Big Query, Open graph and Google Places – The Monday May 14th Roundup

We’re being hit with a heat wave! And as summer sets in so do all the blog posts. Is this really how you guys spend your summers? Awesome.

This week we have a host of stories, including Google’s Big Query data analysis, using open graph buttons, and theorizing on the next step of Google places.

Create

• We start the week with A List Apart and why you should just say no to faux bold.
• Next up, Get Elastic has 5 tips for custom Facebook open graph buttons.

Attract

• Last week Google announced the release of Google+ Hangouts on air. Now you can live broadcast your hangouts in all of their blurry glory.
• David Mihm theorizes about an upcoming merger of Google Plus and Google Places. This could be a very interesting strategy on Google’s part to distinguish themselves from other local services.

Analyze

• last month Google finally announced their Big Data analysis tool Big Query. This new analysis option allowed businesses to gain real-time insights from huge stores of data.
• Avinash takes a stab at measuring “brand strength” with web analytics.

Optimize

• Truly a post after my heart, Six Revisions has 5 reasons why Metaphors can improve your users’ experiences.
• And Bronto Blog examines ways to reduce shopping cart abandonment.

For more industry news, check out our past Monday Roundups.