I'm not sure how I feel about this. Apparently, Google is taking steps to integrate Blogger with their rising starlet, Google+. It sounds all well and good on the surface, but the big issue is undoubtedly going to be the strict requirement on Google+ that all accounts be registered under the real name of the user. On Blogger this has definitely not been the standard; writers enjoy the freedom to create accounts under Internet aliases while commenters can post replies completely anonymously. And I can't see people changing their opinions about that anytime soon. Google's current response to this hitch is a shrug and the comment that combining your Blogger and Google+ profiles may not be for you right now. But will the day come when integration is mandatory? The rumor in circulation right now is that Google is considering adapting their Google+ policy to allow users to register under nicknames or pseudonyms. The last thing Google wants to do is lose customers, especially since Blogger has such a huge user base.
This issue of real names aside, I'm still not sure I think the integration is such a terrific idea. Yes, it presents a powerful and effortless way to disseminate your blog posts, but will all your contacts on Google+ appreciate the possibly overwhelming stream of blog entries arriving from everyone in their circle?
I have always thought that the truly great thing about blogs is the opportunity they provide to put your thoughts "out there" on the Internet, available to any reader who might be interested, but not in a way that forces your posts down the throats of anyone in particular. Maybe the integrated Google+ and Blogger will have options for filtering out contacts' Blogger updates if you don't want them showing up all the time, but I don't know that that is really a good solution either. We'll just have to wait and see.
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