Google is a drug dealer—the worst kind; a dealer that creates a constant flow of new, exotic drugs. And the drugs are mostly free. I recently heard someone say, “If you’re not working for Google in the next 15 years, I’d assume that you are out of work.” Every passing day this seems more likely to be true.
Didn’t hear the Buzz? Watch the video:
Yesterday, Jason Calacanis aka @Jason posted that Google Buzz is the second coming of our lord and savior… well, in so many words. Though the reasons for his excitement seemed logical, I couldn’t help thinking about Google Wave. Google Wave is too powerful(nsfw), and awfully clumsy. Wave doesn’t do one thing well, which is the basic reason why it flopped. Buzz should have come long before Wave. Honestly, Buzz should have come out around the same time as FriendFeed.
That being said, Buzz came out yesterday. At this point in time, I don’t have room on my plate for one more Social Network or whatever you want to call it. In fact, I spend more of my time using mash-up products like @Digsby and @nutshellmail to consolidate my efforts.
Google has turned me into an addict when it comes to gmail, Google docs, reader, Google voice, and calendar. I would pay for those services if I had to, and for additional space, I will in the future. Why am I addicted them? The reason is simple: they are the backbone of my business. I go into my email to work, network, collaborate and sometimes connect socially. I turn off G-chat and run it through Digsby. When I’m in my mail, I’m there to work. Buzz wants to keep me in there longer. Sorry, no dice. Just shoot me if I have to put one more social networking notice into a filter in my email. For petes sake check out nutshellmail – thank me later.
Google is a drug kingpin; it can take anyone’s idea and implement it. They either buy up competition or they offer a similar service for less, destroying the market. If their version sucks or is the next best thing, it hardly matters. They have money, power and can outlast the new startups. That doesn’t mean that I think they should make everything. The question is: who’s going to stop them?
In my mind, Buzz arrived too late and it’s one more thing I don’t have time for. Since it’s Google, though, you have to pay attention. People will ask about it, and heaven forbid if it takes off and you’re left behind. Another big win for “social media”—one more drug to get hooked on. The funny thing about drugs is that some people get addicted so easily.
Five reasons Buzz will work:
- Google can put the product in front of a massive amount of users.
- Buzz is friendfeed in your email.
- The app runs mobile from any web browser
- Google will implement Buzz mobile ads quickly. (instant revenue something @Twitter still doesn’t have)
- Speech to text posting is HUGE for posting to Buzz.
Five reasons it won’t work:
- No connection with Facebook making it a lightweight FriendFeed.
- Buzz isn’t as fun as @Foursquare. @Gowalla is blah but not as dry as Buzz location.
- Privacy -Disclosing Gmail contacts.
- AOL or Microsoft would/will have more impact with a Buzz application.They need it more.
- Buzz doesn’t replace any of the social networks that do the same things and people won’t leave other email clients for Buzz.
Jason thinks that Buzz has taken half of Facebook’s value. Basically, I just see Facebook as a screwed up yellow pages. That being said, everyone is already on Facebook. I can’t see old girl friends from middle school “buzzing me”. I want to know what drugs Google’s got him on.. maybe its stocks.. yeah, that be some powerful stuff.
Questions:
What do you think of Google Buzz? Will you try it out?
Written by Owen JJ Stone
I run Inquiring Mindz Media, enjoy being a dad, building brands, designing, making videos, and meeting people. For more info, check out OwenJJStone.com, @Ohdoctah or IQMZ.
Tags: Buzz, Facebook, Google, networking, Social
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