Google Reader, as many of you have probably read by now, is being phased out, effective July 1, 2013.
This is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to streamline its services. However, for many consumers of on-line material, the demise of Google Reader comes as a big blow. Are you one of those people?
Well, if you are used to using Google Reader, there’s no way around the fact that an adjustment will be necessary. The more you prepare ahead-of-time, the less bumpy it will be – so why not start now? There are a number of viable choices out there!
Google Reader Alternatives
Lifehacker has offered a list of the “Five Best Google Reader Alternatives” – and it includes the following options:
- The Old Reader – “Welcome to The Old Reader, the ultimate social RSS reader. It’s just like the old Google reader, only better. We’re in beta right now, but we’re constantly working on improvements and new features.”
- NewsBlur – “Welcome to all of you wonderful Google Reader expats! Please be patient while servers stabilize. Many new servers have been added and now the backend is being rewritten to support 10X growth in a single week.”
- Feedly – “Organize your favorite blogs, news sites, podcasts and YouTube channels and access them all in one place (or sync with Google Reader).”
- netvibes – “Monitor all your apps, feeds, sentiments, Tweets and even enterprise systems—all in real-time.”
- pulse – “Choose from your favorite topics and interests, and customize your Pulse with unique pages and sources. Read your favorite blogs, newspapers, magazines, and more.”
Google Reader – Going Mobile
And if you are interested in receiving your news on your iPad, tablet or other mobile device, Google Currents may be a good alternative for you. “From leading publications, to blogs you follow, you can browse, read, and share favorite content, presented in a swipable magazine format.”
In fact, I was especially pleased to discover that one of my favorite go-to sources of business information, ideas, and support – Solo Savvy blog for Solo Entrepreneurs, published by Solo-E.com – is now available on Google Currents! You can subscribe by clicking here (and if you’re accessing this from your tablet or phone, you’ll also be offered an opportunity to download Google Currents).
Ready to Let Go of Google Reader and Move On?
Here, right from Google, are directions for exporting your feeds from Google Reader to Google Takeout – and then from there to another venue of your choosing:
How can I download my Google Reader data?
Google Reader will be retired on July 1, 2013. If you’d like to download a copy of all your Reader data before then, you can do so through Google Takeout. You’ll receive your subscription data in an XML file, and the following information will be downloaded as JSON files:
- List of people that you follow
- List of people that follow you
- Items you have starred
- Items you have liked
- Items you have shared
- Items shared by people you follow
- Notes you have created
- Items with comments
Click here to start downloading your Reader data from Takeout. Once downloaded, your subscription data should be easily transferrable to another product, where you can continue to keep up with your online reading.
From everything we’ve read and seen so far, moving on from Google Reader, while an adjustment, shouldn’t be too painful. The more you explore and prepare now, the less of a jolt you’ll experience come July 1! And speaking of jolts, here’s something to think about …
Do Critical Voices Drive You Crazy?
The nagging voice of self-criticism is one of the biggest time traps around. It’s a huge problem, and that’s why I am thrilled to share with you my new Exercise and Guide Book titled, “‘These Critical Voices Are Driving Me Crazy!’ How to Use Positive Self-Talk to Save Your Sanity and Your Time!” It offers proven techniques and practical tips to quiet those disruptive, haunting and hostile voices of self-criticism.
We really can make conscious choices about the kinds of messages that we give ourselves. This Exercise and Guide Book gives you a step-by-step path to take back your power and quiet the self-criticism that saps your confidence and energy, and steals your time.
So don’t let those hurtful voices hold you hostage! Click this link to get started on a different path – a path to your empowerment!
Related articles
- Time-Saving Tools: 2 for Today to Download! (thetimefinder.com)
- De-Cluttering, Time Tracking and Other Top Time Tips! (thetimefinder.com)
- Tech Tools to Find Files Fast (and Find Time)! (thetimefinder.com)
- Social Networking Time: You Can Like How You Spend It! (thetimefinder.com)

Speak Your Mind