where you’re looking for someone to wipe your own ass too.
And when you figure that out, let me know. Also, the whole doing dishes and laundry thing. Man, do I hate that shit. (Insert: worst.housewife.ever.)
But really, look. Google has created a social media platform in G+ that answers so many of the problems we’ve all had with others. I’ve been on board with SO many social media platforms in the past few years. Notably and largest: Twitter, Facebook, Flickr. (More, but those are the biggest and best of them.) I’ve heard (and had) so many complaints about these platforms over time (especially FB). The smart muthas over at Google have been sitting back taking notes, people.
You know what happens to me all the time on Facebook? I get notifications about crap I have no interest in whatsover. It’s basically spam that is not only tolerated, but supported and integrated into the system by Facebook. Oh look, someone did something interesting and I got notified! Nope, someone asked me to like the Chevy Tahoe Fan Page. Oh, look! Something in my sidebar! Oh. It’s an ad asking me if I’m a Mommy Blogger Who Wants To Go Back To School. Um. Really? Oh, look, someone posted something on my wall! Oh. It’s a request to help their cow birth a calf on Farmville.
On Google+ none of this crap is happening. On G+ I am not limited to 140 characters, conversations can be easily had on every update in comments, images are huge and beautiful in posts and on my stream, nobody tries to get me to help them water their corn or shave their sheep, I don’t have ads in my face, WetBecky8325 isn’t following me and inviting me to her nude webcam, and I’m not forced to go in and turn off email settings every time some yahoo adds me to a new group just so I won’t get spammed ridiculously. Games are there for those who love them (including Angry Birds!) BUT – I haven’t heard a single peep from them in my stream. They are in a separate tab, and you don’t have to become involved.
“Circles” allow you to share your content exclusively with certain groups of people and not with others, publicly, or just with one person. They allow you to filter the content you receive in your stream, as well. You can block OR ignore specific users, based on your needs. You have control over your content, where it goes, and what you see. Oh, that just makes all kinds of logical sense, doesn’t it?
Google+ launched in Beta with a better product because they’re overcoming issues that we’ve all had with Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr for years. And on top of that? They’re actively listening and innovating like CRAZY right now.
Google+ is especially vibrant for photographers, and that is so great! If you are a photographer, you really, really need to be there. Photo sharing rocks, the photography community is bright and engaged – photowalks are happening all the time (and being actively supported by Google Staff) and you just can’t find a better place for photographers on the web right now.
So yay for Photography on G+! But you know what? This can also be an amazing place for Bloggers, Musicians, Videographers, Crafters, etc., as well. The key is getting your community over there, testing the waters, asking for changes relevant to your community and making it happen. The community on a social network is built by… guess who? The members of that community.
The developers will give the burgeoning community the tools they need. You can believe that this time that’s true – I’ve seen myself the members of the Google+ team interacting with the community of users, asking in posts and “hangouts” (awesome video chats on the G+ platform) what ideas we have for making things better, what we want, and talking about what they’re doing. They are hungry to make this product the best it can be, and just what we want.
Feed the machine by not only signing up for an account with G+ but also if you have one USE IT. Engage, consume, interact, add content, and use that “Send Feedback” button at the bottom right to tell them exactly what you think and what you’d like to see.
I haven’t seen anything in social media as good as Google+, and I’m really active in that area, and have been for years. Get in early and help build this thing up. Circle me here on my Google+ profile, leave your G+ profile link in comments – let’s hook up there. Support your community of users, whatever that may be (blogger? Go post your content there and also engage with your peers! +1 their blog links and comment on their stuff).
And if you’re not on G+ yet – click this link and grab one of my limited invites or just let me know you want an invite and I’ll send you one. I have a bunch to give out and I want you there with me.
Like this post? Get in the spirit and click that +1 button right down here on the lower left. 
52 comments
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Jane
I wonder if G+ is going to be like an Apple/PC thing. I tried it several times over the past two months and really can’t stand it. I rarely get feedback from anyone, the page looks crowded, and I think some things take up way too much real estate. So many of my friends are loving it, though, that I keep trying again. I just don’t get the allure. Tweetdeck can also filter friends and without all the trouble of G+.
I guess time will tell.
*Disclaimer. I also never thought MP3′s would catch on.
Lalit Deshmukh
I have the similar feelings as Jane. And I am still hanging on
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Hey, Jane! I get that. I think it can be slow starting, and there is some work to getting your circles right and finding your community there. It’s part of the reason why I’m writing blog posts and talking to people when I can. The product is fantastic, and I want to get the wonderful community and great content creators (LIKE YOU) there and connected with their people.
Don’t give up!
You either, Lalit!
And you guys should totally link your profile pages so anyone looking at this post and comments can see it and circle you.
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Alex
Hey Jane. Yeah I haven’t been receiving a lot of comments on my personal posts either (some, but not as much as FB). But the real interaction I’ve been getting is through comment discussions on posts from “power users” (those with a lot of followers) and through interactions with Google staff. Not just the G+ staff, but also Chrome, Gmail, Google Docs, Android, and other Googlers that are using Google+ as a channel to improve products across the entire Google ecosystem.
I’m a filmmaker, and I REALLY see the potential of G+ as a tool to help those in the film industry share and network their creative ideas.
PS – Thanks Lotus Carrol for the great blog post! I’ve circled you =)
calliope
I’ll take an invite. Facebook is a pain when it comes to all those game invites and privacy changes.
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Just sent it! Shoot me a message there when you get settled in.
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Julie
The one thing I can’t stand about Google+ is the lightbox for the photographs.. it’s plain ugly, and I just can’t believe photographers are so happy with that.
Alex
I think the G+ lightbox is absolutely beautiful! I’m sorry you feel that way – obviously most of the photographers on Plus feel otherwise.
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Oh, my, Julie! I *love* the lightbox. Out of curiosity, how would you change it?
Also, remember you should make gratuitous use of that “Send Feedback” button on the G+ pages. They are looking for all the best suggestions!
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Julie
Really?? *faints* see?? I just don’t explain myself why people likes the lightbox! I don’t like the comment bar in the right it makes it look crowded… they should be on the bottom giving top priority to the picture…
and I’m not sure I like the transparency either.. I like the new lightbox that Facebook is using though (don’t burn me down, lol).
Add that I am a paranoid of people stealing pictures and right click save on the lightbox doesn’t help either =/ (I even stopped using Flickr because of this).
Sandi
I’ve been on G+ for a while and I’m still trying to find my community
I love that my stream is eclectic and that I can chose who gets to see my posts. I’m slowly finding more people to add to the mix.
Twitter: 5and1
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
I’m glad you’re hanging in there, Sandi! I think it will take off more and more and we need to keep telling our peers to get there butts over there and join the party with us.
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Alex – Great points! The engagement int he comment areas of other users is really phenomenal, you’re right! And hopping into hangouts with power users has been pretty fun and engaging as well. Thanks!
I’d love it if you put a link to your G+ profile here so we can all circle YOU!
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Coalon Gua
I love G+ even though I didn’t fall in love with it at first sight. But now I had quit the other social webs in my country (in China, we have renren and Sina Microblog similar like FB and twitter) and the first thing I do every morning is check the stream on G+ to see new photographs and other stuff.
I guess the chemistry is just slow but wild.
Eduardo
Great post! I have to say my Google Plus experience started out slow but once I realized that I needed to look up others who share the same interests that I do, I began drawing great pleasure from my interactions with the creative people I met there.
It was quality that I found lacking from my Facebook experience.
Lotus, thanks for being part of that. I enjoy your contributions to the Google Plus community. Keep up the great work.
Twitter: Karmaofdove
Jaym Esch
I’m having the same (well, similar) problem I have on Facebook.
I’m shy, and don’t even bother trying to intrude myself upon other people. On Facebook, this means the only people who are in my friends list are high school “friends” who sent requests TO me (so I know I didn’t cause them to add me as a friend out of guilt, I don’t send requests). Now I have the 60-ish high school classmates on there, not a single one says anything to me. (We don’t know each other anymore or share anything in common.) So all my posts go into dead space with no commentary.
On G+ it’s easier to add strangers, like on my beloved Twitter, but there’s no THERE, there. On Twitter, I get involved in conversations constantly through hashtags. On G+, all I see are photographer pictures (and I only have a passing interest in photography.) I can’t find any conversations being held, so I can’t form the type of friendships I have on Twitter. All of my (few) posts have gone without comment, as well- but it seems harder to have others find my comments than on Twitter.
If I post a political comment, on Twitter it would go into the progressive channel and everyone could see it regardless of following me. On G+, only those following me (within the political circle I made) see it.
I guess I’m saying Twitter is better for shy types with no friends who are afraid of strangers. =D
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Hey, Jaym
I think that the more shy you are the more difficult all this probably is, but you’re trying and that’s great. Totally agree that G+ should add some type of content type unifying system like #hashtags. Have you sent feedback about it? Remember that any thought you have for improvement is worthy of that Send Feedback button! And you know what, I bet you G+ is already thinking of making something like this to tie content together. Even so, please send the feedback!
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Sherridan Emery
Hi Jaym, (I’m not sure if this message will reach you because I seem to be replying at the very end of Lotus’ blog), I just wanted to let you know that your comment really resonated for me.
I’m not a photographer and, like you, i’m finding it a little difficult to engage with the content on G+. There’s plenty of traffic flying past in the “Jetstream” of G+ and it can be really interesting. But finding meaningful ways of interacting with people who share interests other than photography is challenging. (I sometimes think we need some “rest stops” that we can pull into on this superhighway to give us pause to consider interesting things).
Scanning through Lotus’ entertaining post about G+ and the replies thereunder, your comment was the one that reached me. I hope the G+ people do find ways of helping us wordy types to connect. By the way – I can’t circle you…. perhaps you can find me. I’m Sherridan. Nice to meet you Jaym. Thanks for sharing. (Hi Lotus – do you know how we can get this message to Jaym? Thanks so much for your blogpost. Loved it, will read more later. S)
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Hi, Sherridan!
I do think that a user will be emailed with a reply. However, you can also find him here on G+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110000595814111797998/posts
(I went there and used the little “Find People” field at the top of the page and typed in his name.)
I do hope that the wordy types will really support one another and build up their community on G+. Good idea to use that Send Feedback button and suggest anything you think would help to the G+ Team. They’re listening!
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Jason Reed
I would change G+ lightbox to be exactly like SmugMug’s. It is nice, but think the comments should be moved from image right to the bottom, I can scroll down to see the comments, would rather see the image as large as possible. Here is a link to some family pics on SmugMug. Just personal stuff, but it sure does display nice.
http://reedfamily.smugmug.com/Photography/Mammoth/15778800_H5X5Nq#1183145632_REv2K-A-LB
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Jason, I really like the look of that lightbox. I wouldn’t mind that at all. I wonder if G+ has the comments on the side to encourage engagement and community though? Curious.
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Jason Reed
I am sure you are right about that. Guess you have to consider the application. I find the comments right next to the image visually distracting. More so than most watermarks!
Wanda
I am really loving the community on G+. I’ve added to my circles friends from Twitter, Tumblr, and a very few from Facebook. My new group of friends is this huge community of photographers who are so eager and passionate to help each other. My only problem is so many circles and so little time.
Wanda
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
That is so great, Wanda!
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Dewayne
Thanks for this reminder of what Google+ is, or is becoming. I have found, though, that I need more of my personal connections to join and use it in order for my experience with it to be personal. As of now I follow of lot of people who I find interesting, but I’ve never met…so it’s lacking the familiarity of Facebook. I love how Google+ looks and feels, primarily for the reasons you mentioned, and it is definitely a great new way to share and view photos. For me to really enjoy it, though, I think I’ll need more friends and family using it as well.
Twitter: dewayneneeley
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Good thoughts, Dewayne. I replied to your sentiment over on G+. I hope you don’t mind, I’m going to cross post that reply here for folks reading here and not there.
I think the desires for “more of my homies” on G+ is pretty common right now. Remember that we’re early adopters! We’re the ones who move quickly, with fire and passion. It’s kind of our duty (privilege?) to help our friends and family see the light and maybe even be patient with them if they have personalities that fear change! I really do think that in time we will win them over and they will be so happy once they do make the change and settle in. Kudos to you for being there early and getting the place set up for those to come.
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Rolf Hicker
I can’t agree more with you – I was getting so mad with sm (…sorry…social media) that I basically stopped using it. I can’t even count all the accounts anymore I have. I always been a big fan of Google (most of the time) and I do love G+ – I’m still very new but already love it much more then Flickr, twitter and Facebook together…
Great article and funny..of course…
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
It’s great to find such a better SM product, isn’t it? Thanks, Rolf!
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Thomas Hawk
Wonderful and insightful post Lotus. I love seeing that you are getting all the great things that I am as well out of Google+.
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Thanks, TH. Great interacting with you there, too!
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Mishi
+1
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Sarang
Jane and Lalit, I know it takes some time for the right people to find you, but by the time you can do these things:
- Interact! It’s what G+ is all about. Everyone helps each other and promotes each other regardless of their current social status. Comment on people’s posts. Discuss. Take part in challenges/competitions when you find them. Let people know you’re here!
- Find interesting people and add them. “www.group.as” is a good place to start with. By managing your circles you can make sure your stream won’t be overcrowded.
- Fill up your profile page with all the details and write posts on subjects of your interest (make sure the posts are “public”!). Add a wacky display pic and upload 5 of your best photos/memories in the scrapbook album so that they’ll be displayed at the top of your profile. This with let people know what to expect from you and which circle to add you to.
- and last but not the least, invite your friends and share with them awesome posts like Lotus Carrol’s and Thomas Hawk’s on why to join G+. Cheers!
Oh, yeah you can find me here– https://plus.google.com/106264880718777779181/posts I’m not famous or anything though
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
I absolutely *love* your comment. Fabulous tips! And I have you circled now. Thanks so much for making that easy by putting your profile link in.
Twitter: LotusCarroll
gena00
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Berne
I’m starting to get the hang of G+. I had it for awhile, but barely posted and I started to get frustrated with not finding people to interact with. But now I am, and I even got my sister on board (she’s a major FB user).
Though I haven’t quite found my niche yet (I love writing so I was thinking of sharing my poems and I enjoy photography and have noticed a huge photography community like you said) it’s fun poking around and discovering other G+’ers :]
Twitter: caughtalite
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Good job getting your sister over! And I’m glad you’re hanging in there. I do think that writers can build their community there. Just keep at it and do your best to connect with and engage other writers!
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Hans
I just happen to bump on your blog post. Im having similar frustration like some of you, getting hardly any comment from my circle members. I got very sloppy with my posts and the way my circles were organized. Some of them uncircled me for some of my posts I believe they didn’t like. I had to reorganize and retag my circles based on peoples interests. Good thing I got less than a 100 circle members so its easy to sort them out. Doing that I m being careful with the content of my posts target them to the right people. its getting better now. True you have to be creative, engaging toward others, careful of your words, cos these are strangers (lets say things the way they are), it takes sometimes to learn about each others personalities and interests. Write more details about yourself in your profile. Leave it public so that everyone can see it. Post pictures of you so that people feel they are dealing with true people so they know what to expect of and from you without being imposing. It takes some works on your part if you really want people to follow you on certain subjects and discussions. Of course you’re free to just hop along the next power user comment that everybody follow.
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Good points! I especially agree with making sure you have a photo of yourself and fill out your profile information. Thanks!
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Damien Walker
What Lotus said. Get on in there and get something started.
Fill in your profile info, we look at it, honest.
Add Lotus to your circles.
Look through the people in her circles and add some (or all!) of them too.
Create and post content. Whatever it is, just share, baby, share.
Most importantly, engage with the people you encounter. Comment on their stuff, +1 their stuff, reshare their stuff, reply to them when they add comments on your stuff. Before you know it you’ll be a part of the best online community there is.
Oh, and circle me too
http://gplus.to/damiencwalker
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Share, baby, share and engage – hell yeah, Damien! All your points are great. Everybody should circle you.
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Steve Hale
Well done Lotus and I love that picture!
Berne
Little did my sister know, she taught me how to use G+ in a matter of minutes. I’d had mine longer than she and as soon as I got her started, she went through my circle and added everyone in it, haha. Then she proceeded to keep adding people. I thought to myself, “Oh. Okay. This is like a friend inviting me to a party where I only know maybe two people so I have to walk around and mingle.” Normally, I don’t do that. I’m usually the wallflower, but if anything, social media has taught me if you want friends, you have to show yourself friendly!
https://plus.google.com/114631505826633998607/posts?hl=en
Twitter: caughtalite
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Oh, that is a great experience share. I think that’s a great idea – check out the profiles and friends of your friends and family who are going strong on G+ and you’ll likely find more people who you want to circle and engage with. Nice!
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Tara
I’m slow to start at Google+ as well. I’m not sure why. I feel more intimidated though perhaps the best advice is what Damien said: Share baby, share. I tend to over think my updates, when what I should do is just update.
Am here: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113243463334192576017/posts
Twitter: dumpyourfrump
well yes, i’m social
[...] google+ if you’re over there. i think you can find me here on g+. also, there is a great read here on why you should be on g+. if you want to be on g+, i have invites and am happy to send one your [...]
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
I just noticed something about the lightbox! It may have been there already, not sure.
If you enter the lightbox, you can close the comments on the side by clicking the arrow on the border between the photo area and comment area. This widens the photo area and you don’t have to look at the comments. Yay!
Go test it on one of my photos, if you like
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/102476152658204495450/albums/posts/5649791488911134770
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Holly
Thanks for the blog post, Lotus. A friend sent me the link, and I enjoyed your take on Google+ — since I’m still trying to figure it out. I’m a pretty active FB & Twitter user for work & personal, and am still trying to figure out how to best use Google+.
(Adding you to my circles too!)
Colby Brown
Great write up Lotus. You covered a lot, but what I have found is that those that are not enjoying their time on G+ doesn’t fully know how to use it. I wrote a guide for G+ and although it was intended for photographers, it works for everyone. Just a heads up for your followers.
http://www.colbybrownphotography.com/blog/google-the-survival-guide-for-a-photographers-paradise/
Twitter: cbphotography09
Lotus, aka Sarcastic Mom
Thanks, Colby! I actually have a post in draft that talks about how I share my photos on G+, because several friends have asked me. I’m going to post what my answers to them where, basically, polished a bit. Pretty specific to me, obviously, and that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone, and I was actually already planning on adding your article as one of my “for more information” type links at the end of the post. It’s a great guide!
Twitter: LotusCarroll
Loree Greco
Agree with you 100 percent. Let those who find fb engaging, thought provoking and rewarding in some way stay. I much prefer the google+ community, thoughtful intelligent responses and a truly different way of interacting with people from all over the world. I really am fine if people want to limit their experience to fb. I too choose this vibrant, full of life, beautifully posted community of professionals. FB is looking at least in my life filled up with “those I used to know” and google+ is looking more like “people I want to know.
elisa
Darn it. You convinced me. Ugh. Now I have to join. Oh well, it was inevitable. I heart anything google anyways.