Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Microsoft folks have no social life

Who could have predicted? Me. Microsoft proves they don't get it once again. The Kin is dead. They consistently don't understand the social experience. I'm sure some focus group made them think this thing would sell, but I cant imagine why they think half a smartphone experience would be enough.... Then again, the 'social' experience of SharePoint as Microsoft creates it doesn't hit the mark either. Guess whether it's consumer or business side, Microsoft's product people aren't social enough to get it. I keep thinking when I see them come out with something new like this that they must know something I don't know. And then, once again, I find out they don't.

When Buzz is not enough

Google finally realized (or already had in the plan) what I've known all along: There's space for something other than MySpace or Facebook in the social networking world, especially for people who don't want glittery unicorns and an endless parade of click-jacking and game notifications. And Google Buzz isn't quite it. (And Wave... most just aren't ready for the instantaneousness and complexity). But Google Me is a live project, a new social network​. This article says they are modeling it on Facebook, but I am hoping it feels less like the crowded bar scene that Facebook feels like, and more like a gathering of friends exchanging ideas. More like Google Reader with some Buzz elements and a crisper network. None of this massive profile data where they try to pinpoint everything I like and target me with that data. If they need to do more advertising, do it as somewhat-anonymously as mail and search ads on Google do, based on what I'm posting, and certainly don't network me automatically with people based on my activities (YES, that's what LIKING anything or even filing in your hometown does on Facebook.)

I want Google to hear this. I want them to know that I will be there if they do this. As many know, I'm not a person who is shy about my opinion, and I'm willing to put it out in public. I just don't have the energy to engage everyone and their mother about it, so stop trying to make me do that! Give me my voice back while allowing me to express my likes and dislikes. The fact that I have to choose is annoying is hell.