# Is it too early to say Google+ is a failure? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 26, 2011, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404 "2011-07-26T17:24:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![tumbleddown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2011, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/61 "2011-07-29T22:19:59Z")
> [@MegaBee](#): > > Discriminatory names rules? Google requires a first name-last name construction, though they’re willing to allow first initial-last name or first name-last initial. But there are cultures of people, mostly Asian from my understanding, who go by mononyms, they have no last name (or technically a first name, just a name). Additionally, they require your name to be in all one alphabet, but people in Hong Kong especially often have names that are _officially_ styled with a mixture of English and Pinyin, like Tai Man 陳大文 Chan. People have been suspended for expressing their names in that fashion, even though they’re their legal names. They’re also clearly willing to make greater concessions on the issue of “use the name you are commonly known by” for celebrities. They’ve accommodated 50 Cent, but a guy whose _legal_ name is 3ric was suspended. No doubt they’ll accommodate Madonna, Bono or Sting if they sign up. But a programmer who is known internationally as Skud (she’s presented at worldwide conferences under that name) was suspended – ironically, the day after she left employment _at_ Google, where her official name badge read Skud. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2011, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/62 "2011-09-07T12:17:44Z")
Ok so I’ve got 51 friends, mainly real world friends or musician acquaintances. Of these, maybe five post stuff on a regular basis. The stream is rather quiet. I’m curious, are others finding it more lively, useful? ---
**Author:** ![KellyCriterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b3f665/32.png) [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2011, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/63 "2011-09-07T12:26:33Z")
I’m on Google+. Two things that are discouraging me from using it are: [ul] [li]You can’t (at least easily) seem to post on someone’s wall[/li][li]I can “add” people to my circles who aren’t on Google+, this confuses me. Then I can’t tell (easily) which of my friends-in-circles are on Google+ and which aren’t.[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2011, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/64 "2011-09-07T12:27:54Z")
> [@KellyCriterion](#): > > I’m on Google+. > > Two things that are discouraging me from using it are: > [ul] > [li]You can’t (at least easily) seem to post on someone’s wall[/li][/ul] The nearest equivalent is to create a comment/picture/video etc. and just select that particular friend to share it with, not any of your circles. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2011, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/65 "2011-09-07T13:02:48Z")
> [@KellyCriterion](#): > > [li]I can “add” people to my circles who aren’t on Google+, this confuses me. Then I can’t tell (easily) which of my friends-in-circles are on Google+ and which aren’t.[/li] If you add someone via email and they aren’t on Google+ yet, their icon shows up with a little envelope on it, indicating “email-only”. I actually just went through and culled out all the people I had like that, on the assumption that I sent out the invitations over a month ago and if they haven’t joined yet they’re probably not going to any time soon. A lot of my IRL friends made the jump to G+ immediately, and quite a few of my online friends did too, so my feed is happening. I also added some blogger celebs like Wil Wheaton and (the SDMB’s own!) Bad Astronomer and so forth. I’m liking it quite a bit. It’s not exactly replacing Facebook for me, but it’s providing a different and worthwhile experience. I’m finding that I’m using Facebook for posting photos of my kids to the family, and I’m using G+ for actually talking to people I want to talk to. I’ve also found, and I’m sure this will sound snotty and elitist, but whatever, if you can’t be snotty and elitist on the SDMB, where can you? – but, most of the people in my life who have complained that G+ is stupid/confusing/pointless and they don’t want to join, are people I’m just as happy not to have in my social network in the first place. (I way over-added people when I first joined Facebook and now regret that.) ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2011, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/66 "2011-09-07T15:58:25Z")
I’m finding it useful as a tech/gaming RSS-like feed and good place to share similar information. I like the quality and type of content, so far, much more than at FB. That’s probably because most of the people I have in my circles don’t post the “going to the store/our kids did X in school today/I haz teh drama”-type material that you might see elsewhere. I don’t know how that might change if/when it becomes more widely used. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2011, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/67 "2011-09-07T19:58:36Z")
All I know is, whenever a business does that stupid, insulting “you have to have an invitation!” thing, I wish profoundly for its failure. And when people act all excited to have an invitiation, I immediately lose all respect for them (psst: _they aren’t actually scarce_). The truth is, I got locked out of all my Google services (spam situation) but when Google demanded my cell phone number in order to restore service, I kinda said, “Fuck that Silent Bob.” As a result of which I have not used any Google service in several months, other than search of course. I’m surviving. ---
**Author:** ![Krouget](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b38774/32.png) [@Krouget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Krouget)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2011, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/68 "2011-09-07T20:27:35Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > but when Google demanded my cell phone number in order to restore service How did they demand your number? I’m aware of them _asking_ for it, for verification purposes. ---
**Author:** ![tumbleddown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2011, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/69 "2011-09-07T21:57:42Z")
> [@Krouget](#): > > How did they demand your number? > > I’m aware of them _asking_ for it, for verification purposes. They’re now to a point where they won’t send you a password reset via email, only via text message, or they’ll send you a verification code via text message that you need to enter before you can reset your password. Since I can’t receive text messages on my phone (turned the service off to avoid being charged for spam texts) this has made me very wary of my Google accounts. But I’m slowly but surely moving away from Google, anyway, given their recent revelations that yes, in fact, we aren’t their customers, we’re the product, and they’re looking to leverage the identities they’re compiling in Google+ (which is an “identity service” not a social network, who knew?) to make cash. And I’m not alone. [Google+ traffic is down 37% in the last 18 days](http://www.dreamgrow.com/google-plus-is-failing-data/). ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2011, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/70 "2011-09-07T22:27:12Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > All I know is, whenever a business does that stupid, insulting “you have to have an invitation!” thing, I wish profoundly for its failure. I don’t think that was designed to create false exclusivity, I think it was to deliberately slow the number of registrants so it didn’t overload their capacity and shut the whole thing down prematurely. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2011, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/71 "2011-09-07T23:22:57Z")
> [@Krouget](#): > > How did they demand your number? > > I’m aware of them _asking_ for it, for verification purposes. In the sense that I cannot get back into my account without providing it, it is a rather strong request. ---
**Author:** ![KellyCriterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b3f665/32.png) [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2011, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/72 "2011-09-08T12:42:57Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > As a result of which I have not used any Google service in several months, other than search of course. This really is an awesome testament to an incredible product. If Google ever needed to advertise their internet search service, this is the quote they should be using. ---
**Author:** ![Krouget](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b38774/32.png) [@Krouget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Krouget)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2011, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/73 "2011-09-08T13:29:27Z")
> [@tumbleddown](#): > > They’re now to a point where they won’t send you a password reset via email, only via text message, or they’ll send you a verification code via text message that you need to enter before you can reset your password. > **[Sign in - Google Accounts](https://accounts.google.com/v3/signin/recoveryidentifier?flowName=WebLiteSignIn&dsh=S-266042515%3A1755475903830903)** ^^ You can type in your email, above. I’ve had to use both methods in the past, and they worked fine, but I also believe it varies by situation. For some background, they detected suspicious activity on my account, and I had to use the SMS verification method to reset my password. Given I use a good chunk of the Google suite, and a successful hack of the account opens the door to email (and thus someone _else_ locking you out of the account), I saw it as a necessary measure. > [@](#): > > Since I can’t receive text messages on my phone (turned the service off to avoid being charged for spam texts) this has made me very wary of my Google accounts. Just curious, but if your email account has been breached, what would be the next best method to verify who you are? I understand there is always a balance to be had between security and relative ease of access, but I don’t see the method they use as invasive. > [@](#): > > we aren’t their customers, we’re the product Moving away from the objectification of it, if you’re referring to the use of our information for targeted ads, that much has been known. It’s a big part of how Google is able to offer free services, while still making money. It’s also the reason they continue to try and enrich the web experience, so that more users spend time there (and thus populate it with information). While I certainly have no issue with someone being opposed to this, my stance is that advertising is a part of life. Before (and even still), I used to get tons of non-specific junk mail, while the same was true for spam or junk in my email. I’m not going to be able to fully stop this, so if I’m going to receive advertisements, they might as well be relevant to my interest. I’m just selective with what sensitive information I _do_ make available. > [@Hello\_Again](#): > > In the sense that I cannot get back into my account without providing it, it is a rather strong request. Again, it depends on the severity of the breach. It’s an age old question of convenience, with regard to access control, versus effective security. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2011, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/74 "2011-09-08T13:41:24Z")
> [@](#): > > Just curious, but if your email account has been breached, what would be the next best method to verify who you are? I understand there is always a balance to be had between security and relative ease of access, but I don’t see the method they use as invasive. This is where we differ. Once I voluntarily give them my cell phone number in order to receive a service we have a “business relationship” exempting them from, among other things, the Do Not Call list. Yahoo fixed my shit without me having to give out a phone number. > [@Krouget](#): > > [Again, it depends on the severity of the breach. It’s an age old question of convenience, with regard to access control, versus effective security. And in my case the answer to the age-old question of “do I care to jump through their hoops” is “no.” I’m sure some people would be perfectly happy to give out their cell phone, blood type and SSN just in order to be reunited with Google Docs, but I’m not that person, so… fuck them. Believe me, I’m sure they’re not weeping over my departure. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2011, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/75 "2011-09-08T13:47:41Z")
> [@KellyCriterion](#): > > If Google ever needed to advertise their internet search service, this is the quote they should be using. Cute, but why would they ever need to advertise their search service? When your brand has become a verb, you can give the marketing department the day off. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2011, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/76 "2011-09-08T13:57:12Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > Cute, but why would they ever need to advertise their search service? When your brand has become a verb, you can give the marketing department the day off. Exactly. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/77 "2011-10-29T15:42:25Z")
They told me my username violated their name policy the other day so I just deleted my account. It had been of precisely zero use to me over the time I had it. I won’t miss it. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/78 "2011-10-29T16:13:06Z")
I wonder how they handle verifying accounts for people who don’t have cell phones? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/79 "2011-10-29T16:23:33Z")
> [@An\_Gadai](#): > > They told me my username violated their name policy the other day so I just deleted my account. It had been of precisely zero use to me over the time I had it. I won’t miss it. How lame is that? Did they tell you what the actual problem was? I don’t have a Facebook account but I did start a Google+ when it first came out thanks to an invite from **Tuckerfan**. I haven’t looked at it since the first couple of weeks. I’m just not into social networking online. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404/80 "2011-10-29T17:42:01Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > How lame is that? Did they tell you what the actual problem was? I think because my username wasn’t a real name, it’s my stage name. I can’t be arsed appealing it since it has very little utility for me as it currently operates. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-early-to-say-google-is-a-failure/590404.md?page=5)