I think this will be the year for Google Plus (+).  At least for me. I haven't 'tried' to make it work like have in the past. By that I mean i've taken the approach of not trying to make it Facebook or Twitter.  I just started to use it as it is and I have to say I really enjoy the user experience.

Facebook i've resigned is primarily for family and close friends.  I'll never convince them to change over so I've stop trying.  It is what it is.  I did however purge a ton of contacts and widdled it down to just my close friends and family. Primarily a place to share pics of the kids for relatives that want to keep tabs.  Also - my friends that won't jump ship - its my only form of communication via the internet - who uses email anymore?

Twitter i still use - but i've noticed now - i'm not addicted to it as i was last year.  As Twitter has gotten more acceptable in my neck of the woods - i've found its become more spammy.  Again - I've wiped out a lot of people i followed as most of them have learned how to use hashtags.  So for the 'subjects' i'm interested i search via hashtag.  Only the musing's of people i enjoy are now only on my follow.  Keeps the timeline nice and tidy.

So Google Plus - is now my go to social app. Here's why - Google Plus does communities really really well.  There seems to be a very positive vibe and a lot of cautious and carefully thought out posts. I think people are this way because they don't want this platform to be bogged down with mental diarrhea spilled out into their timelines.

The communities are also a great way to mine information. I view them as BBS Lite.  Forums that allow you to post links and videos and engage in conversation like formats without trying.

Google Plus - the 'feel good' social media platform.  Try it. Once you figure out what it does for 'you', you'll see where i'm coming from.

Use a Pre-Paid Visa to shop Google Play Store Instead of your Actual Credit Card

If you're looking for a secure way to buys apps, music, books movies online with your Android Nexus, Galaxy or anything else that uses Google Play Store, the best method to ensure your credit card doesn't get compromised is to buy a pre paid Visa Gifcard at your local grocery store.

Just a few quick things you'll need to do first before purchasing anything in Google Play Store or any online store for that matter:

•Make sure you login to the gift card's website and register your card with your full

•You will need to add your mailing address so that vendors can complete a transaction. If you don't - it will most likely be decilined as it appears it does not beolong to anyone.   This also helps with online stores that will deliver an actual product

•While not necessary - you can also attach your gift credit card to your google wallet.  Login to www.google.com/wallet  and sign in with your google account - assuming its the same one you used to register any tablet/phone devices.  Doing this allows almost seemless shopping in the Google Play Store.

Now your ready to grab that mp3 song you had Shazaam figure out,  and get reading in the digital age pouring over the electronic pages of  classics like Treasure Island!

Most importantly - if your gift credit card gets compromised - you are only out the cost of the card itself.

***SideBar -  use up your credit as quickly as possible as the card deducts a service fee each month until it gets to a $0.00 balance. A small price to pay for some added extra online financial security!