The Bench

Google +, a mini review:

I was fortunate to get an invite to Google+ a couple of days after Google made invites available.  At the time and still, I think it is an amazing upgrade from Facebook, its closest rival.  However, I believe it has some growing still to do.  The number of people in the world with smart phones as compared to computers is huge and I believe the iPhone continues to hold a majority in that market.  I have found little fault in the Google+ interface on traditional computer browsers.  In fact, Google has put a lot of thought into giving people a different way of connecting with friend’s, family and acquaintances through circles.  The only problem I have had is that it takes work on the front end to make sure you place everyone into the proper circle.  It is time consuming to go back and re”circle” your friends.

My biggest problem with Google+ is the mobile interface.  Now, I have an iPhone and currently there is no app, although, it is “coming soon” according to Google, so I can’t offer input as to the functionality on the Android app.  For the iPhone, the streams work wonderfully and the ability to quickly check notifications is a plus.  On the other hand, posting from the mobile web app is less than what I would hope for.  I am frequently on the go and need to post links.  Through the mobile web app, I have yet to find a way to do this.  I am able to change from the mobile version to the desktop version to add a link, but then I am not able to add any comments to the posting of the link; just the link itself.

Another issue that I have heard of is that users who have created an account with a pseudonym or profile picture other than of a person, are being forced to change them.  I am at a loss as to why Google would be forcing this issue.  Anywhere else on the web you go, you can be known by whatever name you want to be.  Also, me being a photographer, the user agreement is not that friendly for anyone wanting to retain all rights to their photos.  I currently have my portfolio stored at Flickr and will keep it there until that changes.  However, photos which I do not think I will have a need for exclusive rights may still end up on Google+.

All in all, I have had an enjoyable experience with Google+.  I think the interface is outstanding and the concept behind the circles was genius.  I will continue to use Google+ and hope that some of the initial bugs get worked out.  I guess being an early adopter on the cutting edge has a tendency to come with it’s own issues.

Find me on Google+ as Daryl Clark or here for my Google+ profile.

Today’s Photo: The Bench

I was sitting on the porch at the house the other day when I noticed the clouds were beginning to look good for a few shots around the house.  This place happens to intense me into a creative mood no matter how the day starts out.  Not to mention, from spring to fall, there are constantly blooming flowers.  Everyday here is a new adventure.

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