Weekly Topic Inspiration: Google+

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   Christy Kirwanposted 11 years ago

   Howdy y’all! I’m Christy, the Topic Queen. I’m delighted to meet you and very excited to be the new Weekly Topic Inspiration leader. I can’t wait to see the awesome Hubs you write for me!
   
   From now on, the Weekly Topic Inspiration will be based on the latest and greatest new Topics on HubPages. This week’s Inspiration is about a brand new Topic suggested by Hubber Paul Maplesden: Google+.
   
   Google+ is one of the biggest social networking platforms available to internet users these days. Are you a Google+ user? Tell us what you think! How has G+ Local changed the way you dine out? How does your home business make use of G+ Hangouts? What are your favorite and least favorite features?
   
   Ideas for exceptional Hubs include how-to instructions for your favorite features, analyses of the most and least useful networking functions, and ways to enhance your everyday life with Google+.
   
   To join in on this week's challenge by writing a Hub, follow these steps:
   
   1)    Stop by this week's Weekly Topic Inspiration Question.
   2)    Click the green "answer this question" button.
   3)     Instead of answering the question in short form, click the gray "make a Hub about it" button. 
   4)    Give your Hub a title that follows our guidelines on crafting successful, competitive, search-friendly titles, which namely involves...
   
   A. Creating a title that is short and descriptive, matching what someone would type into a search engine when looking for information on the subject.
   B. Researching the keywords (the things people might type into search engines) by Googling them to make sure that the topic is not already extensively covered online and that you can beat the top results.
   C. Covering a subject about which you are particularly passionate- or in which you have unique, useful expertise.
   
   5)    Create good quality original content that hasn't been covered before.
   6)    Make sure the images you use are legally used and properly attributed so that your Hub has a chance of being selected as a Hub of the Day.
   7)    After you publish your Weekly Topic Inspiration Hub, come back to this Forum Discussion and post a link to your Hub with a brief description of what you wrote about and why.
   
   For more information on the Weekly Topic Inspiration program, check out the Learning Center guide.

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      Paul Maplesdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I have written a guide to getting the most out of Google Plus communities, you can find it here: http://paulmaplesden.hubpages.com/hub/g … nes-advice
      
      I wrote the hub because I'm a moderator of a large, successful  Google Plus community (9,000 members and growing by about 100 a day) and I wanted to share some of the good behaviours that we see our community members adopting.
      
      My hope is that the good practices in the hub can make G+ Communities a better place for everyone.

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         That Grrlposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I've been trying to fit G+ in. I stick with Twitter mainly and avoid Facebook. Nice to see someone really making use of it.
         
         Christy - could you like to last week's post? I haven't seen it so far and would like to see who else posted and how things turned out.

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            Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Just posted a a comment with a link to last week's forum post, That Grrl. There were some great responses.

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         Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Wow, your Hub is a great guide, Paul Maplesden! I especially like your tips on engaging with other community members.

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            Paul Maplesdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks Christy for the feedback

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         K9keystrokesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Paul, I really appreciate this piece of work. Your suggestion on creating a "posting rota" is something all HP/Google+ users should utilize. I must admit, not using this concept has presented errors time after time in my own G+ posts and beyond. Thank you for re-energizing my desire to be more socially active here at HP and the internet abroad.
         Your hub is great, coming with complete, informative, and clear information--much to be learned there. Possibly something that should be woven into the HP learning center package? Top notch stuff, Sir.
         Standing and Applauding this hub.

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            Paul Maplesdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Wow, thanks very muich for the very kind words! The hub was really a response to my time moderating a G+ community and a desire to help other people get more out of it, so I am delighted it is being so well received. I shared the article with Brian Glick today, the Google Plus Product Manager at Google and he liked it too...

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               Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Wow, congratulations, Paul! It's AWESOME that you got some official Google recognition for your experience and insights. Keep those stellar Hubs comin'!

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               EmpressFelicityposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               How do you know this Brian Glick, if you don't mind my asking? Do you work for Google?

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                  Paul Maplesdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  No, he's a Googler who has a profile on G+, so I just messaged him. I figured if you don't ask, you don't get and he was kinde nough to respond.

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         MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         This is an excellent guide filled with very valuable information. I can see now how Google+ works and will definitely get more involved.

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      Paul Maplesdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi again,
      
      Just to let you know, I've created another Google Plus hub following the WTI: 'Circles and Plus Ones and Shares (Oh My!) - A guide to the main concepts in Google Plus
      
      http://paulmaplesden.hubpages.com/hub/g … -explained
      
      Thanks, Paul.

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      Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hey everyone, thanks so much for participating! For more inspiration, visit the new Weekly Topic Inspiration: http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/109957#post2340156

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   Randy Godwinposted 11 years ago

   Is self promotion acceptable now, Christy?  Or is this just okay for some Hubbers? 

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      Paul Maplesdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Quoting the OP:
      
      7)    After you publish your Weekly Topic Inspiration Hub, come back to this Forum Discussion and post a link to your Hub with a brief description of what you wrote about and why.
      
      Not breaking any rules here.

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         Randy Godwinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Okay cool!  I don't usually read this stuff, Paul.  Good luck on your  HOTD!    Er....wasn't this hub wrote a few weeks ago?

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            Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, please do post your Weekly Topic Inspiration Hubs, Randy Godwin. Sharing your response and seeing what other Hubbers wrote is the funnest part of participating in the WTI.

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               Randy Godwinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               I'll be glad to Christy when the idle/featured program is finally worth depending on.  Any idea when this will be?
               
               And one more question.  Were you guys in touch with Mr.Maplesden before he ever joined the site?  Because in the almost 4 years I've been here I've never seen such promotion and/or self promotion directed towards one single  ordinaryHubber by the staff.  Perhaps it is simply a new thing, but it does indeed look awfully coincidental.
               
               Thanks for your answer! 

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                  Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  It can certainly be depended upon now, Randy. We're just refining some of the traffic timing elements and going through the backlog. The quality rating system is totally up and running.
                  
                  Paul Mapleson is not associated with HubPages, though because he has been publishing so many high quality Hubs lately, and being so active in the community, his work is naturally showing up on more of our channels. It's just something that happens with Hubbers who get super positively involved with the community, and we're really excited to see how quickly he's building a robust online portfolio for himself on our stie!

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                     Randy Godwinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                     So your answer is that no one from HP has ever conversed with him before he joined the site?  Just to clarify because you have to admit it sure looks a bit promotional. 

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                        Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        Yep! And I hadn't thought of it as such, but I know that we have differing perspectives on many issues, so I appreciate your bringing it up.

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                           Randy Godwinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                           No problem, Simone.  I just wanted you guys to know it looked a bit overly promotional, and now isn't a good time for any more conspiracy theories I'd think.  There's enough suspicion about the site already without adding this into the mix. 

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                              NotPCposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                              There are HubPages Conspiracy Theories? This I gotta hear!

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                  Paul Maplesdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  I'm flattered that you might think I am something to do with the staff, but I can assure you it isn't the case.
                  
                  I'd like to think I was an OK writer though, having spent many years creating professional content, training and how-to guides in a business role; perhaps I just fit in well at HP?
                  
                  I do also try and take time to make helpful suggestions, interact with the community in a positive way, create hubs that help out other hubbers and present thoughts and ideas for features that will benefit everyone.
                  
                  Ultimately, I think that if the site as a whole benefits, then we benefit as individuals. Perhaps the staff members feel that way too?
                  
                  Incidentally, not sure what you mean about lots of promotion or self-promotion? I occasionally mention hubs that I haver written that might help others, but never link them in the forums and I wasn't aware that I was receiving lots of promotion from the staff? That said, I am pretty good at promoting myself *offsite*.
                  
                  Anyway, don't want to derail this thread I(I remember the 400 post monster of a few days ago that I believe you were involved with Randy). I just wanted to explain where I was coming from. Peace.
                  
                  Paul.

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                     Randy Godwinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                     If you say you haven't been in contact with HP before joining the site then okay.  As I said previously, I've never seen such promotion by the staff before in my almost 4 years here.  In light of the strange goings-on around here lately, it just looks a bit fishy to some of us.  Just trying to clear this up to everyone's satisfaction.

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                        Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        Paul's recognition by the Google+ team was entirely through his own effort and hard work. The HubPages staff had nothing to do with it. Pinky swear.

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                           Randy Godwinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                           I don't seem to be making myself clear, Christy.  Has HP ever been in contact, in any manner whatsoever, with Mr.Maplesden before he ever joined the site.  Not if he is working for HP now.  A simple yes or no will end this line of query, I promise Christy.
                           
                           Thanks again!

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                              Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                              As Paul just stated, we had no prior contact with or knowledge of him before he joined the site, and he does not work for us.

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                                 Randy Godwinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                 Thank you, Christy!  I hope it works out for you guys! 

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   Christy Kirwanposted 11 years ago

   If you're curious about the results of last week's WTI, check out the responses here: http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/109403

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   NotPCposted 11 years ago

   Here is a hub I wrote yesterday that lists each step of the Google Authorship verification process, specifically for hubbers: http://notpc.hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Se … s-Accounts

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      Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great tutorial, NotPC! Your instructions are very clear and easy to follow, and your images are extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing!

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I am really glad you wrote this hub. I used a tip that you gave to verify authorship. Excellent guide. Thank you.

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   avorodisaposted 11 years ago

   Hello, Christy. And hello hubbers.
   I did it. Here is my post about Google +
   http://avorodisa.hubpages.com/hub/How-G … -Your-Life

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      Paul Maplesdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great article Avorodisa, love your use of lots of images and screenshots as well.

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         avorodisaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Hello Paul. Thank you for your interest in my article. And thank you for your encouragement.

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      Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Cool Hub, avorodisa. I think your parallell between social networking and city life is spot on!

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         avorodisaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you, Christy.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Your hub is very helpful to people like me. I have been a little nervous about stepping into the G+ world. I like that you included photos as a visual aid. Really great hub!

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         avorodisaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I'm very happy to be of help)))

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   janderson99posted 11 years ago

   Please add the G+ button back to hubs. Its obviously popular and important.

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      NotPCposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I would +1 this post if I could

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      Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      We found that the G+ button was getting low engagement and that people actually use the sharing options more with less choices. Bringing back the G+ button isn't completely off the table, but we don't have any definite plans to do so at this point.

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         janderson99posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Fabulous irony HP has a Topic Inspiration about G+ , but does not support it. Virtually 99% of pages from good sites have G+ on their pages - but not silly HP. For Firefox users there are various addons that do the job.

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            Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            We like Google+ and think it's relevant to the online community as a major social networking platform. Unfortunately, the G+ button in particular just wasn't getting much use here on HubPages.

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            agvulpesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Could not agree with you more. Just adding that perhaps the fact that there will be a 'Google' link on every Hub may be a SEO problem.  I would have thought it would help but I'm just not smart enough to know the answer to that, maybe some one more technically minded than me can comment?

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         MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Until reading the hubs from this weekly topic, I was never prone to click on the G+ button. For me, it was just easier to go with what I was more familiar with. I am thrilled that this topic was assigned because the hubs I have read from this assignment have all been a great help to me. I am actually inspired to get more involved with G+ so now if the option to share with G+ were to be brought back in the future, I might be more willing to "engage". Thanks so much for a great topic.

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            Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Glad these Hubs have been helpful for you, MarleneB!

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   janderson99posted 11 years ago

   As an aside, but it is related, why does HP insist on wrongly using the vague term "user engagement" when what you mean is 'hits' or 'traffic'
   
   when  you say  "G+ button was getting low engagement" - what you mean was that G+ was getting few hits.
   
   User engagement means something quite different. Here's a link about what is really meant by G+ user engagement   http://blog.rjmetrics.com/new-google-pl … ngagement/
   but I'm sure this is not what you mean.
   
   Here's a link to what user engagement means in Google  Analytics and how hard it is to measure.
   http://www.kaushik.net/avinash/engageme … an-excuse/
   
   If you are saying that few people clicked on the G+ button - why not say that. If the expression "G+ button was getting low engagement" means something else - what is it?
   Why have HP staff been instructed not to use ther words "Button Hits or Clicks" and "Traffic".

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      Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for clarifying, janderson99. We've found that the G+ button got few actual clicks and also that it was not facilitating user interaction with the content.

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         janderson99posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I could ask what this means:
         "not facilitating user interaction with the content." and how you measure it? But I won't!

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   MissJamieDposted 11 years ago

   I don't know how to use Google+, I only recently joined the site and have no idea how to use it so I'll definitely be watching for these hubs to learn from.

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      NotPCposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The two most recent hubs I have written will set you up nicely.

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         MissJamieDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         wonderful, thank you so much:)

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            Barbara Kayposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            This is a subject I've had a lot of questions about too. I'll have to read all of these hubs just as soon as i find the time, hopefully tomorrow.

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   NotPCposted 11 years ago

   Oh bummer! I totally thought this was a competition! *sad face* ...... *just kidding face!*

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      Christy Kirwanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Everybody wins!
      
      For now, it's just a chance to share your Hubs with others and read their responses, though a competition might be fun at some point in the future.

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