Blogs like mine publish posts via feeds (RSS) which can be sent to email subscribers or read with a feed reader. Many people like the later because it reduces email clutter especially if they subscribe to many blogs - as I do.
For years I recommended and used Google Reader but Google just announced they will drop this service by July 1. So if you read my blog via Google Reader, it's time to look for another! Better yet, take your Google Reader subscriptions along with you while you can.
Why did they do it? Less than stellar adoption in the mainstream. Competition, too. There are more engaging ways to read content out there. With declining usage, the tech giant decided to move their resources to other priorities. There is a petition though by diehard fans who don't want to lose their favorite service. That might well be a lost cause.
More and more people are reading blogs via links in Facebook and Twitter. There is some added value to social media as I not only direct my RSS feed for my Facebook and my Twitter communities, I also include all sorts of other things which don't make it to my blog. BTW Use lists to help you organize your Facebook or Twitter streams!
There are many RSS apps available for smartphones and tablets. Some of the more recent ones like Flipboard, Newsify and Feedly are simply beautiful - the blog feeds are displayed in a magazine like format.
Or you can simply bookmark my blog URL on your smartphone/tablet:
If you prefer to check out your favorite blogs on the web, rest assured there are other free services too. Some recommendations to check out in this post.
I am using Feedly (for web/iOS/Android) mainly because it's one of the services which links to my Google Reader account and according to them the transition will be seamless come July. This is the easy way. If you really want to do it the hard way, you can export your Google Reader info via Google Takeout. Basic instructions here.
Google is doing some serious spring cleaning these days which might well affect blog subscribers including email subscribers. So I shall be making some changes so you don't miss a post! Stay tuned.
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
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| Feedly in Chrome Browser |
Why did they do it? Less than stellar adoption in the mainstream. Competition, too. There are more engaging ways to read content out there. With declining usage, the tech giant decided to move their resources to other priorities. There is a petition though by diehard fans who don't want to lose their favorite service. That might well be a lost cause.
More and more people are reading blogs via links in Facebook and Twitter. There is some added value to social media as I not only direct my RSS feed for my Facebook and my Twitter communities, I also include all sorts of other things which don't make it to my blog. BTW Use lists to help you organize your Facebook or Twitter streams!
There are many RSS apps available for smartphones and tablets. Some of the more recent ones like Flipboard, Newsify and Feedly are simply beautiful - the blog feeds are displayed in a magazine like format.
 |
| Newsify on iPhone |
If you prefer to check out your favorite blogs on the web, rest assured there are other free services too. Some recommendations to check out in this post.
I am using Feedly (for web/iOS/Android) mainly because it's one of the services which links to my Google Reader account and according to them the transition will be seamless come July. This is the easy way. If you really want to do it the hard way, you can export your Google Reader info via Google Takeout. Basic instructions here.
Google is doing some serious spring cleaning these days which might well affect blog subscribers including email subscribers. So I shall be making some changes so you don't miss a post! Stay tuned.
Before You Go:
- How to Efficiently Manage Your Blogging and Social Media Time
- 7 Easy Ways to Grow Your Jewelry Blog
- 6 Questions to Really Ask Before You Start a (Craft) Blog
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
So, I'm confused. Does this affect all the blogs I've joined or follow with google connect, the little boxes on the side that show who's following my blog or that show I'm following their blog? Or is Google reader different?
ReplyDeleteThe Google follower box is yet another form of reader which is indeed different from Google Reader.
ReplyDeleteYou got to love Google. They have stopped supporting the Google Connect box - which is why I stopped displaying it - but people can still follow the old way.
Just pick any reader that you are comfortable with. Since you don't use Google Reader, this announcement won't affect you.
Sally over at Facebook also suggested Bloglovin which is much like Feedly.
ReplyDeleteI just started using Feedly and it did transition nicely. I love using a reader, it makes follow many blogs so easy. You mentioned more Google changes, yikes!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pearl
Feedburner is likely the next service to go. This is unfortunate because many bloggers may not be able to go for paid services.
ReplyDeletePearl,
ReplyDeleteYou wrote to me on my Catsmeowco.blogspot.com blog that I had won something. I sent you an e-mail with my address but I never heard from you. Maybe my e-mail went to spam.
Julie Panusis
jpcatmeow@yahoo.com
Thanks for letting me know. Just emailed you the code.
ReplyDeleteI am SO MAD at Google!!! Really really mad. If Blogger is next - I won't come back to Google at all. This is not the first service they have discontinued .. it's like the drug dealer that gives you your drugs for free until you're hooked .. except Google hasn't asked for money, they're just smacking you up-side the head and saying - ha - we don't care about you! Okay. I'm stepping down now.
ReplyDeleteYou and hundreds of thousands of others. What is appalling is many of those users are in terribly repressed countries and Google Reader was the only way they could get past their internet censors.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Blogger will go as it helps them make money but Feedburner is probably next as they have been slowly turning it off. That's why I moved delivery services.