By Scott Kleinberg, RedEye Social Media Director
It’s easy to want to compare Google+ to Facebook, but that doesn’t mean it’s right to do so. While both services are about connecting with friends and sharing content, that’s really where the similarities end.
Just like we all jumped ship from MySpace to Facebook, Google wants to be the next big thing. Maybe it’s too early to make the call, but I just don’t see it. Make no mistake: Google+ will fare far better than Buzz and the now-defunct Wave, but a mass exodus from Facebook is unlikely.
Facebook’s familiar. There’s a wall. You can chat or message or poke. You can create lists to share certain things with certain people. It’s going to take a while to get used to Google’s system of Circles and Sparks and Hangouts.
Give Google+ points for Hangouts, which is a group video chat for up to 10 people. Facebook just announced video chatting by partnering with Skype, so that battle might be a fairer fight.
How can I put this kindly? Facebook is like Wal-Mart or Denny’s—you know what to expect when you walk in. Google+ is like that fancy restaurant with limited reservations available. The food underwhelms and you aren’t in a hurry to go back, but you might reconsider after the kitchen works out some of the kinks.
One thing Google+ has going for it is the popularly of Gmail. Once Google+ opens to everyone, the link between its email system and Google+ should be seamless. It’ll need to be in order to stand a chance.
So, what does Google+ need to do to survive in the social media universe of 2011 and beyond?
First, Google needs to figure out how to get people signed up. It’s way too confusing right now. Keep it simple and send out invites rather than making it a nasty free-for-all.
Second, keep the design simple. So far, so good.
Third, and something worth strongly considering before a wider launch: Change the name. Facebook sounds social. Google+ sounds like a calculator.
Despite my assessment, I’m not giving up on Google+. If you can get in, you should give it a try. And please add me to one or more of your circles—I’ll add you back.
Original version at RedEye.com.
