Be Better at Everything: How to use Google+

by
“);

jessica@dmjuice.com

08/16/2011   email this  print this

Google+ is the new kid on the social network block, combining elements of Facebook and Twitter with new features like “hangouts,” “huddles” and “circles.” Nathan Wright, founder of social media consulting firm Lava Row, explains the best ways to use the new network.

Circles: Circles are a way to categorize people. It’s the first thing you’ll want to set up. “On Facebook, you have your mom, grandma, friend, boss — everyone in one spot,” Wright said. “Creating circles gives you a more private space to post things and see only a select group of people’s updates.”

You can have several different circles — one for family, one for friends, one for following other network users whom you think post valuable updates, and so on. It means your buddies can see your Monday morning status of “Too many tequila shots, worthless at work today.” And your boss won’t.

Hangouts: Hangouts allow you to have a face-to-face-to-face conversation with up to 10 people in a circle. “You can see multiple people on a ‘Brady Bunch’-style grid,” Wright said. “It’s like Skype, but with several people at once.”

The beauty of the hangout? You only meet who you want to meet. Kinda like the man cave, there are no random, uninvited guests in the hangout. “It’s one of the most unique features it offers,” he said.

To start a hangout, click the “welcome” button on the home page. It will prompt you to start a hangout and invite individuals or entire circles.

Huddles: Huddles are group conversations. Like group texting, but without the fees from a wireless carrier. “A lot of communication takes place in texts,” Wright said. “These social networks want a piece of that.” Planning Thursday night’s potluck just got a lot simpler.

Why you should try it: “Google has tried to make a move in the social networking field, and to date, this has been the most successful,” Wright said. “Plus it is stripped down, lightweight and easy to use. It’s design and interface is smarter.”

Wright said while some people view Google+ as just another social network, many see it as a refreshing change since it is more private to use. “There is no more sidestepping awkward acquaintances. Plus, it keeps separate worlds from colliding.”

Share and Enjoy

Drinks firms ‘target young online’

Wednesday, 17 August 2011

Young people are being targeted by alcohol companies via social networking sites, researchers warn

• 
  enlarge

Children and young people are being targeted by alcohol companies via social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, according to a new report.

The study for the charity Alcohol Concern found social media and own-brand websites were an area of huge interest to the alcohol industry.

Even “safeguards” designed to ensure pages can only be accessed by people aged 18 and over are easily bypassed by putting in fake dates of birth, researchers said. One doctor was able to input a date on the WKD website that did not exist – February 29 on a year that was not a leap year – to gain easy access.

The study examined all kinds of online marketing by the alcohol industry, including branded websites with interactive games and competitions that are attractive to young people, and branded pages on websites including Facebook and YouTube.

It said websites set up by consumers themselves to back a particular brand are also very popular, while companies encourage viral marketing – a form of advertising targeted at those who are likely to pass on the message to others via social networking sites, emails, texts and online forums.

The report said: “The boundaries between what actually constitutes online alcohol advertising and what constitutes social interaction are, in addition, becoming increasingly hazy.”

While companies are advised to take “reasonable steps to prevent their brand names, trademarks and logos from being used by third parties in a manner which violates agreed guidelines”, it is “questionable to what extent this happens in practice”.

Social networking sites have furthermore become a place for young people to share photos of themselves or their friends in a drunken state.

The report, New Media, New Problem?, said 49% of children aged eight to 17 in the UK have set up their own profile on a social networking site. Despite the fact that the minimum age for most of these sites is 13, 27% of 8 to 11-year-olds who are aware of the sites have a user profile.

Don Shenker, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, said: “The alcohol industry has very effectively taken advantage of internet technology as a means of promoting its products. There’s a real danger of children and young people being exposed to alcohol marketing on such sites, particularly given that age verification mechanisms are largely ineffective.”

Share and Enjoy