Reports have come in that since a week ago that Google has been combating pseudonyms on its new [...]]]>

Aww yea, this is his big break.

Google’s nascent and third attempt at social networking is making headlines again, and this time, it’s not about how big a threat to Facebook it will be, but how its high-handed ways are a threat to itself.

Reports have come in that since a week ago that Google has been combating pseudonyms on its new social networking service by fully revoking the accounts of offenders, drawing a lot of flak from users and the media. More shocking is the way Google does it – it totally suspends your Google account – meaning if you have a Blogger, Docs, Adsense account, you’ll have problems accessing these services, causing you big problems if these are essential to your work, or perhaps, Chromebook’s operation.

This Wanker is looking for trouble.

However, after much furore from netizens adopting Google Plus, Google has created a website where you can seek amends. Assuming your name is really Wanker, and you have documented proof that you really are Wanker – be it on your official ID or some web snippet that proves that it’s not some made-for-Google Plus pseudonym, then Google promises to reinstate your Google account.

So if you want to try your luck, then go ahead with a free Google Plus invite courtesy of us.

VP of Google Engineering: ”Online sharing needs a serious re-think, so it’s time we got started.”

Ah, classic ways of  ”this situation is not acceptable, it’s time to change this and that” rhetoric. I’ve heard it from so many people that need [...]]]>

VP of Google Engineering: ”Online sharing needs a serious re-think, so it’s time we got started.”

Ah, classic ways of  ”this situation is not acceptable, it’s time to change this and that” rhetoric. I’ve heard it from so many people that need a convenient way to say they suck, and Imma be better. Mostly bullshit.

But more to the point – recently, a friend invited me to Google+. And I’m kind enough to do the same with my limited invites.

As of now, Google+ still lags behind Facebook, because it still feels like Facebook a few years ago. Yes, it has some special features like Circles and Hangout, which is for categorisation of your friends for limited messaging spread, and a video group-chat app respectively. As of now, I only have one friend, and that’s a bit… weak. Especially since this is a social networking site, where you’re supposed to have some friends before it gets interesting.

Reports said that Google Plus is a little bit of Twitter, a little bit of Skype video, a bit like Facebook and something that Tumblr-ers are raving about. Google Plus made for you to share stuff… much like what Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter is, with some special features of its own.

Integrated into Google Plus is the concept of Circles, which allow you to categorise your friends and limit info to whoever would be interested – such as your breakup to “BFFs” and “Working tomorrow” to “Boss and Colleagues”.

And then there’s Sparks, which is a way for you to categorise your interest and info from others of similar interests will be listed into these ‘feeds’.

Then, the best part of Plus as of now – Hangout. Hangout is an interesting app that allows you to video group-chat with up to ten people.

Lastly, even though Google Plus is in Beta, it already has an Android app. Integrated into the Android app is the ability to share your thoughts and pictures on-the-go, and at the instant you take the picture, which is interesting as I do understand some people like to do that… though I suspect only the most conscious of people should use that.

Free Invites

I am interested to give out some invites to whoever would like a try. Google+ is still in its preliminary stage and it’s quite boring, but hopefully with more people it will start working out like a good social networking site with more people to socialise with.

I trust Google because they are really good at what they do. Though trying to come into the social networking market at this time is a bit hard – it’s no longer back in the mid-2000′s where all you had against you was the likes of less solid competitors like Friendster, Hi5 and Myspace, all of which have died to a large extent.

But historical trends have shown that a new social networking site can sweep the old, complacent one off its shoes in no time. Friendster to Facebook took one year max, and even the old guards are now Facebookers. Who goes to Friendster? But Facebook has its roots firmly built into the cloud in ways that others have not been able to achieve, and what better way to confirm this than the Sign in with Facebook feature on so many sites.

Please contact me if you want an invite.