I'm already half-addicted to Google Plus, Google's competitor to Facebook and Twitter. If you're wondering if there's a reason to be on Google Plus, I can only say try it out and see if you like it. Just ask someone you know already on Google Plus (like me) to send you an invite. If you're at all interested, I recommend getting on it now. Because right now, most of the conversation is about how we are going to use this new system, so there will never be an easier time to find your way around.
Google Plus has a few features Facebook and Twitter don't. The biggest draw is the ability to send status updates to just one group of people--say, YA Writers. Then you can have a string conversation like you can on Facebook. If you want to join a face-to-face meeting with any of your Google Plus friends, or hang out in the writers' hangout, you can do that, too.
So how to get started on Google Plus?
- Read Eugene Teplitsky's Ultimate Quickstart Guide to Google Plus.
- Check out this list by RK Charron of writers on Google Plus.
- Search for my profile and add me to one of your circles of friends.
- Go to Debbie Ohi's Kidlit/YA Directory and introduce yourself.
- Click "Sparks" on the left-hand column and sign up for news feeds about your favorite topics.
- Scan Where to Hang Out at Google Plus to find out when the next writers' hangout is scheduled.
As you can see, Google Plus is more social than Twitter and more businesslike than Facebook. There are no games and contests here, but unlike Twitter, you can see a whole conversation string or start a chat. The "circles" that let you divide the people you follow into friends, family, and writerly peeps lets you switch channels from social to business. And we're all learning together now, so it's really fun starting a community! Come on down!
I'd be happy to answer any questions I can about Google Plus.
-- Kate, Miss Perfecting the Pages
Most cogent convo on G+ I've seen. Thanks, Kate! Now I'm interested.
ReplyDeleteAgree 100%. Also heard that writers are the fifth highest group in terms of numbers of early adopters.
ReplyDeleteGo writers!
Thanks for this post, Kate. So far, I just feel a little confused about it, but now I know where to go for help.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, we're all a little confused about it right now, so there's no newbie vs. expert user vibe yet. It's a great tone.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, LOTS of writers in the directory! It's fantastic.
Lisa, I'm sending you an invite. No obligation. :)
This was a great read. I would love to try it but apparently it is full. Boo! lol.
ReplyDeleteDoh! Initially I posted my comment on the wrong entry (Friday's), kinda underlining how overwhelmed I feel about social networking in general, I suppose (where's the time to be all places? Does anyone have a lead on a time machine?).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I finally, finally just signed up for Twitter but really I think I need to be scratching things off the list rather than adding to it. Aaaah, just can't keep up. Maybe I should've skipped Twitter and gone straight to Google Plus instead? I can't imagine most other writers can keep up with all of the social networking spots so I'd imagine some of them must have to wane in popularity as others climb.
CK, I think different personalities migrate to different sites. I like Twitter for news updates, but I'm too shy to jump into a conversation there. Google Plus is more casual. And Facebook is more where I check on my family (and my daughter's friends) than connecting with writers. Nah, there's no way to keep up with everything. But if you try a little bit of everything at first, you'll know what suits you best.
ReplyDeleteREDLUV, if you comment with your email in the format (at) for @ and (dot) for dot, I'll send you an invite.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Kate! I'm on google plus but don't get it at all. lol! I'll have to be patient and look around more.
ReplyDeleteSomeone sent me an invite to G+, but I'm also hesitant just bc I don't want to have another social network to check on when I should be writing....! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you for mentioning my Curiosity Quills G+ tutorial in your article! I'm so glad you're finding it helpful :)
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