Since its launch back in the summer, Google+ has been a bit of a puzzle to me – it looks good, cleverly integrates lots of Google features and services, and allows you to create clearly defined groups of friends, workmates, acquaintances and so forth. But what can I use it for? Answer, hmm. Consequence, I haven’t used it much at all (and it looks like I wasn’t alone).

This week, however, the proverbial flood-gates have been opened and Google has allowed all and sundry to get into the network and start to use it. This has surely got to be a good thing, and should make quite a difference to the usage stats. Will this make Google+ a must-use destination for voluntary sector organisations too? Well, perhaps the jury is still out on that one.

If you are pondering what difference G+ can make to you, then here are some news titbits that might help:

For a nice infographic of the pre-open-to-everyone statistics of usage for G+, check out Digital Buzz.

Mashable seems particularly keen on G+ and has a plethora of articles to help you find your way round this new network. You can read about the improved search function, how to set up a Hangout from your Android phone, how to use Hangouts if your preferred language is Sign Language, or find out about how Klout has now added G+ to its calculations.

What do you think about G+? Are you using it to, say, connect with colleagues in remote sites, or engage with supporters? Answers in a comment, please, or find me on G+ itself…