Google Reader

Yes, I'm as bummed as everyone else that Google Reader is going away and I'm starting to research options. One source that I will rely on for information is Lifehacker. Lifehacker is a great site and has information on just about every topic. They published this article on Reader alternatives last week.

I've decided to wait until late May. Technology changes fast and I believe that there are several companies jumping on this opportunity and I want to wait and see which ones rise to the challenge with the best products. When I start testing readers I will let you know how it goes and which one I ultimately choose. Maybe even Google will change their mind.

I can hope.

Meanwhile I have finally subscribed my blog to Feedburner so you can subscribe to receive my blog posts in your email. The link is on the left sidebar above the Google+ box.

If you have already made the switch from Google Reader (or never used Google Reader) I'd love to hear what you are using.

Comments

[Kim]

I am using feedly... for now. I don't know if I will stay with it.

[Jane S.]

I just switched to Bloglovin'. So far so good, transferring everything over from Google Reader was very easy (just one click on a button). I haven't tried adding any new blogs to my reading list yet though. That could prove to be interesting!

[Stephanie]

I just did a post about switching from google reader and gave Lifehacker as a source. My daughter is techo and I am not. I switched to Bloglovin' but admit I'm not using it because I'm not forced to yet. I'll stick with google reader until the last day of it's death.

[Karen]

I have not switched to another reader yet - I too am waiting to hear more - after all the change isn't affective until July. I have always liked google reader

[quiltdivajulie]

I am trying out Bloglovin -- the import went well. Now to use it for a few days (as a non-Facebook user, options are limited)

[Terri]

I'm trying Feedly and The Old Reader. So far Feedly is working out well, although it will never compare with Google Reader. The Old Reader doesn't yet have the capability to handle all the new accounts they've opened since the announcement of the demise of Google Reader so I can't really comment yet on how well I like it. I do like it's interface since it resembles and behaves the same as Google Reader. One can only hope that Google will change their minds, but I seriously doubt it.

[Deb]

Hi Vicki, I love you blog but I'm usually a lurker; however I wondered if you were aware that FeedBurner is also a Google product (by acquisition) and many suspect the two may die together. Sorry my first comment doesn't have better news.

[Cheryl K.]

I am trying Feedly and I did not care for it at all at first: no real help, just poking and stumbling around trying to get it to act the way I wanted it to. It got better after all that was set (maybe on the second day), but since we don't really know the way the interface will work when the Reader-front-end is truly gone, I'm open to other ideas. I'll be checking back to read your readers' comments!

[Cathi]

I'm trying Feedly and Bloglovin' - so far I'm really impressed with Feedly. Love that it imported the blogs I followed in the same categories I had them in in Reader.

[Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm]

Knowing nothing about too much of everything, I've read people are using Bloglovin' and Feedly. I use the follow button and enjoy seeing updates that way.

[Kate]

I've tried a couple of different things (not being patient about change) - didn't like the reinstated bloglines (which was what I used before Google Reader) - found the interface dry and unfriendly. Tried out bloglovin',but while it's lovely to look at, I'm not lovin' that you have to click to each blog to read it rather than having the text in the reader by default. Too fiddly. Attempted to try out The Old Reader, which is mostly like old Google Reader, and it's probably ok, but after 3 days, it's still not imported my feeds (servers being hit really hard with loads of people jumping off the Google Reader ship). Currently, am using and liking feedly, though who knows whether it will maintain it's robustness once Google Reader really goes... One can hope. If it's stable, I might stick with it, even if Google Reader decides not to go after all - the layout is very easy on the eye, though it does have a few quirks which I will no doubt have to get used to...

[Gene Black]

I use the Google Dashboard and I hope they don't take that away also. I have the options on my blog to subscribe by email or use Bloglovin'

[sophie]

I am using Feedly. I like the option of different types of views and that there's a Feedly app for smart phones/tablets (both Apple and Android).

[Becky in KCMO]

DH switched me to RSS feed. I'm not sure what it is, but it is free to download. You have to add in each one individually. It's okay, but I hope google reader changes its mind.

[Cindy Is Crafty]

Someone told me that Bloglines never closed like they said they were going to. I am probably going back to it, but will stay posted to see what you find.

[Kathy]

So glad to read this post. I'm totally bummed about Google Reader, it's all I have ever used. For now I'm subscribing to each individual blog but will definitely look into Feedly and Bloglovin'.

[Pat]

I tried transporting all my blog favourites to my blog and then folloing them from the side bar on my blog. That seems to work well enough at the moment but I don't know if that will be affected when they close down. I used to use Bloglines but it seems the one in existence now is only for the USA.

[Amy]

I'm waiting too - because I apparently avoid change.

[Angela]

I'm trying feedly and bloglovin' Am not really getting on with Bloglovin at all, feedly is proving to be better for me I think, but having used google reader for so long it will take a little while to get used to I think.

[Char]

I'm hoping Goggle will reverse it's decision too.

[Marie Z. Johansen]

Thanks for this post Vicki!
I too was wondering what I would do.
I explored those that the article mentioned and settled on Feedly as my replacement. The transition was seamless, and now I know I will the look and feel of Google Reader right on my Chrome toolbar!