Google Reader's share feature is socially addictive
I finally made a big switch (for me) last week, choosing Google Reader as my primary RSS reader.
I’ve used Bloglines for several years now and have always liked it. It’s a pretty straightforward service for plugging in RSS feeds and letting the stories come to you. However, I’ve been increasingly tempted to switch over to Google Reader but it took some time as I was simply comfortable with what I was doing.
Now that I have, I’m starting to see what the buzz and hubbub has been about. While getting used to the simple RSS reading part has taken a little getting used to (and the more I do it, the more I prefer it to the slightly clunkier Bloglines UI), the social part – the ability to share stories via a simple click – is surprisingly powerful and even addictive.
For one, I can now easily share stories with and receive stories from all of my Gmail contacts. A Friends’ shared items area on the Google Reader side nav is a pretty ingenious way for me to browse stories from my friends and fellow bloggers that I’m in contact with.
Now, bring in the Friendfeed factor and things get really interesting. When I share a story, it will show up on my Gmail contacts’ shared item area, but also as part of my Friendfeed “life stream” as well as the new Friendfeed “rooms” that I’ve been kindly invited to be a part of.
As a blogger, online media cultist, and semi-voracious consumer of information, it’s pretty wonderful that a combination of my blog feed, Twitter, Friendfeed, and Google Reader shared items can be used as a powerful way to share ideas and stories while partaking in a dynamic and vibrant community.
This is social networking of a different and new sort, I believe. We’re onto something big here. I’m always happy when following a story and I can’t wait to see what happens next. This is a perfect example.
Smart move. Google Reader shared items are the biggest part of my lifestream on FriendFeed. I've tried a lot of RSS readers, and Google Reader still has the best UI and navigation.
I too started out with Bloglines but after some functionality issues, I switched to Google Reader a few months ago and never looked back.
I have been using Google Reader for sometime. In my opinion it is hands down the best RSS reader out there.
I'm importing bloglines opml file into google reader right now
I'm a NetNewsWire user. I need the offline functionality because I have 1.5 hour commute. The “share” functions tie in nicely with del.icio.us , twitteriffic, MarsEdit, et. al. and the UI is simple, slick, and versatile. I get the appeal of GR, though.
Anyone have experience with a workflow for combining Google Reader with NNW? Thanks, CP
Welcome to GReader, Eric. Be sure to add your shared items feed to ReadBurner too
I'm a huge fan or Google Reader. I tried several web based readers when I started RSS feedreading a year or so ago I decided on GReader and the shared items is the killer app. I keep the Shared Items on my blog and with the addition of Friendfeed it can't be beat. Welcome to Reader.
My lifestream is growing stronger each day
Looks like many people are trending from Bloglines and other services to G Reader. Anyone use News Gator ?
Wow, the 1.5 hour commute would certainly influence my habits as well Chris! Glad NNW is working for you
Done and done, Adam, and thanks !
Thank you, and much agreed thus far !