Question

How do I stop Google’s “popup message” that shows up upon hovering over the Google PlusOne button?

I don’t want to give Google that much recognition on my web page.

Answer 1

From http://www.google.com/webmasters/+1/button/policy.html

Emphasis added

Publishers may not alter or obfuscate a Google+ Button, and Publishers
may not associate a Google+ Button with advertising content, such as
putting the Google+ Button on or adjacent to an ad, or placing ads in
shared content, unless authorized to do so by Google. Publishers also
may not place in shared content any text, image, or other content that
violates the Google+ User Content and Conduct Policy.

For buttons that may be rendered by the Publisher, such as the Sharing
Link, the Publisher must use only the official Google-provided icon or
a plain text and link combination. In either case Publishers must not
mislead users as to the purpose of the link.