I was reminded tonight how difficult it will be for Google+ to overtake Facebook. The advantages Google has, with platforms like gmail, youtube, and google.com integrating into G+ will certainly help; but the network effect of Facebook’s popularity makes such a high barrier to entry.

I don’t use Facebook because of their user interface or features; I use it because my friends use it. And in some respects, that reminds me of utilities — I don’t drive on our roads to enjoy the road, I use them to go see my friends.

So while I realize there’s a constant “new thing” in technology — I think G+, or some other network, will need to do something innovative/disruptive to beat Facebook at its own game of (though many have successfully already stratified the space in areas like professional networking and photo sharing).