BUZZ Off, Google!

I was teaching Picasa Web Albums today when a splash page came up instead of my gmail, displaying a LARGE button which read, “Sweet! Try Buzz now” and was followed by a tiny link which stated, “No thanks – go to my inbox”. I inadvertently clicked the “Sweet” button.  I didn’t think much of it, until I realized that many of my gmail contacts – I have close to 800 – were already “following” me. I didn’t approve this – I didn’t friend anyone. In fact, I tried to leave only close family to try it out, but discovered that, although I chose to follow only close family, folks I only emailed a few times way back when were already following me!!!

I didn’t see this coming – not sure if I want anything to do with Buzz or not, but my first few hours have been a big fat “F” as far as grading goes. After a few quick web searches, I found out how to disable “Buzz”.

Here goes: scroll WAY down to the very bottom of your gmail page. Look for some TINY words that say “turn off Buzz”. Now click the stupid tiny link and get your privacy back.

Just now, I logged in to my son’s account to see what would happen if I clicked “no thanks”. Guess what? Buzz is enabled even though I said NO THANKS!!!!

Google, what the heck????

Update: Read about a privacy flaw in Google Buzz.

Update: MSNBC Article with more great info.

Update: Molly Wood says it all in her latest Rant.

Update: Another great story from the NYT.