For years Google was trying to break into the social media scene. They spent time, energy and funds into launching their own versions, which always managed to crash and burn almost as soon as they were released.
Most of us have witnessed these failures first hand, and if you want a refresher course just check out this helpful infographic that illustrated the many attempts. Google has not had the best track record, with their successes usually through purchasing already established sites like YouTube.
When they launched Google+ amongst a huge amount of hype and fanfare, I am sure I was not the only one poised for disappointment. After all, we had been there before and it didn’t tend to be worth the invite to check out the new site. But they managed to get it right this time, and G+ was an immediate hit.
Even with hiccups along the way, such as with privacy issues (this is Google, after all). Now that it is available without an invite, and their services have all been linked through a single login, it has continued to grow in popularity.
So, why do so many people still claim Google+ a failure?
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Statistics?
The biggest complaint most analysts seem to have with Google+ is the numbers. Last year, the Wall Street Journal wrote a piece claiming that the social media site had become a ‘ghost town’, despite their incredibly high user numbers. In fact, the average time spent monthly on G+ was lower than Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even Myspace. Ouch!
For those of us who have been paying attention, these accusations are nothing new. In the past analysts have been quick to point out that most of the profiles that are on G+ seem to be inactive, or barely active. In fact, the high user rating might be blamed on the auto-creation through Google Accounts. A point backed up by this report in 2012 that showed how few shares are gathered by G+ compared to other social media sites.
The Way They Failed
I think this gives a strong indication of where Google+ has missed the mark. They never became a social network, and perhaps they didn’t mean to be. It is more a slightly socialized element to a wide array of services. But like so many of their other products, it isn’t actually aimed for the average user. In fact, it is rather inaccessible to the average social user, thanks to a unique but complicated platform design that most just don’t seem to gel with.
That gap is useability is so wide that the Huffington Post last year found that one in three of Google’s employees were inactive on the site. When even the people who work for you aren’t using our product, it is a bad sign.
The Way They Succeeded
After saying all of that, I am not suggesting that Google has actually failed. On the contrary, I think they have made some incredible progress in creating a unique kind of social network. One that is aimed more at the computer and technology enthusiasts and industry leaders than the average Joe. There is also a distinct edge for business use, and with Google Authorship they have made it a must have for the average blogger, as well.
For the first time, Google seems to be playing to their strengths rather than trying to take a bite out of Facebook. They are becoming more established within this niche, and they are surging in popularity as a result. We now include G+ automatically when we name off the major social media sites on the web, which we never would have done before with some of their other attempts.
Conclusion
Has Google+ failed? I suppose it depends on what they were trying to achieve in the first place. If they wanted an open, accessible social platform for all users on the web, then yes, they probably failed.
But if they were trying to make a business, blog and tech geek friendly version of other sites with a unique format, then they succeeded beyond anyone’s hopes. The numbers they provide are still pretty shady, and I don’t think anyone believes them when they talk about their active user base. But I am personally willing to forgive them for their fibs. As long as they never try to bring back Buzz.
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I wrote this and I want to know what other people think of it. Thanks.
As tears swell up through my eyes. I see that darkness has finally conquered my soul and spirit. I will cry into the night, begging, for someone to save me. From the tragedy of fate. I have spoken the words of a mortal, learned the ways of the buddha. Still nothing overcomes this power of sight. To see beyond this shattered glass of the mirror that used to be. Nothing more to ask for. Nothing left to say. Yet to the people who have seen the ways of life.To the people who have seen the hardness of a diamond to a frail rock. What damage has been done. What to be done of the punishment, seeking destination. With the power of a horse running over stream, With the mass of a wave gliding over the shores. For seekers will find what lies beneath. To fall off a skyscraper, and pretend as if everything is perfect. To be a bird and soar through the wind and never fail but succeed at everything. At the top of the highest mountain, you will find yourself to be stranded but in the likes of the midst, You will never want to leave. That peaceful harmony, Everything so real. Everything you wish it could be. But only in your dreams. My friend, I must ask of you, Answer my question. Who are you? What is your purpose in life? Why are you here? Open your eyes, my friend. Go, when you answer these questions. Your time is near its end. As you will loose yourself in the blissfulness of death and look it in the eye. You have one the battle. Your eyes are open. Now its time for you to learn well, To soar in the sky as one of your own.
A couple weeks ago I had my first “entrepreneurial idea”. I don’t think I have the necessary personal qualities to succeed, but one thing at a time…
Obviously one reason that some businesses fail is that they market a product or service that nobody wants. The obvious way around that is market research…but how does one man accomplish that without funding or manpower behind him? How do people do it?
In other words, how can I find out if there is demand for my idea before dumping money into development and production?
It is said that child soldiers were used in wars in Eastern Europe during 13th and 14th centuries. Many new kingdoms in Europe were founded during this time including Transsylvania.
I am a college student who really wants to do something completely different. Or whats out of the norm. I am in college studying computer science because I like computers and I know my degree is promising–that I will have it for back up when all fails. I need an idea, if anyone can help. I want to make money now. I am ready to start my life now! How??? I know that there are ways that you are able to make money without college. Not saying that I wont finish. I will! I am a female with a drive to succeed. But I have no ideas. I want to do whats not normal. I want to make things happen. And I want to do something now, while Im in school. I want to make money in a legal way. And please don’t say strip or something stupid please. I am not looking for “part time jobs” like fast food or retail either. Please help. Im ready for something different. I am smart and I am a very hard worker. I just need an idea to run with. Thank you.
I am talking about clusters based on Porters ideas or even just general examples of where economic clusters have succeeded or failed in real life. Any sites that would help me know more about it would be highly appreciated
Why do they defend socialism by pointing to one or two European countries who are moderately successfully with socialism? Do they not realize those countries have a homogenous population of only a few million? What about France, Germany, Italy, and Spain?
google
****check CIA factbook*****
Google: globalists-plan-to-stay-in-afghanistan
Obtained IP address succeeded
Internet connection failed
I have changed the DNS manually to Google public DNS and Open DNS and still get the same error with both. I don’t know what else to do! Does anyone have a solution? Thanks!
Think about the literature in terms of Americas challenge to live up to the ideals, expectations, and promises. You might also consider how the declaration serves as a foundation for life in a democratic republic and how it has, or has not been replicated by other nations.
1) Have we lived up to its expectations?
2) Where have we succeeded or failed to meet the challenge of its ideals?
3)what conditions still exist in the USA today that help us answer the questions above?
finish the quote and name the person who said it
I’ve just submitted a URL to Google crawler on the webmaster Tools page (which enables you to submit a URL from a site you don’t own)
My question is how long will it take for Google to crawl the URL i provided?
https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/submit-url