R.I.P. Google Reader

Powering Down Google Reader: Well, this is unfortunate: Google is killing Reader.

There are two simple reasons for this: usage of Google Reader has declined, and as a company we’re pouring all of our energy into fewer products. We think that kind of focus will make for a better user experience.

I can think of no other web-based software service that I’ve used longer than Reader. I’ve been using it practically since it was launched in 2005 (I defected from Bloglines, which is apparently still around).

I load Reader at least a half-dozen times a day. It’s one of the first links I hit when I log on in the morning, and checking it is part of my standard routine when I return to my machine after lunch or a meeting (email, Reader, Twitter, USA Today Big Page…okay, the world is still around).

The demise of Reader is really just a manifestation of the decline of RSS in general. Somehow, RSS just slowly slid off the radar, done in by Twitter and social media, I guess. A pity, really, as RSS still has so much to offer.

By Deane Barker | March 14, 2013

Comments

Comment by anonymouse, March 14, 2013 5:54 am

you should blog about the replacement you find
Comment by cmadler, March 14, 2013 10:11 am

Yes, please let us know what RSS reader you migrate to. From the lists of alternatives posted on CNet and Lifehacker, there doesn’t seem to be a great alternative. I’m certainly not ready to give up RSS and hope I find things in the sea of Twitter and other social media.
Comment by jonathan peterson, March 14, 2013 3:49 pm

my RSS reader is full of a mix of professional, hobby and cultural information. I find MAYBE a 10% overlap of that stuff with facebook and less than that with Twitter which I find a useless (if occasionally entertaining) timesuck unless there is a breaking news event.
Comment by Brian Rupert, March 15, 2013 2:05 am

Hopefully this pans out, but I am not sure what to think of Digg anymore. http://blog.digg.com/post/45355701332/were-building-a-reader