Technology Reporting, or How Clickbait is Stronger than Ever
April 27, 2014There was news this week that Vic Gundotra, “the father of Google+,” was leaving the company.
Google+ has had an up-and-down history. Millions signed up when it launched and there were more than a few growing pains in those early days. Users had a hard time getting used to ideas of “circles” as well as many of the new interface elements Google+ included. It wasn’t a clone of the incumbents of Facebook and Twitter so it wasn’t what users were used to. Google cites big numbers of users and there is some question how honest those numbers are. It’s not cut-and-dry.
When TechCrunch starts publishing articles with quotes like “the coming death of Google+”, I immediately think of the negativity so prevalent in technology. I’m surprised that TechCrunch would publish an article by someone who was an intern on one feature of Google+ for three months. He may have more insight than the average joe, but not compared to a current user or team member on the project. I find it unlikely TechCrunch couldn’t find someone like that to write a more insightful article. At least it’s titled “A Personal Reflection Google+,” even if it doesn’t keep that tone.
“When you fire the top dog and take away all resources it is what it is.”
That’s from an article titled “Google+ is Walking Dead.” Seriously. It’s a quote with no source. That’s terrible reporting by any standard. That sounds like magazines you can buy coming out of the supermarket.
The truth is that social media is in flux. No one has figured out the silver bullet. Consumers are fickle and social platforms will come and go.
