WHAT THE PLUS!

Blogger and former Apple chief evangelist Kawasaki (Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions, 2011, etc.) enthusiastically charts Google’s answer to Facebook and Twitter.

In this bright, comprehensive guide, the author argues that Google+, created by a company with money, talent and proven track record, is the “better social network.” He goes on to tell readers how they can become satisfied users of its “powerful and sophisticated features.” Brimming with tips for optimizing the Google+ experience, the author explains how to get started, find people, search by interests, manage circles (segmented relationships with family, colleagues, etc.) and streams (the flow of posts that you see), and hang out in groups for classes, press conferences and other purposes. In each instance, Kawasaki compares how the Google+ features work in comparison with those of Facebook and Twitter. He notes how Google’s integration of the Google+ social networking features and tools into its existing online services like Search and YouTube will draw many social networkers. Guest authors contribute several chapters—e.g., a photographer with tips on sharing photos—and many sections offer advice applicable to any social networker: how to write an attractive profile, demonstrate trustworthiness, leave a comment, gain more followers and so on, all served up in Kawasaki’s authoritative, winning fashion. In the end, the author finds much more potential for community at Google+ and urges everyone to join for the joy and value. “There are few if any rules,” writes Kawasaki, who spends two hours per day on Google+. “The number one rule is ‘Do what works for you.’ ”

A lucid, informal, useful guide from a passionate user.