You+ now a link on the Google.com site

[Sgt_Kickaxe]

I just noticed a link titled "You+" at the top of the google.com for images search page. Is that what we should call the Google+ service now ?

[Robert Charlton]

That means that You are now invited "To join [and to] create a public Google profile" for Google+ ...which is still in Beta. I think it's still called Google+ ...Notice how I avoid punctuation next to the plus sign, to avoid confusing things. ;)

If this were Microsoft, I suppose MS would have called it something like "My Bing+", because they like the M-word so much that they've probably copyrighted it.

[julinho]

I see it, too (for me, it's +You).

To see it the first time, I had to go to Images Search.

After that, however, it was visible for all searches; and there's a huge blue arrow drawing attention to the +You link.

[rhornsby]

Most amusing thing is that everyone but a Google Apps user can see the +You link. DOH!

[Robert Charlton]

Yes, it is +You. I swung at a sucker pitch.

[Sally Stitts]

+You - You MUST have a Google profile, revealing your birthday.
+You - You MUST have a Gmail account. No thank you.

Does this mean that all those Google +1 buttons I installed are for naught, because I don't have a GOOGLE PROFILE?
Does this mean that all those Google +1 buttons I installed are for naught, because I don't have a GMAIL ACCOUNT?

MY QUESTION -
Can others use the buttons, even if I choose not to?

Personally, I have ZERO interest in being "social". I always falsify my birthday to the outside world, to help prevent identity theft. It seems that now, Google wants to put every single data point about you ONLINE - Name, address, previous address, phone number, occupation, etc. Why not birthplace, mother's maiden name, SS number as well? No need, others will gladly provide that information for a fee.

This required Google whoredom is becoming a bit much, IMHO. If you want the best rankings, and/or optimized AdSense income.

Thank you for your reply.
.