I have to admit that ever since Google+ was launched a couple of months ago, Facebook's luster for me diminished.
Why?
From the user experience point (UX) of view, Google+ simplified the approach to managing friends/connections and got the best elements from Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. My use of Facebook has decreased since getting added in Google+.
But I soon realized an edge that Facebook has over Google+: Nostalgia.
Given that Facebook has a seven-year headstart over Google+, people who are in Facebook has invested more time and uploaded more stuff in their accounts. There are also more wall posts, chats, and status updates on personal milestones, both big and small.
Which now brings me to a practical application of this on Facebook: I recently saw a section on the secondary content area (the right-side column) with the heading "This day in 2009." And underneath that heading is my status update exactly two years ago.
I was like "Whoa!" Facebook was able to make history more personal.
I'm sure you've read features in news sites that placed major historical events like an almanac, but this kind of history puts the context to the person.
Well played, Facebook, well played.
