Friday, August 5, 2011

Hanging Out at Google+ by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Not literally, but there is a feature on Google+ that is called Hangouts. You don't just hangout and type/chat in a room together, but you hangout in a video/audio chat area. With the camera on your computer or tablet, it links everyone up and you can see each other and chat by audio. It's nice to see faces and hear voices. No more typing and skimming to read text to keep up with the conversation. It's better than Skype.



In September, I'm planning on hosting the Highland Sanctuary Book Launch Contest, which will run for a period of two weeks, but in the meantime, I'll be planning and possibly adding more free gift giveaways. Rather than merely listing the winners on my blog, I thought it might be fun and different to use the Google+ Hangout as a place to draw the winning names live on camera. I'd schedule the event ahead of time and announce it to my Social Media networks so people would know what time to "tune" in. For those who can't attend, I'll still post the winners on my blog the following day.

One neat thing about Google+ Hangouts is that you can also stream it straight to YouTube. Technology is changing the way authors promote books. While there are many unknowns, I think we're living in an exciting time.

What are your thoughts? Does it sound interesting? Is it something you might want to try with your book launch contests?

8 comments:

Story and Logic Media Group said...

I don't know. I am still spooked by some of the published videos I've seen.

I would need a mirror beside the camera to make sure my frownies weren't activated and get the smilies in place.

Jennifer Taylor said...

Sharon, you are so funny! When you get ready to push the green Hangout button, it says, "Fix your hair!"

Sandra Heska King said...

I still haven't explored Google+. I don't know if I could keep up with another site. I guess I need to be better sold.

And I've never Skyped. Gasp! I've seen myself on pictures and in videos. It's not pretty.

Valerie Comer said...

I think it sounds like a fun little bonus. When Jennifer mentioned this ON G+ a couple of days ago, I began thinking of other ways Hangouts could be used. A pretty cool feature, I think.

Story and Logic Media Group said...

Oh. Thanks for telling me. I looked at cameras or whatever they are yesterday but I don't know what kind to buy. I would want a good one with more chance of looking respectable. Any thoughts?

Jennifer Taylor said...

Sandra, I think you'll eventually be sucked into the vortex of G+.

Jennifer Taylor said...

Sharon, I just use the camera on my laptop, Android phone, or tablet, whichever one I'm using. I don't think they make a camera that would please me:)

Jennifer Taylor said...

Valerie, Let's keep brainstorming ideas!