Google's latest social networking initiative became a massive hit, in fact a bit too massive for its own good. The invite-only social
networking endeavor is about as exclusive as it can get. Only a day after its launch, Google had to tweet that it has blocked its invite program due to overwhelming response. Apparently, people eager to join the new it thing found a loophole for the invites, which led to a flurry of new entrants to this somewhat restricted social space.
However, Google probably should be thankful to Chinese authorities, who unwittingly helped Google in stemming the tide of Google+ wannabes. The Chinese authorities performed this feat by blocking the access to Google sites. Yes, if you are China, you would not able to access or join Google+ site. Though, the consolation for Chinese people is that most of the users outside of China cannot join the network either, thanks to the paucity of invites.
China has used its Great Firewall for this purpose. This proverbial firewall acts as a censor and blocks a number of websites hosted from outside of China. This firewall already blocks sites such as Twitter and Facebook. And Google's relationship with China needs not be recounted, so the blocking of new social networking initiative is hardly surprising.
Though, Google has bigger things to worry about than China's ban. So far, the internet search giant has made a number of stabs at social networking ventures, but the success has largely eluded it. Though, going by the initial frenzy generated by Google+, it looks like that ultimately Google has found the recipe of success. But how enduring this success is going to be, only time will tell.