Google profiles are not the answer
Google profiles have been around since 2007, but profiles are just now being shown on the results page of Google searches.
After reading the TechCrunch article on this, I agree that Google is introducing more frustration into an already fatigued space. Since we are active on different social networks and have different presences contributing to our personal brands, even just one more profile to maintain can be a big deal. I'm not sure how I feel about Google encouraging (I use that word loosely) you to care about your Google profile through its inclusion in their search results, but the value to effort ratio here is not where it should be.
One of Google's biggest weaknesses is upkeep and making sure their information stays current. Ever follow Google Maps to a destination only to find that it doesn't exist anymore? Precisely. But we live with that because no one else does a better job...yet. Many of us default to Google for so many things to the point where we fail to consider that Google may not be the answer.
A better approach to presences is just around the corner. Stay tuned. :)
