Next week, big change will come to the Internet, and you should prepare now.
On July 1, Google Reader, the tool many word nerds use to follow blogs, will disappear. So will all of your feeds in Google Reader. But fortunately many alternative apps have emerged. You just have to pick one. Soon.
Let’s get technical
A few explanations: feeds, subscriptions, and RSS.
Essentially, a feed is like a channel for updates of new content on blogs and websites that you choose to follow. You can access and organize those feeds with a reader, such as Google Reader, Feedly, or Flipbook. This is a great way to keep up with new content without clogging up your inbox.
You subscribe to feeds using RSS: Real Simple Syndication. Word Nerd Note: syndicate (verb) means to sell for publication in many places at once. Thankfully, you don’t have to buy your subscription to most blogs. You simply sign up for new content by clicking on the RSS button and registering. Then, when you want some good reading material, you can scroll through new material without having to run all over the Internet.
If you have subscribed to feeds, you can transfer your subscriptions to another reading tool. There are plenty out there, but I recommend Feedly.
Why Feedly?
Several months ago, I switched to Feedly and have never looked back. Here’s why.
- Feedly can import all of your subscriptions from Google Reader in a few easy steps. Just go to www.feedly.com and follow the instructions. It will bring over all of your feeds while keeping them under their original folders. For example, I have feeds categorized into “Book Blogs,” “Favorite Blogs,” and “On Writing.” The switch didn’t disrupt anything. (Thank goodness, because I’m a little OCD about my folders!) ** Please note, you must import your subscriptions to Feedly before July 1.
- Feedly includes pictures from new content. In general, it’s a more aesthetically appealing presentation.
- Feedly makes sharing easy; buttons for popular social media platforms are embedded into the application, so you can share contact directly. You can even comment from within Feedly.
- The app is available for computer, iPhone, and iPad, so it’s always available to me. Like when I’m waiting in line at Walmart.
Feedly isn’t the only option. For other ideas, consult this helpful article, which includes a comparison chart of 14 different readers. (I love charts!)
The Safest Bet
The best way to ensure that you won’t miss new content would be to subscribe to blogs you love via email; any posts will come straight to your inbox. Look for a subscription form at blogs you like to visit. Mine is up there, in the right hand side bar, under my picture. See it? “Subscribe to Diary of a Word Nerd.”
Don’t be afraid to subscribe. I only post twice a week, so I won’t overwhelm you with emails. And then you will receive all of my crucial word nerd information, like the meaning of obfuscation.
How do you follow your favorite blogs? Can you recommend a Google Reader alternative?
Thanks for stopping by!
Julia
Just got an iphone (loving it SO much) and I’ll have to subscribe to feedly – thanks for the idea!
A Few months back I decided to go ahead and make the switch to Feedly–I’m so happy I did–I like it even better!
Me too Mitzi! I’m glad you found a good alternative.
I have a blog roll gadget on my sidebar, and I don’t *think* it will be affected by Google Reader disappearing. I have always used the blog roll to follow my blogs. I’m not even sure what Google Reader is.
Dianne, Basically it was an app that allowed to you read new content from blogs that you follow. If your blog roll works for you, great. But some people follow MANY MANY blogs- like 50+. Feedly would be a way to organize and stay on top of new posts.
Wasn’t aware of this Julia — thanks for letting us know. 😉 technology changes lift shifting shadows! So glad God doesn’t!
🙂 Hester,
I couldn’t believe it when Google announced they were discontinuing Reader. I LOVED it, but I’ve grown to love Feedly even more!
I set up a BlogLovin’ account, and I believe you can import your GoogleReader list directly. I also kept my email subscriptions to many of my favorite blogs. I like being about to click the comment button and reply on my smartphone without having to type in all of my contact info each time!