Google Buzz is no half-baked scheme -- Google lives up to its track record there. The Buzz auto-follow function eliminates the need to track down your friends as you do on Facebook, and the photo- and video-sharing functionalities are rich, automated experiences. The service wisely integrates with Picasa, Google Reader, and Twitter, and the platform is already mobile, with location-based posting capabilities rolling out right along with the rest of it.
Nice work, Google. So -- why don't I care?
The fact of the matter is, I'm exhausted. I'm already overwhelmed trying to keep up with the constant stream of activity on Facebook. Once my friends and colleagues started assuming that everyone was constantly checking their Facebook accounts, they ceased broadcasting invites and life updates via email or, heaven forbid, phone calls. Thus, Facebook became a duty, not a time-wasting pleasure. So when that Google Buzz icon appeared in my Gmail, the first thought running through my head wasn't, "Oh, neat-o!" It was, "Arrrrgh. Another social network to keep up with. And with this one, I don't even have a choice. I'm already a member."
I'm curious to hear from the rest of you, though: What's your initial take on Buzz? Will it find a place in our day-to-day lives and, thus, eventually become another playground for marketers as well?
To hear more about which platforms are winning (and which platforms are losing) in the social marketing arena, attend the iMedia Breakthrough Summit, March 21-24. Request your invite today.
