1. I’ll get rid of my RSS reader when websites get rid of ads, esp. pop-up ones. Though I’ve always enjoyed Patrol’s website, it’s hard to switch back and forth between bookmarks when all I care about is the content.

   — Sarah · Jan 18, 06:43 PM · #

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2. I use Google Reader as a “smart” bookmark by using the Igoogle reader box on my home page. It tells me what is new in the reader and I can open each web page from there.

   I agree, reading in the reader is boring and dull.

   — Bill · Jan 18, 07:13 PM · #

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3. i find that my google reader helps me cut back on internet time. instead of spending all my time surfing around, getting distracted. it is true that the rss feed fills up like an awful email box, but, just like email, i have learned to delete/skim past the stuff i don’t care about. it allows me to dispense with wasted time quicker. i read a lot of books more now.

   — micah · Jan 18, 08:25 PM · #

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4. Hmm, what went wrong?

   I’ve never been unhappy with Google Reader. I skim past what I don’t want to read, reading headlines, then open what I do want to read in tabs so I can come back to it later.

   (I also don’t follow a bazillion feeds anymore, which might help.)

   — Alissa Wilkinson · Jan 18, 09:12 PM · #

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5. I am also a little confused about his assertion that “an RSS reader takes time to switch between blogs.” I wonder if he was using it wrong?

   — Alissa Wilkinson · Jan 18, 09:15 PM · #

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6. I think you’re doing it wrong. RSS readers are far more efficient. I track developments on about 150 work-related websites each day – if I had to browse to each one individually, it simply would not get done. In fact, I’m at the point where I simply don’t bother tracking websites without RSS feeds.

   — Chris · Jan 18, 10:36 PM · #

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7. I have been VERY happy using the RSS reader that is integral to the Opera browser. The RSS feed reader lists all new blog entries better than a bookmark toolbar ever could. Any time I want to visit a blog page I can still get there with a single click.

   — Dave Lindsay · Jan 19, 08:54 AM · #

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8. Ah yes, I neglected to say how I do use my RSS reader, which is similar to what Bill (#2) says. It’s a good place to keep tabs on lots of content you only want to look at occasionally, and you can always click to the respective site.

   Otherwise, I suppose it matters how many different blogs you read and how you handle the chaos of surfing. I probably read at least 20 sites per day, and am easily able to manage that with bookmarks. If was reading 100 specific ones, though, I would probably have to depend on a reader, too.

   But to all of you RSS fans: don’t forget to get out on the internet sometimes and look at the work of all the talented, underappreciated graphic designers out there.

   — David Sessions · Jan 19, 09:00 AM · #

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9. i do miss the visual presentation, and it can get incredibly overwhelming after a few days of not checking, but i’m way too absent minded to actually remember to check bookmarks. and i second micah’s and alissa’s comments (#3 & #4).

   — greta · Jan 19, 09:29 AM · #

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10. It’s important that your bookmarks are carefully thought and expertly organized. You can even make bookmark menu tabs right on your toolbar in most browsers.

    But again, whatever floats your boat. I’m all for productivity, so if the Reader helps you out, I won’t judge.

    — David Sessions · Jan 19, 09:35 AM · #

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11. I use the Google Reader ‘Next’ button. Go here> http://www.google.com/reader/settings/ click on the ‘goodies’ tab and then drag the Next button into your bookmark bar. You get full-colour full-graphic web pages. You’re welcome.

    — Tyler Bennicke · Jan 19, 11:13 AM · #

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12. Geek squad, unite!

    You can add a nice, graphic designer skin to google reader. Check out HelvetiReader or another of its ilk.

    Or do any of the other 14 geek things previously recommended.

    I love how we try to find THE way of browsing the internet. Ha.

    — inate · Jan 19, 04:01 PM · #

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