Lots of Fuss about Google+

Hi Friends!

As many of you know, we non-"Blogger" bloggers (YoT is on Typepad) will be losing Google Friend Connect on March 1st. I am strangely sad... I feel happy when I see all those lovely friendly faces smiling at me from my little GFC box. But onward and upward-- there's no point in crying over spilled milk or in this case-- over free widgets that have come to mean so much.

At any rate, Google is encouraging people to go to Google+ to connect with friends. In case you are new to Google+ (I am too) and you want to stay connected, you can find me here, and I PINKY PROMISE I will joyfully follow you back.

Life IS a Picnik

Also worth noting-- Picnik, that wonderful user-friendly photo editing site which was puchased by Google some time ago-- is becoming part of Google+. More info here. I think that's extra incentive to go Google+. AND in the meantime, they are giving everyone a PREMIUM membership FOR FREE... so check it out! It's a $25 value!

The Scoop on Google+

One extremely helpful series I have been reading is by the fabulous Colleen (from the blog Mural Maker and More). Colleen has written some posts that demystify about Google+. You can check them out here:

Google+ and Creative Bloggers Part 1: What is Google+ Anyway?

Part 2: The Pros and Cons of Google+

Google+ Part 3: Setting Up Your Profile Page

Google+ for Creative People Part 4: Circles

And, you can find Colleen on Google+ here. She's amazing!

What if I'm not ready or interested in Google+?

Some people don't want to take on another social media tool-- and I totally understand that. You can still subscribe to your favorite blogs, including  *hopefully* YoT (upper left hand corner) though Feedburner or in a Reader.

Bev from Flamingo Toes has written a great post on how this, titled "The Mystery of RSS Feeds".

Thank you Colleen and Bev for your insightful posts.

Hugs to everyone! 

XO

Cute frame courtesy of Free Pretty Things For You

Comments

[RubyJeans]

Thank you for the Great information Malia... I still don't quite understand Google+ so I will Certainly check out your links... Have a great weekend!!

[Laura@Ms Smartie Pants]

Thank you for these great sources. I have been dreading this, and quite honestly feeling a little old. The words that keep going thru my head are I don't like change! Man I sound like my parents! So I had a long talk about it with my son tonight and he kept saying download Google+ mom, it is great and you will love it! So again thanks for a way to research it and see what it is all about!

[ColleenwithMurals&More]

Malia!!! You are SO sweet! I'm glad you're finding the Google+ helpful. I'm trying, at least :)

Just when I kinda hit a major 'block' I found this post. You've inspired me to keep trudging on with the series. Now we're getting into the tough stuff - photos. Ugh. I used Picnik but notsomuch Picasa. I'm trying to learn how they both work together so I can write a post. (Kind of like regular blogging, ha ha)

Thanks again! See you on Google+ :D

[Maria Matter]

Thanks so much for all the info Malia!
I haven't had time to go onto Google+ but I will look ya up when I get there!
Enjoy your wknd!
hugs

[Meredith]

I'm so confused by all the options.

[Jane Harrah]

Great sources and ideas. Love love love it all!

[Tammy @ Not Just Paper and Glue]

This is a great post and I have enjoyed Colleens series on Google+. Wow! You have an amazing amount of people following you on GFC!