Oh, Google. Why can’t you admit that you’re just a search engine? OK, “just” is not justifiable. You, Google, are THE search engine. And, you have THE BEST email server.

 

 

You tried with Buzz; you gave it your all. Some people – well, just one in my G-world – continue to use it a few times a week. But Buzz has no … buzz.

Before that you had … Orkut? A poor (sorry.) attempt at social media before Facebook became a noun, verb, adjective and household word (not to mention a necessity, addiction, social media game-changer).

Google. I will continue to try every social media outlet that gets a mention. I sought an invite to get on Google+. I commented, posted and customized your nicely organized “Sparks” feature. I sent invites. I tried.

It’s just not flying. I log-in, and all I hear are … crickets. I post, no one answers. I don’t know when others post. And a company’s attempt to attract freelance writers -- though got comments -- had no follow-up. Writers couldn’t email the solicitor, as the uncircled can’t direct message.

 Ah, the circle concept, is, by the way, brilliant. It’s what attracted me to even try Google+. I like circles, and the drag-and-drop concept. I like the clean, lean look of your site, and the interface with Gmail (did I mention I love Gmail?).

Google+ is brilliant in its own way. It’s like Facebook and Twitter had a baby! The thing is? We don’t need a Fwitterbook. I have Facebook for the people I actually know, and Twitter for the people I don’t. Google+? It’s mostly people I don’t know … and I don’t want those people to have access to photos of my kids, parents and friends. Soooo, I guess Google+, you’re stuck in the middle.

Unless. Unless you can somehow become a business and associates tool … like LinkedIn, only better?

Google. Figure out what you want the + to be … or suffer the fate of Myspace, Friendster and Buzz: A has-been or wannabe.

I have faith in you, Google. If you must move beyond being the Best Search Engine Ever, figure out what you want to be. And do it best.