GeekSugar

Reader Redux: RSS Feed Edition

GeekSugar — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:30:37 PDT

Yesterday, I mourned the loss of Bloglines, a once-popular RSS reader that will shut down on Oct. 1. Company execs partially blamed the shutter on the popularity of social networking site like Facebook and other sharing sites like Digg, which, according to them, make RSS readers obsolete.

I don't agree - I couldn't get along without them! An overwhelming majority of you sided with me; here's more of what you had to say:

"Frankly, I'd be very bummed if all RSS readers went away. I don't like using social networks for use. Twitter's good for some things, but it's not a complete resource, and I much prefer RSS readers." - Matdredalia
"How can you get by without an RSS reader??? I use Google." - imLissy
"I used to use Google, but I stopped. I only log onto maybe 10 different websites that update per day, and they are all in my bookmarks toolbar, so I don't feel the need to use an RSS reader." - PrincessOats
"I use it and love it, because I'm the kind of person who wastes a ton of time going to every single blog several times a day, only to find no new posts." - RoaringSilence
"I use Google Reader on my cell phone when I'm on the go. Other than that, I just go to actual website." - pinkmystic

Do you have any comments to add? Leave them below!

Do You Still Use an RSS Reader?

GeekSugar — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:30:23 PDT

For day-to-day blog reading, I'm usually a Google Reader girl, but I'm also known to use Bloglines for my RSS feed. Now, sadly, Bloglines will discontinue service starting Oct. 1. Bloglines, which is operated by Ask.com, will be shut down partially because of social networking and other aggregation sites, according to a company blog post.

I've already shared reasons why you should use an RSS reader, but apparently their popularity is declining. Find out why, and share your thoughts after the break.

Community-Sourced Geek Tip: Add Twitter Feeds to Your RSS

GeekSugar — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 01:47:18 PDT

When I posted about a new Twitter feature allowing you to follow a user on Twitter without creating an account, a few of you were quick to remind me that there is another way to do the same thing without constantly refreshing said user's feed in the web client.

So, today's Geek Tip comes courtesy of the community. As reader Linm reminded me, another way to receive useful Twitter updates from interesting or relevant accounts is to add that user's Twitter page to your RSS feed. Your RSS reader should treat each tweet similarly to how it treats a new blog post, showing them chronologically within the rest of your feed.

But, this may not work well for everyone. To find out why, keep reading.

Do You Check Your RSS Feeds on Holidays?

GeekSugar — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 07:00:35 PDT

Although I've admitted that I'm attached to my iPhone, I couldn't find the time to check my RSS feed during the last Memorial Day holiday. Subsequently, I came back to the office with thousands (and I do mean thousands) of news and blog posts waiting for me to sift through.

I know some people are obsessed with keeping up with news and events (as am I), but a girl's gotta find time to unplug and enjoy the barbecue and beer sometime, no? Tell me - are you plugged in and checking your RSS feeds over holidays, or do you enjoy your time with friends and family to the fullest?

Do You Have a Favorite RSS Reader For the iPhone?

GeekSugar — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:45:01 PDT

Reader Lauren recently posted this question in our Ask the Community Forum:

What is the best RSS reader application for the iPhone? Any recommendations?

Since I use Google Reader on a daily basis, I use the Google mobile app to access my RSS feed quickly. The feed opens in Safari, not inside the app.

Do you have a favorite app for reading an RSS feed on your iPhone? Head over to the community forum and help Lauren find the best app.

Facebook Wants to Be Your News Reader

GeekSugar — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:30:34 PST

Last week, a post on the Facebook blog encouraged users to use Facebook as a way to create a personalized news channel. At first, the idea seemed funny to me. . .Why use a social networking tool as a news feed when there are services like RSS readers, Google News, and immediate text message alerts for receiving up-to-the-minute information? But after considering it, it's true that I often find out about news near me by my friends' Facebook and Twitter status updates. So why not become a fan of some news sources on Facebook and add a few more newsy voices to the mix?

Similar to my suggestion about customizing your Facebook home screen, the post suggests you create a "News" list containing friends who frequently post items of interest and adding relevant news sources. Because Facebook allows news outlets to "talk directly to their readers," it makes for a more tailored news experience than a simple RSS feed or news alert system.

RSS Reader Coasters Mix Business With Pleasure

GeekSugar — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:15:53 PST

Who knew that there are just as many geeky necklaces as there are geeky coasters?! If you're just as dependent on Bloglines or Google Reader as I am then have a peek at this colorful 16 piece RSS Coaster Set. Made from MDF plywood these tech-inspired coasters may also be the perfect gift for those hard to buy for geeks on your list. I'm not loving their $45 price tag, but considering there is 16 I could split them up into multiple gifts - just don't tell anyone!

Scope Out Your Hippest Friends With Google Reader

GeekSugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 07:33:12 PDT

I've given you plenty of reasons to sign up for an RSS reader, but in case you need one more here it goes: Google Reader has released a new version with a more comprehensive friend feature that allows you to keep a close watch on your friends' activity. Wondering how much Internet ground your pals cover? Now you can check the stats to find out.

The improvements add a new set of tabs to the trends page called "Friends trends." You can see which friends share the most content, and who has shared items you actually want to read.

Want more tips to get your reader organized? Check out my top 10 RSS tips.

Daily Tech: Swine Flu iPhone App For the Overly Paranoid

GeekSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:36:00 PDT

It's still waiting on approval before it hits the iTunes Store, but there's actually a Swine Flu Tracker iPhone App that will show you threat levels and confirmed and suspected cases. - TechCrunch
Did you know that today is RSS Awareness Day? Yeah, me neither. Learn what a RSS Reader is and why it will change your life. - Read Write Web
Find out what the general public has to say about one of our cell phone rant issues: whether it's rude to talk on your cell phone while waiting in line. - Switched
Kodak's latest camera, the ultrazoom Z980 takes video in full HD and offers 12-megapixel resolution and a 24x optical zoom lens. It's priced at $399.99. - CrunchGear
Looks like the Internet has been in overdrive since the swine flu was announced. May people are rushing to search sites like Google and Yahoo to look for information and up-to-the-minute news on the swine flu. - USA Today

10 Good Reasons to Use an RSS Reader

GeekSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:05:27 PDT

The web moves fast. In fact, they say one day, it might even move faster than the speed of light. There are millions of articles being published, photos being uploaded, status updates being posted and tweets being tweeted every single day. An RSS reader can help you stay afloat and consume the Internet from one hub - whether you are a casual surfer who uses the web to catch up on email, news and celebrity gossip, or a full fledged Internet junky who spends all day on Flickr, Facebook and reddit.

For those of you who are confused, an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Reader is a web feed aggregator, also known as a feed reader that grabs syndicated web content such as news headlines, blogs, podcasts, and vlogs in a single location for easy viewing.

Most geeksugar readers say they're already using a reader, but I know there are a few of you who are still unconvinced. And so, I dedicated this post to you uninitiated and unconvinced. Find out why you should hop on the train.