Google+ vs Facebook

[CrystalKitten]

Just wondering on which people think is better. I personally prefer google+. While I haven't actively used facebook in many years, I do remember that there was a LOT of privacy controversy a while back. I also know that when someone pointed out that my profile was easily searchable by sticking my msn into google.. It took me maybe 15+ minutes to weed through all the settings to find the privacy options to turn all that off.

What I like about google+ is how they're handing privacy. EVERY privacy setting is right front and center on your profile page. I remember in Facebook those were in back end settings pages. While on google+... right below the input for any piece of data (location, contact, etc) is a drop down box to select which of your circles can view that piece of info. There's also a very clear, and obvious setting at the bottom of the profile to completely remove your profile from search engines. While you can't hide your name or photo, you can make it so people can't get to your profile without a link, or by following people's circles. And I find that acceptable, I mean, afterall, people have to be able to identify the profile somehow once they get there. And you can always post a fake photo, and they allow you to change your name once every 3 months.

I also adore the circles idea for posts. You can make your own circles, and you can easily sort people into them just by a drag and drop interface. I'm kind of really happy about their now being a social site I feel comfortable using.

Who knows.. maybe one day I'll even feel okay making a "gamer" circle with some of my closer net buddies... With google+'s features I could easily hide all location/real contact info, as well as easily ensure that only gaming related posts from me would get through to them. The big problem with google+ right now is that it's still pretty new, and there's not nearly as many people on it. People also seem to be in a bit of a "fanboy" stage for facebook, as my sister actually got irritated enough to leave when I pointed out that it seems google+ came up with the easy to access privacy control first.

Which do you prefer and why? Or will you just follow where ever your other contacts go?

[Vephriel]

I'm not huge on the whole social media thing, I just keep my Facebook as a means of keeping in touch with friends who live in other places. I only have about 30 friends on my list, and I don't really go on it very often.

Since everyone I know is already on Facebook I probably won't bother with Google+. No sense moving to a new networking site when everyone's already used to and using Facebook.

[CrystalKitten]

Yeah, that's the big problem/hurdle for google+ right now... Everyone is used to facebook. I'm kind of hoping people will start making the switch... It'll be nice to actually be able to connect with people. It's far easier for me to try and make friends when there's a digital means of communication (helps me get past the social anxiety/phobia barrier.. then when they know me well enough.. it's easier to do stuff in person). I suppose time will tell though.

[cowmuflage]

I like Facebook more.

[Lisaara]

I prefer Facebook. So much more to do and I'm used to it.

[AdamSavage]

I've never tried google plus, but I'm familiar with Facebook and everyone I know mostly is on there.

[Britany]

I have around 600 friends on facebook, and I'm really used to it, but after reading your post about google+ I'll have to convince some of my friends to make an account and try it out.

[Azunara]

I liked Google Buzz.

But no. They got rid of that. They replaced it with Google+. And then they put an age restriction so I can't even use the damn thing they're forcing on me.

And I refuse to get a facebook, so essentially I'm back to email and forums for my "social media". :\