I am not a follower. Now that presents a problem. I have to follow something, because by merely existing on this planet one is biologically wired to follow something, Be it a food trail, shelter, warmth or thirst. And that trail has to lead to satisfaction. Of course psychologists know this and it is in full blown use in advertising. Advertising is sent to us via hundreds of channels. Sometimes the benefit if more generous to the advertiser than the end user.
Well,I tried it today. Set up an account after I determined first how much info I wanted to share which is zero. The best way to do that is to create a brand new account. Of course if you want to be found then use your existing one. I am naturally adverse to any mandates from companies and governments, but that's just me!
I hate Facebook. It took me years before I capitulated to open an account, and when I did it is far removed from any connection to me. You can do video conferencing on Google+1 well,that's a great tool for business and orgs, families and circle of friends.
Todd Wasserman wrote this piece on Mashable.
Google’s announcement that it’s adding a “+1” button to incorporate sentiment into its search results raised a lot of questions not addressed in the company’s official announcement.
We spoke with Google rep Jim Prosser about +1. Here are some of our questions answered. What other questions do you have about the new product?
Why is Google doing this?
Aside from the fact that it represents another way to compete with Facebook, Google’s official line is that it will make search results more germane. Says Prosser: “People consult their friends and other contacts on decisions. It’s very easy and lightweight way to make search results more relevant.”
Will the number of +1s affect search rankings?
Prosser says no, but adds that it’s something Google is “very interested” in incorporating in some form at some point.
Who are these contacts we’re seeing next to the +1s?
They are from Google Contacts, which come from various Google products, most notably Gmail, Buzz and Reader.
Will we see Facebook friends giving +1s at some point?
Not likely. Prosser draws a distinction between the “open web” and Facebook’s closed system. Google is up for incorporating open social media apps, but not Facebook. And Facebook isn’t likely to be interested in bolstering +1, a competitor to its “Like” button.
What about Twitter?
That’s a different story. Google already incorporates Twitter data into its searches, though Prosser says there are no immediate plans for integrating Twitter results with +1.
What about using data from other social networks?
Prosser says Google is interested in using more data from Flickr and Quora, which Google considers “open web” apps. Initially, though, you won’t see your Flickr or Quora friends’ +1 recommendations.
When will we start seeing the +1s?
Not for a few months, at least not en masse. Those who are interested in experimenting with +1 right away can go to Google.com/experimental. Otherwise, Prosser says only a “very small percentage” of searches and sites will have the +1 button within the next few weeks.
Will +1 be incorporated into banner ads?
Not right away, though Google is interested in that possibility.
Can marketers game the system by running “check +1 to enter” promotions?
It seems that Google frowns on this sort of thing, but it’s unclear whether the company expressly forbids it. Meanwhile, to maintain the integrity of the results, Prosser recommends that marketers don’t tweak their copy to ensure more +1s.
Sounds so One World control to me ...
Posted By: Marta Fernandez
Sunday, July 17th 2011 at 6:26PM
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