Google+ Plus Me

By now you've probably heard of Google+.  You may have even gotten an invitation and set up a few circles.  If you're like me, then you try to check Google+ as often as you check Facebook.  There's no denying the fact that Google+ has a long way to go if it has a chance at denting "The Book."

I like the exclusivity that Google+ provides...for the moment.  It's invitation-only status makes it cool like Gmail.  I remember how psyched I was when I first opened my Gmail account with "beta" displayed proudly next to the logo.  Later they unveiled the chat feature which started as an empty wasteland similar to my Google+ feed.  Now, every time I check my email, at least half a dozen green dots populate my chat list.  Even more idling Android robots.

Google+ does the same thing.  Despite the wasteland effect, it's exclusive like Gmail and Facebook were in the beginning, and that makes it cool.  It's integrated into the Google product bar...which is now a trendy black.  The genius of it astounds me.

Even though our Google+ profiles are empty.  Even though our Friends Circle is a mere fraction of our Facebook friend list.  Even though Google+ has 10 million users to Facebook's 500 million.  They've managed to create a digital symbiote that can do nothing but grow stronger.

You might get bored of the social wasteland and  forget about your Google+ profile.  But just by opening Google for any one of the dozens of products we all use, you will start to see bright red notifications beckoning you into the Google cult.  Just like Gmail's chat, more and more people will get their invite, put you in a circle, and start posting into the feeds.

I certainly wish Google well.  They don't violate your privacy like Facebook.  They don't hike rates like Netflix. And they don't assault you with ads like Yahoo.

Google+ is the next generation of social media.  It's safe enough to friend your boss, your mom, or your patients.  Just don't Tweet your Weiner into your "Professional" circle.  I just hope we don't Wave it goodbye.