Google Plus Review - Good or Bad?

Google Plus.  Facebook's biggest threat at the moment.  But why?  What does Google Plus have that Facebook doesn't?  There have been numerous reviews on Google Plus, obviously by Facebook Fanatics, because they didn't even give Google Plus an honest chance.  I'm not talking about all the reviews out there, I'm talking about the ones who logged in for a few hours, looked around, then turned tail and ran.  Not a very good impression is it?

I've been active on Google Plus for almost three months now.  This has given me a better look at the big picture.  I've had time to adjust and see what I don't like, and what I do like.  Quite frankly, there isn't really anything that I've found that I don't like.  Here are my thoughts.

My first thoughts of Google Plus were amazement, as thought this was something new.  I'm still in amazement at Google Plus.  It has a very clean and magnetic feel to it.  Once you start using it, it's easy to get drawn in.  This is indeed a threat to Facebook.  Why?  Because for one, Facebook is all cluttered and filled with ads galore.  Ever notice how many ads you're faced with each day on Facebook?  On top of that, Facebook's security features, just plain suck.  Most people will agree with that one.

What's with the circles?  One of the key features of Google Plus is the Circles.  These are groups that you can sort people into.  Put your family in one group, while your acquaintances are in another.  You can create other groups as well, such as Gamers or Minecrafters.  Part of an online Book Club?  Put those in their own circle.  Are you a blogger?  Put your fellow bloggers in a circle.  You can also add people to multiple circles.   This way, when you want to share something with just one circle, it'll only be shared with them.

What are Hangouts?  Hangouts are video chat groups that you can host, or join.  You can have up to eight people in one Hangout.  I've seen Hangouts ranging from various topics, such as: Falling Satellite, Writers, Lego Creations, etc.  There is a wide range of Hangouts, even just random hangouts that people start.  If you have a webcam, these Hangouts will be up your ally, especially if you use Skype, sense the Hangouts are powered by it.

Perhaps one thing I don't like about Google Plus yet, is one loop whole in the security of it.  If you make a post and share it with a group of people, those people can then share that post with another group(s).  That is my only complaint so far.  If Google Plus will fix that, they'll be Golden in my book.  I have yet to try out the Facebook's group sharing option.  I just find Facebook redundant all together.

In conclusion, Facebook is a mess of a mess and needs a lot of work.  While I think the new Timeline feature is fascinating and could be a game turner, I don't think a new profile look is really the answer to anything.  All profile changes do, is piss people off.  Don't believe me?  Look at MySpace.  Google Plus has a few things going for it, at least in my opinion.  It's clean, it's fun, and gives you more options.  I do enjoy having the Google Plus notifications at the top of my Google Home Page, Gmail, etc.  I'll most likely be sticking with Google Plus for a while, at least they have a way to send Feedback.  Facebook didn't start giving users what they wanted, until Google Plus came on the scene.  That should raise a red flag.

Google Plus - Are You Using It?

Many people have already jumped on the Google Plus bandwagon.  Millions have created accounts, yet why are people leaving Google Plus and is it for you?

Google Plus, is Google's new platform.  It's a Social Network that many people believe has a strong potential.  It's main competition?  Facebook.  MySpace is basically dead, so now it's going to be between Google and Facebook.

Many people will probably stay with Facebook.  It will probably be the younger generation and the older generation that has their kids on there and or grandkids.  Though, Google Plus will definitely appeal to a more mature audience.

Key features of Google Plus -

Circles - the ability to sort your friends and share information with just that group.
Web Video Chat - Google has a partnership with Skype to enable video chat with local members.
Sparks - the ability to browse Google Plus by topic and find interesting post to read.

What are Circles?  An easy way to sort your post.  If you would like to make your post public, just choose to make them public so everyone can see them.  Want to make your post private so only a few people can see them?  Just type in the names of the people in your circles, or just use the entire circle itself.  Let's say you want to send out a post to your Family members.  Just click the Family circle while you're making a post.  Simple enough.

Web Video Chat has been with Google Plus from the Start.  Before Facebook even announced it.  Many people on Facebook wanted Web Video Chat, yet at the same time, Facebook ignored them.  Until now.  Perhaps Google Plus is a threat to Facebook?  With Web Video Chat on Google Plus, people can join in your video chat, or you can make it private between two people.

Sparks are a convenient way to separate your searches on Google Plus.  Let's say you want to look up what everyone is posting about Recipes.  Of course, this searches through Public Post and brings you back a list of post sharing Recipe ideas, etc.  You get the Idea.  When you first click on the Sparks tab, you'll find a list of popular search results on Google Plus.  Just click on of those if you see anything you like.  Let's say you want to add a category that isn't there.  Search for let's say, "Travel" and then click the Add Interest button.

These are three features that Facebook never had until Google Plus came around.  The fact that Facebook rushed these features in just a few short months, means that Facebook is a little bit scared of Google Plus rising up as a competitor.  Facebook doesn't care at all about it's users, but Google Plus does.  Google actually listens to user feedback and implements what the users wants.  Granted, it's probably something a lot of people want, but still, you get what you want on Google Plus, don't on Facebook.

Now, the problem?  Yes there is a problem.  Many people out there on Google Plus only use it for one day, then give it a bad review.  They claim it's nearly impossible to find you friends, convince them to move over to Google Plus, or even find new Friends.  I already have 185 people in my main circle that I'm following already.  I started my account with Google Plus on July 7, 2011.  These people making these reviews, are obviously not giving Google Plus a chance.  It take time to build up quality friends that you want to follow.  Think of the time it took you to get all those Facebook friends you have.

So, my plea?  Use Google Plus and give it an honest chance.  Use it for about a month.  If you aren't satisfied with Google Plus after one month.  Go back to Facebook.  Personally, I've been looking for a reason to leave Facebook, and while I just might, there isn't enough of my close friends over at Google Plus yet.