MuckTech

If it isn’t bad enough that we have a new computer from Apple that sounds like a feminine product, we now have a Google social network for drunkards.

Okay, Google Buzz is not really a site for alcoholics, but Google’s latest attempt to enter the social network game.  It began rolling out yesterday to Gmail users as a link under the inbox.  The web savvy may recognize Buzz as a Friendfeed clone with elements of Facebook and Twitter mixed in.

So what has Google done right with Buzz?  What are the biggest hindrances?  Also, what should journalists know about the latest social network, and should they care?  MuckTech setup a Buzz account to try and find some answers.

The Good

• Large user base. By integrating with Gmail, Buzz automatically has millions of users.  It took a matter of minutes to connect with someone and share information.
• Mobile. Buzz is already supported by Android and iPhone, with other mobile platforms “coming soon.” Mobile is increasingly important, and Google recognizes that.
• Google Talk integration.  I have conducted interviews over instant messing clients.  Having the full transcript available in a Buzz stream could interest readers.
• Integration with established sites.  Rather than needing a Twitpic-type site to share photos, Buzz pulls directly from YouTube, Flickr and Picasa.  It’s a good start.
• Allows inline comments to tweets and posts. Following a conversation on Twitter via @replies can be a challenge.  With Twitter in Buzz, comments are easy. Also the ability to “like” a post is simple yet powerful.
• Edit posts.  I can’t tell you how many times I have hit the post button in Twitter or Facebook only to notice I misspelled a word.  Buzz makes it simple to go back and change rather than deleting and reposting.
• Google Reader. As a feed fanatic, I enjoy being able to hit the share button and have it go into my stream.
• Multiple images for a story.  Facebook makes you choose one image from the website if you post a story link.  Buzz lets you choose multiple.
• Reminding me I have a Google Profile.  Once upon a time I setup a Google Profile, then immediately forgot about it.  This profile is now the “about me” page for Buzz.

The Bad

• Tied to Gmail account.  Attaching Buzz to a Gmail account is bad for people who use the service for work or business.  Also, some Gmail users do not want another social network.  It means you are going after one defined demographic – Gmail users.  Might alienate individuals who do not use Google and Gmail.
• Floods your inbox.  It is nice to know when someone comments on a conversation you are involved with, but it quickly fills up your inbox.  If you post quite a bit, it can become annoying very quickly. Fortunately this is removable.
• Lack of stats. I admit it, I am a stats whore.  I need to see how many people clicked on posted links.  While you can post a bit.ly link in Buzz and see the statistics, native statistics are needed for businesses.
• S-L-O-W updates from websites. It currently takes hours for Twitter updates and Flickr photos to enter the Buzz feed.  Might be an initial issue, but if Google wants users to take Buzz seriously, they need to fix this quickly.
• Automatically Following.  Just because I’ve shot a dozen emails to my auto mechanic trying to figure out what is wrong with my car does not mean I want to know about his date Saturday night.
• Needs more websites. Flickr and YouTube are great, but why not Posterous, Tumblr, WordPress and the multitude of other sites available?
• No support for webOS? Yes, I have a Palm Pre that I love.  However, it is not listed as one of the “Supported Phones” on the mobile site.  Hopefully this is an oversight.
• Google Talk integration? After you have finished that interview on Google talk and had it post to your stream, you go out for a drink with coworkers.  Do you really want your online drunken attempt to reconnect with your ex later that night broadcast to the world?

For journalists, Buzz is another means to communicate your message without a lot of effort.  If you already use Twitter, it only requires adding your account to your Buzz stream.  It is definitely worth the five-minute setup to help promote yourself or your organization.

Want to know what other journalists think of Buzz?

• @steverubel My first read on Google Buzz now that I have it – it’s Wave Light and a mess. It’s no threat to Twitter or Facebook.
• @Journerdism the task-driven world of email & time-wasting world of Facebook/social media is colliding in my Google Buzz. Trying to wrap head around it.
• @scottkarp Google Buzz killer feature = reply by email or chat. Often wished for that in Twitter. DM just doesn’t cut it.
• @calistan My issue with Google Buzz is it came with people pre-following me who I don’t want to follow me and I can’t seem to block them.
• @Katjusa My Gmail used to be the last bastion of non-buzz. I miss that.

What are your thoughts about Google Buzz.  Post them in the comments or follow MuckTech on Google Buzz and join the discussion.