Social Networking is the heart of the internet right now. Scratch that, social networking is much, much bigger. Terms like Facebook, Twitter, share, social, follow, fan, etc. are hurled at us, at the speed of light, both online and offline. Every individual and company (including JumpstartMyPC.com) is trying to figure out the “best” way to share information with fans, friends and family. And now, Google has stepped up to the plate with their offering… Google Buzz.
I realize that many of you have already been exposed to Google Buzz, or at least heard the name, and that this article might seem a little untimely. After all, Google Buzz was released about a month ago (February 9, 2010). The reason I waited to comment on Google Buzz was two-fold: 1) The initial reaction to Google Buzz was panic! (early issues with privacy) and 2) I wasn’t sure if I would even use Buzz for personal and/or business updates. Why would I review or recommend a product for the JumpstartMyPC.com audience if it (Buzz) wasn’t a useful tool that would help you get more out of your PC? Well, I finally spent some time with this new application and I think I’ve wrapped my mind around it.
What Exactly is Google Buzz?
According to WikiPedia “Google Buzz is a social networking and messaging tool from Google, designed to integrate into the company’s web-based email program, Gmail. Users can share links, photos, videos, status messages and comments organized in “conversations” and visible in the user’s inbox.” The definition is spot-on, but other than the Gmail integration, what makes Google Buzz any different from MySpace, Facebook or any of the other social networking sites out there? I could post a bunch of screen-shots and commentary, but a quick video will explain Buzz much more effectively.
To me, Google Buzz is the Lite version of social networking. Why? Because you don’t have to spend an eternity setting it up, the feature set is very limited and (this is the best part) the distractions are minimal.
Setup
- If you have a Gmail account, you are already a Buzz user. Just look for the link under your inbox.
- If you want to try Buzz and see what it’s all about, all you have to do is sign up for a FREE Gmail account. **If you decide to stick around, you can import your old mail and contacts fromYahoo!, Hotmail, AOL or other webmail or POP3 accounts (which covers just about everyone).
- Add personal information or don’t! This is entirely up to you.
Limited Features
- Post your own buzz-worthy links and photos. Follow others to see what they post. That’s it! If you can copy and paste, you can use Buzz!
- There are no apps, so you don’t have to worry about joining the Mafia or taking care of your Farm-Town/Ville.
Distractions Gone
- Ads are limited to a tiny little bar at the top (almost forgot about it even being there).
- Again, no apps – meaning no games, clubs, groups, etc. to join or worry about.
The Verdict
Click Here
My overall opinion of Google Buzz is “wait-and-see.” Google will not give up on Buzz any time soon and (as blogger Dan Sung put it) “it’s the refinements that will make it into something deeper and more diverse.” Who knows what the future holds for Google Buzz?
However, I have some suggestions for those of you with different “backgrounds.” Depending on your current setup (email), affiliations (other social networking sites) or tolerance level, you might want to give Buzz a chance.
Scenario 1: The Rookie
You have email and use it to communicate with a limited group of friends and family. Either you don’t care about social networking or you are one of the “I don’t want to know what everyone is up to all the time and I don’t care to let others know what I am doing at any time” camp.
Suggestion
Google Buzz is perfect for you! Just sign up for that FREE Gmail account and add ONLY the people that you already email. Don’t give out this new address to anyone but those you already email. Post away using the Private option and you won’t have to worry about anyone else seeing what you submit. If you like it, hang around. If not, delete the account and walk away.
Scenario 2: The Middle Man
You tried Facebook, but it wasn’t your thing. Too much going on and you are too busy to check it all the time. You post an update here and there, but don’t really “feel” like a Facebook person. Twitter sounds like something only a bird would do or maybe you are just a little bit curious to see what’s going on in the Twitter world.
Suggestion
Google Buzz might be a good way to ease into sharing a bit more. Using Gmail means that Buzz is literally one click away and (as we pointed out) there are limited distractions. You can “follow” people or companies that you have an interest in and check your Buzz when you have time. No pressure. You don’t even have to post anything if you don’t want to.
Scenario 3: Social Guru
You are everywhere in the social networking world: MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc. You can’t get enough new information and you love the applications and “noise” of these sites. You follow several blogs and/or have a blog of your own.
Suggestion
Buzz might be too little for your needs. You would just be reinventing the wheel if you had to set up another profile. However, a Buzz page would be a good way to increase your audience and spread the word about your online presence. OK, maybe you should try it out anyway.
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Tags: Buzz, Facebook, Gmail, Google, MySpace, Networking, share, Social, Twitter
