by Alyssa Ast

Recently, Google unveiled the new social networking site Google+. Finally, after a long wait, the new social network is available in a limited field. The functions Google+ has are very similar to Facebook’s functions, as far as the status stream and ability to share and view photos, videos and links, but Google+ has so much more.

Google also plans to unleash a new tool bar, which will allow Google+ users to have instant access and updates available from the tool bar. Although Google+ seems to be very similar to Facebook and other social networking sites, there are major differences with this new site. For example, the Google+ Circles. This allows you to place the members in your social circles into different categories, such as family, friends and classmates. Plus, these categories allow you to choose which status feeds you see and respond too. The features Google+ has when compared to Facebook go on and on, causing many to believe it just might be the next social networking empire.

What’s in it for you?

As we know, social networking is a huge part of the writing life. You must social network for various reasons to promote your writing career. Google+ is another way you can accomplish this. Get to know other writers and share your work in more places using the new social networking site. Even though it seems very similar to Facebook, it doesn’t hurt to add the site to your social networking list because if you reach one more person with your work, that’s one more step forward.

So far, I haven’t spent as much time on the new site that I would like too, but already I like it. I love the fact you can separate the people you talk to into circles. This is a feature I’ve wanted to see on Facebook for a long time. In some way, it allows you to keep your private life and your writing life separate. I love that you can choose which status feeds to view. All in all, so far I’m all for it. Will it become the monster Facebook currently is? Who knows, but I do see a large potential.