A quick and dirty guide to Google Plus

This post is written for anyone who’s feeling a little behind in the technology department. Like me.

Oh sure. I own a digital camera. But only because it’s less complicated than a Polaroid (click and shoot; no film).

And yes, I blog. But that’s because I’m a compulsive writer who needs instant gratification from people who actually “get” me. Even if sometimes they’re just pretending to get me. (You can’t fool me. Not really.)

And I own an electric knife – although technically not technology, it does take electricity and in my book that makes it technologically correct. Like anatomically correct but with electricity.

As you’ve probably heard, Google is making waves with their latest launch: Google+ (pronounced “Google PLUS”).

So what is Google+?

It’s another social networking platform. Yes, because we needed another Facebook. From what I’ve seen, it’s very similar to Facebook but with different terms and maybe even more versatile and easier to use. Maybe.

Circles

This to me, is the BEST Google+ feature. Circles are your groups of friends and you can have as many “Circles” as you have friends. It’s great for organizing everyone in your life according to where they fit (family, friends, work colleagues, college buddies, etc.)

Also, there are no overlaps (your boss won’t see what you say to your friends and your friends don’t have to watch you suck up to your boss) and no one sees what Circle you’ve place them in. Or “CircleS” because you can drag and drop people into more than one Circle.

Plus (and maybe this is even where the “plus” in Google Plus comes in) you can create and name new Circles (i.e. Friends that I actually know. Virtual Friends, etc.).

Sparks

This feature brings content to you, based on your interests. Thai recipes, kittens, music, microbiology, whatever your pleasure, each of your fave topics gets their own Sparks page. It’s a great way to stay on top of things in your field or simply by interest.

Hangouts

Hangouts are like virtual rooms (think Skype) where you can video chat with the people in your Circles. I haven’t tried this (mostly because my Circles are empty) but the concept of virtually hanging out with friends or faraway family members seems like a neat idea (especially with the price of gas these days!).

+1 Button

This is Google’s version of the Like Button where you can publicly recommend sites, blogs, videos . . . essentially, everything you find online (that you like).

So far, to join Google+ you need an invitation. Lucky for me, I got one from a “colleague” (also known as someone I’ve never met before but thanks to LinkedIn . . .).

If you’d like an invitation to Google+, let me know and I’ll hook you up. We could be BCFs! (Best Circle Friends)

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