Buzz Kill

Google Buzz was introduced this month by Google as a new way for Gmail users to start conversations about the things they found interesting. Recognizing the evergrowing popularity of social media, Buzz is Google’s newest foray into that world. All Gmail accounts received Buzz invitations, and if accepted it seamlessly integrates with an end users Gmail account. Buzz allows you to build up a network for chatting and sharing of photos, videos and links both publicly or privately.

So, what is the problem? Or in this case, the Buzz kill. Many have argued that Buzz invaded their privacy.

By default, Google Buzz publicly disclosed on the user’s Google profile a list of the names of Gmail contacts that the user had most frequently emailed or chatted with. This created the possibility that some users could have had sensitive information about themselves and their contacts revealed. This created a firestorm of protest throughout the internet and has lead to several legal actions over Google breaking privacy laws.

Google has since apologized for its presumption that you would absolutely want to add the people you email into your social network online. The company has changed settings in Buzz so that your social network is now suggested rather than predetermined so users can clearly select whom they follow by checking boxes beside names. In addition, a very clear box now lets people opt to share these names publicly or not.

As I followed this story, these were some of the thoughts that crossed my mind:

• When dealing with anything remotely connected to a person’s privacy, it is important to tread lightly because everyone has their own idea of appropriate boundries.
• It concerns me when a software developer (which Google has transformed itself into) forces functionality on the end user. A truly well designed application is dynamic and feature rich, but leaves the work flow design to the end user.
• I am unsure if Google rushed this product to market, but I find it hard pressed to believe that if beta testing was performed not only for functional development but third party feedback that someone would not have brought up such an obvious flaw.
• Did Google not learn anything from Microsoft, when Microsoft tried to force Clippy (you remember that little paperclip guide), Office’s software help system, on all of us?
• How many people were smiling at Microsoft as this story unfolded?

I appreciate the fact that Google continues to advance technology with all of its product line such as Google Earth and Google Chrome. I would like to believe that Google learned several valuable lessons from this experience that they will not repeat. And, I do not believe although this created a stir that it will have any long term effect on either Google or the product popularity or success.

As the technology war continues between Google and Microsoft, I have come to the realization that these two companies are more alike than different. For this reason, I am hopeful that sitting in the balcony is a small start up or two that will emerge to challenge these industry leaders so that they are kept on their toes.

If you have a question about Buzz, please do not hesitate to call us at 682-4990 or Email Us.

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