Google + (Google Plus)

[daark.child]

Has anybody used Google+ yet? If so, what are your opinions about it. I haven't used it yet but I'm keen to know what others think about it.

[MikeTbob]

I was under the impression that it hasn't been released to the wild yet and only a certain number of people have received invites to use it so far. Kinda like Gmail when it first came out. But I'd be interested to hear anyone's input as well.

[jayd512]

I haven't used it, nor has anyone that I know.
But from what I've read on it so far, I think I'll be trying to find a way to disable it!
Looks like a mix of FaceBook and Google Buzz.

[sgosnell]

Supposed to be the next facebook killer. [yawn]

[elija]

Google already have their tracking tendrils throughout the web. Sign up for Google + and they will be able to track you with your identity through the web. How much do you think they could sell that data for?

No thanks.

[MikeTbob]

Google already have their tracking tendrils throughout the web. Sign up for Google + and they will be able to track you with your identity through the web. How much do you think they could sell that data for?

No thanks.

Well it's pretty much like that with any social networking site. They only get the info you provide them....if that info is incorrect or misleading, well then they really know nothing about you.

[elija]

At the moment, Google have their ads and their stats services. Every site you visit with which is using one of those can track you, adding to a profile which, while not related to your real identity, is very valuable to Google as it builds up a picture of adverts the anonymous you may be interested in. Most people use social networking sites under their real identity as it's kind of the point so imagine the value of all that tracking data tied to your real identity.

Think I'm being paranoid? Install the Ghostery add on for Firefox and see who is tracking you around the internet. And that is only the ones using client side trickery! The server side stuff is truly nasty as you don't know if it's being used and you can't (as yet) block it.

[sgosnell]

If you use any social networking site, you're going to be tracked, and worse. Facebook admits they sell their user information. It's difficult, if not impossible, to avoid being tracked anywhere on the internet, so if you're paranoid about being tracked, stay off the internet.

[SkittleLinux18]

Install the Ghostery add on for Firefox and see who is tracking you around the internet.

Dude!! You're totally right. I installed Ghostery and 5 elements are tracking me on LFO as I type this!

[ryokimball]

I got a Google+ invite fairly quickly (somehow I've lucked out on most Google's invite so far). Honestly, I do like it, even more than Facebook (though perhaps not as much as Twitter... but that's a somewhat different game).
Also, as far as tracking and paranoia goes, I think I trust Google (at least, more than Facebook), lest I would've abandoned Gmail when I first saw the targeted ads on the right-side panel. I'm still convinced that if I need to drop off the grid, I can do so fairly easily.