Google Buzz: A Twitter Killer?
Not a chance…at least not yet.
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I am a huge fan of Google. I appreciate almost every new product that Google develops (even Wave for a short time). From what I see I like Google Buzz but there is not enough reasons for me to pull away from Facebook or Twitter. Interestingly enough, it doesn’t appear Google had market share in mind when they developed Buzz (it just appears they weren’t aggressive enough). So, while I will participate in Google Buzz, it is almost more of a chore than a networking opportunity. Plus, I think I have less than five friends who have a Gmail address (I swear I have lots of friends…sniff, sniff).
I feel like the biggest hang up for Google Buzz is the fact that it is integrated with Gmail. Almost everyone had an email address before Gmail was released, and quite frankly, people are stuck in their ways. While Gmail has more features than platforms like Hotmail or Yahoo, the general public seems okay with just sending emails. Also, weirdly enough, a lot people still use AOL as an email platform. I tried to convince me wife to sign up for Gmail account so she could participate in Google Buzz (plus, it’s just sad I only have three followers). Her response was “I already have an email and a Facebook.” Fair enough, right?
Even though I feel Google cares about users privacy (as they should), I think there will be some stigma involved with using Google Buzz. I know there are several privacy features in place, but I feel the general public will not understand. Explaining privacy to the everyday users of Gmail is another bridge Google will have to cross. With Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms uses expect a certain amount of exposure. However, users feel email is something very private and personal. Plus, what about users who have integrated Gmail into Outlook? I don’t think Google Buzz is strong enough to bring users back to the web based version of Gmail.
Like I mentioned earlier, people are stuck in their ways. And if status updates are your thing, what has Google done to draw you away from Twitter to Google Buzz? At this point, who is willing to start over? Is there any way to integrate Twitter followers to Buzz? All developers have to keep time in mind when developing new social media platforms. I work as an SEO and I enjoy blogging, but I am not sure I have time to tweet, update my status, blog, and Buzz. And seriously, what benefit is it to me in showing your Twitter and Facebook updates in Buzz?
With all the said, I will continue to participate in Google Buzz and I do think it will see modest growth. I am sure I will write and rewrite several Buzz post over the next few months. Plus, it’s Google. They seem to always have the final word. Just ask the other major search engines.
I would like to know everyone’s thoughts about Google Buzz. Please, share your thoughts…
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few days I will review my favorite apps or plugins. The reviews will apply to the web industry.
Marc is currently obtaining a Masters Of Arts in Religion. Although not considered well read by a friends wife and a conversation hog by another friends wife, Marc spends hours wasting time on political/news websites, blogging, and reading religious books. Lastly, he quintessentially defines football fanatic. 
7 Comments
I dunno… I kind of think it will eventually.
The whole fact that it is integrated into the chat client makes it have a huge “ease of use” and streamlined bonus for users. I know dozens of people who leave their gmail clients up, but only tweet as a specific activity.
You take it as a negative thing but all the guys I know like that it is integrated.
MMA Bart,
Cool site by the way.
You make a very valid point to users who are familiar with Gmail and the internet in general. I guess I am relating to people who have an old school (I mean as in “been around a while”) Yahoo email account and a Twitter account. How would Google ever get them to use Google Buzz?
Having it integrated with Gmail is a cool feature for avid Gmail users. I guess I would be curious on the number of people who have a Gmail account.
Anyway, it will be interesting over time to see what happens.
For me, the existence of Google Buzz gives us one more method or way to update and connect through each other. Using Google Buzz doesn’t mean that u left Twitter but we got another method for updating things.
I think Google Buzz is a good improvement, somewhat better than Wave because it is integrated into the mail account. The most important thing is how we use the applications for the sake of knowledge and friendship so we could make the online world better =)
Very well put BloggerDaily. Google Buzz is definitely another platform to connect with individuals. Since I wrote this post I have spent a little more time in Buzz and it is starting to grow on me. I still feel it will be an up hill battle, but hey, I have been way wrong before.
If Buzz takes over from Twitter I hope it isn’t soon. It has taken me long enough to get the hang of Twitter.
I quite agree on you with the potential stigma thing. It is something Google will have to work on.
I really think Google Buzz can get some traction, however Twitter’s penetration is huge. I tend to like Google Apps a lot, so hopefully buzz can get a solid user base.