How do you subscribe to blogs? For the best part of the last three years, I have used one method that I thought was all sunshine and lollypops. Then, things started to change…
I got a bit lazy. Subscription numbers got out of control. And the iPad came into my life.
But before I get to explaining how I overcame these hurdles (because I know you’re simply busting to hear all about it!) let’s quickly talk about what RSS actually is.
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. Subscribing to blogs via RSS is simply a method of keeping track of a blog’s latest posts without actually visiting the blog itself. Think of it like Facebook: instead of looking at the individual profiles of all your friends to see their latest status updates, you add them as a friend (or, with the recent changes, simply subscribe) to see all the latest updates in your news feed.
Using an RSS reader is a bit like that. You use a website or application to subscribe to the latest posts (feeds) of your favourite blogs* so that all of the new content is delivered to you in one place. (And if you subscribe to blogs’ RSS feeds via e-mail? You need to read on! There are MUCH better ways than clogging up your inbox!)
*You can also subscribe via RSS to YouTube channels, Pinterest boards and Twitter accounts.
But given there are a dozens of RSS readers out there – and many people are now trying to track their subscriptions across computers, smart phones and tablets – which ones should you use and why? Here’s what works for me.
1. Google Reader
Google Reader used to be my one-stop RSS reader shop. It’s incredibly convenient as you simply use your Google account to sign in. Skimming through hundreds of new posts is easy – just use the “J” and “K” keys to move to the next or previous posts.
Google Reader
However, I found with so many subscriptions (about 250), I was often skipping many and started to lose enthusiasm for reading them.
Then I got an iPad.
2. Flipboard
When I got my iPad, I was pretty excited like most new iPad owners are. But disappointment set in when I discovered Google Reader wasn’t as iPad-friendly as I had hoped. Then I found Flipboard – a free app – which made reading through RSS subscriptions much like turning the pages of a magazine. All of a sudden, RSS feeds were fun again!
Flipboard for iPad
But, sadly, the app currently only allows you to have 21 “tiles” (subscriptions) unless you want to go adding them to a different list (I realise that doesn’t make a lot of sense, but let’s just leave it at: It’s not super convenient). I didn’t particularly want to do this, so I went looking for other options. However, I still like to use Flipboard for discovering new blogs as it offers suggestions based on categories (such as “Women’s Style”, pictured above). It also makes a great as a news source and is good when you feel like some “mindless” page-flipping.
3. Reeder
Reeder is an app that has rocked my world. Floated my boat. Put a spring in my technology step. It’s around $5 for iPad and $3 for iPhone. It connects with your Google Reader account, meaning you can add subscriptions while web surfing on your laptop, and it makes scanning through posts a breeze. Posts can be favourited for later, and added to other sites I frequently use such as Evernote, Twitter and Instapaper (more on this below).
Reeder for iPad
I have actually set Reeder up using a second Google account so that all the “work”-related RSS feeds are read while at my computer, and all the “fun” RSS feeds (such as wedding and decorating blog posts) are viewed on my iPad (I like to try and keep work and play separate).
Using Reeder has become a bit of a nightly ritual – I really look forward to grabbing a cup of tea and sitting in bed, iPad in hand!
4. Instapaper
Instapaper is not an RSS reader. It is, however, an awesome way of keeping a record of posts you like that you come across whether via your RSS subscriptions or articles or websites you are simply checking out online. What I LOVE about Instapaper is that it works on my computer, iPhone and iPad. And – even better! – Reeder and Flipboard can be connected with your Instapaper account.
Instapaper
How I use it? Like this: I browse RSS feeds and the web, and whenever I see something I think is suitable for Style Bloggers’ News, I simply add it to Instapaper which I can access from anywhere and keep interesting posts and websites all saved in the one spot. (Think of it like a book-marking tool, but better).
So that’s how I subscribe, manage and read more than 250 blogs. How do you manage your RSS feed subscriptions?
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Hi Bree,
Feedly is another option, and actually my favourite. I’ve been using for a while now. Not sure if you’ve heard of them, but you can use them online, iPhone and iPad. Here’s the website if you want to check them out and maybe add to your list http://www.feedly.com/
Jennifer (Delicieux) recently posted..Lemon Tart
Thanks Jennifer – always wonderful to hear what others use!!!
I love my Google Reader, and I currently have 300 feeds from blogs and websites. I categorise them according to subject matter which breaks them up and makes it easier to go through them. I’ll give a post a star in case I want to return to it again. I read them on my desktop and on my Android phone- no iPad for me yet
Steph recently posted..10 books beside my bed
Cheers, Steph! I used to love the star feature also, but I think Instapaper wins my heart now
Ah! Thank you! I have been asking this question for the past 2 months! I was yet to find an easy way. Also, I think this can add to my list of ‘reasons I need an ipad’
Bree, I have a question: Is there a way to add blogs/websites to your google reader feed from the actual blog/website? Or do you have to go to your google reader account and add it? Ta!
Alexandra recently posted..Abort ship! There’s poo!
You’re welcome Alexandra! There is a Google Reader bookmarklet available. Get it by going into your Google Reader settings, click on “Goodies” and scroll to the bottom where you’ll see a “subscribe” link you can drag and drop onto your toolbar. Then when you find a blog you like, just click on it and you’ll be taken to Reader where you can simply hit “subscribe”. Hope that helps!
Brilliant! Thanks x
Alexandra recently posted..Abort ship! There’s poo!
Twitter: Pretty_Fluffy
My reader got waaaay out of control a while back, now I use Bloglovin…love it – scan through all the pretty posts and enjoy clicking through to the actual site when I want to read it. Reading in RSS took away half the fun! I also like that you can ‘Like’ the post so you have all your favourites catalogued. It’s my fave!
Speaking of RSS and all of these new ways to read blogs, how can we as loggers know who is actually reading if they’re not coming to the blog itself? Thanks Bree! x
Serena {Pretty Fluffy} recently posted..Scout & Zoe’s Allergy Free Chews
Hi Serena! A good question! Feedburner and Google Analytics can show you the countries and locations of your subscribed readers. As for specifics, you can only know the names of people who subscribe via email – check in Feedburner under Analyze > Feedstats > Subscribers > Email Subscription Services > FeedBurner Email Subscriptions > Manage Your Email Subscriber List.
Hi Bree! As the first said, I recommend feedly!
It’s free, connected on Google Reader and works on all devices. Based on a magazine’s layout it’s really simple to navigate into and to share links or save them to Instapaper or Evernote. For me it’s the perfect instrument for blogging
Giorgia Martinucci – Student Flair Blog recently posted..Coupons & Discounts | 6
Certainly seems as though Feedly is the popular option with my readers! Thanks Giorgia!!!
I access my Google Reader subscriptions via Flipboard. Not sure if you have discovered this feature as it wasn’t mentioned above. You don’t need to access different tiles, they show up in one tile like a timeline.
I haven’t tried Reeder yet, but I’m curious now…
Laurenskye recently posted..Tumbleweeds
Admittedly, I discoverd that after I started using Reeder… but by then I was well and truly in love
Yes, I’m with you on Reeder. I’ve been using it for a while now and track over 300 blogs on it. And I’m often in bed at night with a cup of tea and Reeder on my iPad. But I hadn’t heard of instagram so thanks for that lead. I think I’m going to need that.
Hmm, Kristine – are we the same person?!
On my iPad I use FeeddlerRSS – I like the idea of separating work and fun as I like to take my iPad to bed at night for my pre-sleep reading!
Nikki @ Styling You recently posted..6 things Aunty Gok told me that you need to know now
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