It’s been a while since I first integrated the Google Friend Connect gadgets in my blog (in June to be specific), and it has improved enormously since then. But I still find some problematic issues that needs to be fixed.
If you’ll go now to the Google Friend Connect site, you’ll be able to easily set your site and grab a piece of code to place in your site or blog. You can choose from several gadgets that Google already has, when the most attractive one is the “Members Gadget”. By adding this one to your blog, you are allowing readers to join the site, see other people pictures, and basically to explore other members profiles. Friend Connect Members can add links to their profile with their favorite social networks, sites etc. This profile will go with them on each site they’ll join, and anyone can see the full profile by clicking on a member picture. Google also allowing you to see a full screen view of all the members, for an easy browsing.
But now Google needs to ask themselves: what is the added value by placing this kind of gadget(s) on our sites. From few month experience with the Member Gadget & the Wall Gadget in my blog, I’m still struggling to find this one little feature that will make me go: Wow, I really needed that! True. You can learn more about your site visitors, but can you really connect with them?
You might will if Google will add:
A member search engine
The ability to track comments (for blog/site owner)
The ability to send quick messages to each other, or one to all (again, for the blog/site owner)