I know I’ve been MIA for a while. My good excuse is that I’ve been traveling (http://10questionsabout.com/) – although that really only covers me for the last couple of weeks. I’m trying to get better about sending posts again.

I’ve been kind of curious about Google+. I’m not a user – but I did look into it a little. It sounds like a new social network tool – kind of like Facebook. There are a few features that differentiate it:

• Circles – are used to create mini-social networks within the larger scope. Put positively, you can focus your conversation based on circles. Put another way you can filter out people when appropriate. So no need to tell your work buddies you’re weekend plans – even if you let them into one of your other circles.
• Sparks – are more public groups built out of shared interested. So if you’re into dogs or foreign films, you can always find a friend to talk to about it.
• Hangouts – are video chatrooms. It seems like they are built from your known friends (or circles).
• Mobile – uses GPS and easy photo-sharing to enhance your experience
• Huddle – sounds like group texting

As I said I haven’t tried it yet – but I got the rundown on the Google blog: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/introducing-google-project-real-life.html