It’s called G+etiquette and it’s exclusive to our newest social networking obsession. Generally, we all know how to conduct ourselves online. The basics are pretty clear like not calling each other names or trolling. What’s a little harder to get a grasp on is G+etiquette which has all these new scary parts of it like “circles” or “reshare” or “Hangout.” Now I’m not telling you how to use Google+, I’m just supplying you with your official guide on how to be polite.
Don’t Notify on Every Post
You just shared something you really like and you want other people to see it, especially me. The natural reaction would be to notify me like you would on Facebook. But Google+ doesn’t automatically notify me unless you you click that little “notify” button and boom! I get a little notification and can’t help but see your post. Notifying did it’s job!
Hey! Hey! Look at me! Do it! I'm notifying you! Do it!
But you really shouldn’t. And why? It’s really annoying. This isn’t Facebook. There’s no way that everything you shared is relevant to me or the other people you notified. Now, don’t get me me wrong. It’s totally okay to share and notify with niche subjects like say, “roller coaster” posts with coaster enthusiasts. But in general? Not so much.
Notify the People who are in your Shared Circles
“Sharing circles” is a cool way of saying “Hey! These are people I think are awesome and you should follow them!” And those people you shared, no matter how appreciative, are going to be very confused, a little overwhelmed, and maybe a little stressed when they get circle bombed.
I couldn't find a better photo....but doesn't it make you happy?
Notifying those people takes away that stress. Generally shared circles are (read: should be) under 100 people and clicking notify in this instance gives people a little more piece of mind when wondering where all those confounded adds are coming from. It would certainly qualm any fears of being shared in a “My least favorite people” circle share. This notification gives you away as the culprit and should be used whenever possible.
Including “via +John Doe”
Let’s say John Doe reshares one of my posts you really like but you don’t see it on my stream, you saw it on Jane Doe’s. In fact, you like it so much you decide to reshare it. Only, here’s the thing. Despite seeing the post from John Doe, when you reshare John Doe doesn’t get any credit. How will you ever let him know you appreciate what he finds interesting?
Well. Fine. Jerk.
Simple! Put a simple “via +John Doe” as the last line (or only) of your reshare. By doing so you give credit to the original person you actually saw the information from. It’s a very easy way to tell someone “Hey, I appreciate your interests.”
Stay on Topic in your Comments
There you and your friends are, discussing intelligent topic X with everyone making really awesome points. The conversation is going as well as it possibly could and then it happens – an off topic comment.
See how dangerous derailing a thread can be? Don't put those lives at risk.
While these comments themselves aren’t the worst, they tend to cause some sort of off-topic avalanche. If you’re not there to moderate, there goes your thread. So please. Keep it on topic. If you have a question or comment (or cry for technical help) leave it at the door and send a private message or create a new post all together.
Don’t Beg for Shares or Followers
It’s often that said begging for anything is a little demeaning. Whether it’s for money or for help, it usually not advised (unless you really need to). And let me just say, you don’t need those reshares or followers.
Please be my friend so I can feel better about myself.
We see it all the time “Please share! Reshare! Circle me!” And not only is it like begging your distant cousin for an expensive Christmas gift, you’re guilting everyone into spreading your word. It’s most certainly not polite.
Don’t Invite without Asking in Private Hangouts
Hangouts are typically of two types: private and public. While there’s some gray area when you invite “Your Circles” (which should be considered public for this conversation), typically it’s pretty clear when Hangouts are intended for some people and not for everyone. Especially when you’re talking about a niche topic or having an especially candid conversation.
It doesn't end well.
So, why then would you invite someone from the outside into your Hangout? It’s like inviting someone strange to a dinner party about a very particular or personal subject. Let’s just say that not only was there not enough food prepared, but there goes the conversation for a variety of reasons. Don’t be a conversation killer.
Don’t Ask why you’re not in a Shared Circle Publicly
Oh gosh. This one makes me really uncomfortable. Imagine this: you just shared a circle called “G+ Geniuses.” Almost everyone in there is certifiable genius according to you and you’re confident that anyone who sees the circle would just be happy that they have new people in their stream.
What does it mean that I'm not included!? Whoop boop boop boop!
And then it happens. “I’m not a G+ Genius?” says someone. “Left out again…sigh” from another. Basically…exceptionally uncomfortable. That half joking thing doesn’t make it better. It’s like begging for reshares as in, now that person is guilted into including you as one of the G+ Geniuses. If you really feel that you’ve been left out, send a private message. Calling out the poster publicly doesn’t do anyone any good and makes you look a little desperate.
“NSFW” Doesn’t Give you a “Get-Out-of-Jail-Free” Card
Google officially states that nudity, hate speech, and violence have no place on Google+ but some people still insist on sharing images that would clearly be considered Not Safe For Work (NSFW) for the vast majority of employers. These images skirt the line sometimes or are blatant other times. I don’t really care what you share, but putting “NSFW” right above one of those images isn’t grounds for “What?! I told you so!” when you share it publicly.
Ignore it or don't, you can't help but see it in your stream.
It’s still in your stream there for your consumption. If you really want to share graphic photos, ask if people want to be included in the circle where you share them. Don’t share them publicly. No one wants to explain to their kid or boss why a man’s erection is covered in a ghost costume on your stream.
If you can Google it, then Google it
This one isn’t so much about being rude as it is common sense. The Google search engine is an incredibly advanced tool where you can find answers to the most obscure, thought provoking questions….and even the simplest of questions. This echoes back to the staying on topic tip earlier, but it isn’t just confined to comments. It can be in posts too.
Good advice for everyone.
Let’s just say that clogging up a stream with “Does anyone know the population of country x?” isn’t going to get your question answered faster than it’s going to be answered if you Googled it….mostly because someone else Googled it for you (probably to look smart). You have the entire internet in front of you and it can answer your questions faster.
Post Bombing isn’t so Great
Why do you feel the need to post a million in 5min? Just…please…Don’t take over my stream with your post bombing. It’s like yelling “Hey! Hey! Hey!” and no one likes to be yelled at. That is all.
I imagine those people look like this.
Now. I’m sure I missed something in here, so you’ve gotta help me out! What are your finer points of G+etiquette? Let me know and if I get enough I’ll feature you in a user generated follow up!
