Don’t Leave Us, Google Reader! *Wall Slides*
I read A LOT of blogs and news sites everyday to laugh, learn and stay in the loop. But I don’t visit every single one, because they’ll mean I’d need to visit 89 of them. I just subscribe to them and they come to my Google Reader.
Some of you are all “what’s Google Reader?” It’s an RSS Feed aggregator. Simply said, when you click the orange (or in my case, red) “subscribe” button on a website, you’re given the choice of having that site’s content delivered to your inbox whenever it’s updated OR you can get it sent to a reader like Google’s, which ends up being a holder for all your subscriptions. It’s like a closet for website content, if you get me.
I got folders in Google Reader for business-related stuff, my faves, and I even have my Google Alerts coming in there. I get my gossip, tech news, beauty tips and other random stuff all in one place. It makes life easier because you don’t have to visit of every site you love to stay up to date. It brings their stuff to you. Hella convenient!
This is a snapshot of mine:
Then yesterday, the Google Reader blog tells us all that they’re shutting down for good on July 1, 2013. And they’re talmbout because “usage of Google Reader has declined.” NOT FOR ME IT HASN’T!!! What kinda bald-headed games are y’all playing, Google??? If folks are using it less, for why come my ENTIRE Twitter timeline was up in arms yesterday? Who are these people using it less? Are they on Google Plus??? Did they think Google Buzz was the bees’ knees? I need some receipts!
Also, is Google trying to shut down a bunch of their services to force us to use Google Plus, because I want them to know we are not here for it. G+ is Facebook Wack so womp!
To say I’m not pleased is an understatement. Google STAYS tryna shake the table and it’s not always good. Google Reader is getting the Google Wave treatment, except it’s actually useful and we’re actually sad to see it go. Oh you don’t remember G-Wave? Yeah, me neither. O___O
But for real. Google Reader, I know you wanna leave me, but I refuse to let you go. If I have to beg and plead for your sympathy, I don’t mind cuz you mean that much to me. I AIN’T TOO PROUD TO BEG! PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME, GIRL, PLEASE DON’T GO! *wall slides* *holds on to Google Reader’s ankles*
*deepest sigh ever*
Google Reader’s demise means a lot for us bloggers and content creators. It means those of us who have thousands of subscribers might lose some of them because they’re using it too and now, they won’t be able to get our posts in their eClosets either. Readership might go down just because people are lazy and them having to VISIT our websites can be cumbersome. And if my readers are anything like me, they are unable to go to 89 different websites EVERY DAY.
This blows.
While we’re at it though, can someone create an alternative to Feedburner that ISN’T FeedBlitz? Preferably, it’ll be free too, because FeedBlitz is expensive if you have a lot of subscribers and ain’t nobody got time for that. Feedburner manages the content delivery, so it’s what makes sure the sites you subscribed to even make it into your Google Reader or any other RSS thing. It’s clear that Google is going to do away with Feedburner soon. I AM ON TO YOU!
Seriously, Google gotta get it’s life together and stop taking away things we actually use. While pouring energy into things like Google Plus, which I begrudgingly use like once a week. And by use, I mean post my blog pieces and bounce out.
I NEED a Google Reader alternative and I already found a REALLY good one. It’s called Theoldreader.com, and you can import your G-Reader subscriptions into it. I just did that and here it is:
It’s not as pretty as Google Reader and it’s a bit slower but it will have to do. Beggars cannot be choosers right now. And it pulled in ALL the sites I subscribe to so I’m pleased. All is not lost.
Still… *shakes my tiny fists at Google*
Any other Google Reader fans mad about this? Also, anyone using another alternative and loving it? Let a G know.
*sings* NEBMAND AHL FAND SOMEONE LAHK YOOOOOOUUU. AH WISH NUFFIN BUT THE BESSS FAH YOOOUUU TOO! DON FAHGET ME ABEG AH REMEMBER YOU SAID…
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48 Comments
I’m greatly disturbed. I use Google Reader at least 2-3 times a day to keep up to date. Right now I am trying out Feedly to see how well they work as they connect with your Google account and then they have supposedly been working on an alternate feed so that once Google is gone you won’t lose your saved subscriptions. I actually like the layout as well and it syncs across your devices. Only thing I haven’t checked is if it downloads articles so that you can read them when you are without service (ie going through the tunnel to NYC).
Rolio (http://www.rolio.com) is an alternative to Google Reader which, in addition to RSS, also supports the integration of Facebook and Twitter into your timeline for real-time updates. Rolio also supports the importing of your Google Reader feeds.
I had no idea what Google Reader was until I read your blog post. However, now that I do know, I feel like shaking my fist as well, because I just started a blog, and this would have been perfect if I knew what it was before I started it. Dammit, Google!
I need to step my game up so hard, ’cause I had to sit for three seconds to remember wtf it was. ‘Cause I hardly used it. I think I used it twice and sort of let it be. Kinda didn’t like it. BUT, it would have been nice to use for all those blogs I subbed to, ’cause Lord knows I did forget them.
I stay missin’ out. o_o
Yup. I’m pissed. I follow like 250 different blogs and I’m in there at least 5 different times a day. I even have the app for that! I will not be able to find all my subscriptions without it.
This is a sad day indeed….
Google stays shutting down things people like. A few months ago when Google announced it is shutting down iGoogle, their personalized homepage where I organized my RSS feeds, I switched to Netvibes.com. I’m guessing more folks are checking it out today, because there’s a message saying they’ve got a whole lot of new users so things might be slow.
I like it because I can decide how I want it to look and it’s easy to add feeds.
Word up. Thank you for this. I have been in a panic over what to do with my iGoogle page. This will definitely fit the bill. Thanks again!
thanks. im bent about this too. smh.
Thanks for the heads up. With changes over at Youtube and no this foolishness with Google Reader, I am thinking about even changing my email address.
I use yahoo’s version, but not often. I totally agree about Google+. I never use that piece of crap at all.
I am ticked! I follow like 200+ blogs and LOVE the accessibility that Google Reader provides! Ridiculous!
I’ve read about Feedly and now The Old Reader from you. So I’ll be keeping an eye out for alternatives and playing with them til July.
*sigh* This just ain’t fair.
Hi Luvvie. I shook my head and (fists) at the news which I originally saw on your Twitter feed. I use Reader ‘erry day. Erry day. I think it’s really sad, because I have discovered some really good bloggers, especially bloggers of color! So, I am not happy. I did look at ThisOldReader. I am trying out Feedly and Newsblur to see which one I like best. I am an Android user, but I an NOT here for Google+ *arms crossed*.
This some ole BOLL WEEVIL BULLWACKERY!!! I NEED that Google Reader!! *wall slides next to Luvvie and weakly extends hand* “…hep meh”
One thing that’s good about it though? (I know, Luvvie…how dare I find good in this tragic moment) …but, finally, my ex can stop reading my blogs through Google Reader. He gone have to come and be accounted for on my trusty little page tracker. lmaoooooo *cackles maniacally*
…fa weel doe…I’m verklempt.
Wait… That’s what Adele is saying?!?
Lol. I was way off
I read about this yesterday and have been pissed off since. I signed up on BlogLovin a few months ago and now I’m happy I did. I imported all my blog suscriptions over there and I like that the bloggers actually get page views from that unlike in Google Reader.
Thanks for sharing your alternative.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I use Google Reader so much that I don’t even know what some of my favorite blogs look like. While I haven’t like some of the recent changesyo Google Reader, I still don’t wanna move. Thanks for the info on the other readers.
There are so many typos^^^^(typing on my phone. Curse you autocorrect!) Just ignore them.
I just published a post yesterday talking about how Google Reader is one of my top tools of the trade. Less than 2 hours later the news is out that Google Reader is going the way of the dodo.
I’m getting very tired of these sites thinking and acting like they know me with all their algorithms and such. They don’t know me. I’m complex and yet simple.
I feel like they are taking away my choices, my rights to getting the content I want and not what they want me to have.
I’m using Feedly right now… however, it’s like the light-skinned Aunt Viv – it ain’t better than the OG.
deeeeeeeead.
IDied at light skin Aunt Viv lol
My soul weeps over the loss of Google Reader. I might be more emotional over this than some breakups I’ve had. I’m going to start singing R&B songs of unrequited love to the Google folks in hopes they’ll reconsider.
I know just how you feel Luvvie. I had the same reaction when I read the news last night. I found a reader called newsblur but for some reason I am having a lot of trouble importing my feeds. I suspect they probably have a lot of people trying to sign up which is causing technical issues.
Oh LAWD! Google reader is the only way I can get my blog fix at work. Big Brother blocks them all otherwise–including Awesomely Luvvie. 🙁
What is I’m gone do nah?
Co-sign on feedly!
I’ve been using feedly to access reader for a while now, and they’re doing a seamless import over to their new service, so I’ll probably use them, but I’m gonna try your alternative too. Then again, Feedly does have apps on every platform I use already.
YES! I AM SO ANGRY! I need an alternative and I’m sad. 🙁
I’m so mad…at nothin’ because I’m kinda tech stupid. I didnt even know there was such an app that I could use that would show me all of the blogs I like reading. (sighs) Whyeeeeee! Now that I’ve lurnt, it’s now gone. Just gone.
And with all these good blogs folk tambout, I would lurve to see your blog lists and put summadem on my own list.
Maybe THIS is the reason why I keep forgetting about perfectly good blogs. Maybe THIS is the reason why summayall, esp LuvBug, seem so in tune with the world! You make me feel so brand newwwwww all da tyyymeee… (in sing song) Google Reader is like your #crytinyte, LuvBug. It gives you the world (from all the relevant folk you wanna at least hear from) all in one fell swoop!
I am beyond devastated. Google Reader is always up in my browser. I’m scared to even check how many blogs I subscribe too – I know its somewhere near 300 (probably more). I have years of blog posts tagged and organized in various categories. My chest hurts at the thought of losing all of that information!
Plus I hate change. Now I have to find another reader. I’ve heard some good things about BlogLovin’. Apparently views through BlogLovin count as page hits which is an advantage over Google Reader.
I am just sick!!!
I. CANNOT. DEAL. How I’m suffosta make it through my commute, standing in lines, and b.s.-ing at work?
I follow Awesomely Luvvie and all my other favorite blogs through Bloglovin and I love it. They even have a free iPhone app this is nice and easy to use and navigate. I recommend it. They are already jumping at the chance to take Google Reader’s sloppy seconds! When you sign in they already have a button where you can import your Google Reader content.
There aren’t enough walls to slide to descibe this loss.
I use Google Reader daily. Where ever I go, she goes, she’s my buddy–Google Reader is even in my Flipboard. 🙁
I may use the old google reader thing, but I’m worried that if we all go over, it won’t/can’t hold the traffic and crash. Then what? 🙁
Non-techy people like me won’t have time to pay for services to manage PHP type alternatives.
I have so many blogs that I read on a daily basis and LORDHAMMERCY….
*faints*
im #occupygoogle on this one as well.
as a mom of a newborn…who has time to visit all these damn sites? i only go to the actual page when i want to leave props or a comment.
smh. #aintnodamnbodygottimefodat
thanks to your commenters for the advice! will take a look at them all.
It’s fate … I am listening to that SAME song as I read.
I am sooo hurt by this. Google reader has been a lifesaver for me. I did recently download the Pulse app onto my tablet and I really like using that to keep up with the blogs that I read. It has a really nice interface and let’s you label your tabs that you place blogs under. I havevarious tabs such as fashion, sports, techy, laughs etc. And it updates on it’s own!
It’s SUPER annoying! I’m only moderately tech-savvy and I LOVE Google Reader because it helps me stay on top of stuff! UGH!
Google Reader is leaving? Nooooooooo!! What are we gonna do? I say we fight! We fight! We fight! We fight! *Red Tails voice* I wish I could get a hold of the Google people and give ’em some Naija type knocks on their heads that they won’t forget in a hurry *deep sigh*
Thanks for the Alternative. I just tried the Old Reader and it fits my needs quite lovely! Quite Frankly, I never used Google Reader and was wasting time visiting 25+ websites daily- shame! Now I know there is a more efficient alternative even though I wasn’t aware of apparently the top choice, Google Reader!
I was PISSED when I signed in yesterday and that pop up hit me in my face. I’ve used Google Reader since day one…it’s the FIRST thing I look at when I get home from work…I’m trying to sort all of this out in my head. WTF Google?!?!? I have literally used Google Reader every time I get online. Sheesh…I’m here for the suggestions of what other RSS readers to use…I hate you Google for this one. And Google+ I only have because I have a Google account in general…This BLOWS.
I transferred my stuff to Bloglovin, don’t like it but it will have to do. http://www.bloglovin.com/buxomchick
Sorry if anyone has already commented about this, but a better alternative to Google Reader (and The Old Reeder) is Feedly, http://feedly.com. They allow importing from Google Reader, have a great iOS app and have multiple options for reading your RSS feed. I tried The Old Reader and it’s NO WHERE near finished importing all of my RSS subscriptions from Google. Feedly imported my subscriptions instantaneously and it looks great too!
I logged in to my reader, got the news via pop up, hit a wall slide while letting out a slave wail and then the FIRST blog that showed up in my reader was this one. I think this is a sign of hope since I came to your site to read the comments. Good options to try here. Look at Gawd!
I think you can configure Zite to do this too, and that way you can also get random news that matches subjects you like. But come to think of it, Zite might just be an app. LOL. Nevermind.
Ive been using Feedly. its awesome!
I have never used Google Reader. But now I feel that I might want to and its too late! Also this has made me cackle as I sang it out loud:
*sings* NEBMAND AHL FAND SOMEONE LAHK YOOOOOOUUU. AH WISH NUFFIN BUT THE BESSS FAH YOOOUUU TOO! DON FAHGET ME ABEG AH REMEMBER YOU SAID…
OMG….I took a look at the suggestions. I could not get The Old Reader to import, Feedly looked weird…I went to Bloglovin and found heaven. “click” to import from Google Reader. I am a gadget nerd, but not when it comes to import/xtml/yadda yadda yadda. Thank you for the suggestion for BlogLovin. My type of reader.
I am sad over Google Reader’s demise…I tried to use Feedly but after 35 minutes of trying to figure out how to import my blogs, I finally realized it doesn’t support IE. So I went to Bloglovin. Not the cutest website but it will do.
Great post by the way!
PS. Don’t ask me how I found my way here…but I am glad I did!!!!