G+ and Gmail Link - Is it a Good Idea?

Many of you will have heard of this, already. If you haven't read on.

For those of us with a gmail address, we also have a Google+ account. Over the next few weeks there is a new "service" being rolled out that will connect both of those in a different way, within your G+ account.

What is being introduced is the following -

People who do/don't know you (G+ account holders), will be able to gmail you by typing in your name to a box and selecting from the drop names that appear. In other words they/you won't need to know a persons gmail address, but an email can be sent.. There's definitely value in this, though there are also concerns being raised over it.

My understanding thus far, is that Google doesn't give out your gmail address and you can delete the emails when you receive them. If you reply, then obviously you've chosen to give someone your address.

You need to know that if you don't want this service or wish to alter it, then you must change the settings for it, once it becomes "live" on your G+ account. There are several categories that you can alter in the settings. You can find out more detail at the links below.

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jan/10/privacy-concerns-raised-as-google-makes-it-possible-to-send-email-via-name-search?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jan/10/google-plus-stop-gmail-users-emailing-you

It'll take a bit of time to get used to this idea and Google may even decide to make changes to its current plans. Time will tell.

Has anyone had this added to their account yet? What do you think of it?

Annie