Remember, every social tool has its strengths and weaknesses and will change over time.
Google+ (G+) is very new so I hope to periodically note my impressions as they grow and go out of beta. But, for now….
Though (like all other social tools) G+ does not do everything, as one with a library science / research background, what initially stands out to me (and which has already helped me source names), is that G+ does well in relation to the key actions of search, classification, and future (precise) retrieval.
In fact, isn’t that truly what these social tools are about for us? The ability to use them effectively to search, classify, and retrieve? And, to not only carry out these actions, but to do them with PRECISION? Communication is the next step, but without the prior steps, who do you have to communicate with? So, G+ is promising (though not perfect), and, quite frankly, is far ahead of the other social tools in this respect.
So, 1,2,3: Precision Vs. Recall
1, the ability to use the integrated search function of Google to find people is quite easy for those accustomed to it (and who isn’t?!) and is way beyond any other search interfaces for the social networks. And, of course, you can use Boolean queries.
2, once you find the right people, G+ gives the ability to classify people by circles. This is, again, way easier to do with G+ than with the other social networks. Twitter lists are pretty good, and work well, but, if created by others (AKA, lack QC), these can get long and spammy.
3, good classification leads to better precision in relation to the future retrieval of people in specific areas of focus. And isn’t this the ultimate goal of any good closed information system? Anyone who has studied Library and Information Science is well aware of the issue of precision vs. recall. Sure, you can have a query or taxonomy that results in high recall, but how precise is the resulting list? Do you have time to sort through a conference hall of people or is it better to walk into a seminar?
G+ Also Provides a “Door” to Learn More About People
One last note I’d like to add is that G+ is also great for providing a “door” to learning more about people.
For example, when you connect with someone, you’ll immediately see links to their other social networks to the right of the screen. The use of easy to recognize icons helps to quickly gauge just what resources this person has set up, and if you’d like to visit them as well. The other social networks do allow some of this, but they’re not as clear and easy to find in a persons’ profile. By following these links/trails, you can learn MUCH more about people, some of which is very good to know and may not be as clear in their G+ profile. In other words, the ability to follow the clues!
So, is G+ perfect? Nope. But does it offer features that the others do not and that are very helpful in terms of name sourcing and internet recruiting? Yep. Namely, search, classification, and the ability to carry out precise future recall via circles IF the prior two steps were carried out correctly!
We’ll see what happens in the future!
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