Saying Goodbye to Google Reader... + Please Carry On Following My Blog!!!

Remember my post back in March: So, How Will I Read My Favourite Blogs Now?... Google Reader ends in only a few short days folks! From Monday 1st July 2013 it will be no more (report in the Guardian here).

Click for Image Source

So what are the alternatives? Many other feed-reader service providers are offering 1-click type options to import your current blog reading list into their service - you pretty much tell them your current Google Reader username/email address (+ password) and bingo-presto all done....

However... I strongly recommend that everyone currently using Google Reader saves a back-up of their subscription data (which list all the blogs that they follow) to their computer. That way if your "import" into a different service-provider (e.g. Bloglovin / Feedly etc.) fails or goes wrong you still have your information saved safely - as after 1st July you will not be able to access it peops!!! You can save your data using this process: How can I download my Reader data? (It uses Google's Takeout function).



Below are some of the popular providers out there :)

If you're on Bloglovin - just use the button below to follow me:

If you've signed up to Feedly - then click here to follow me.

There's also The Old Reader - a desktop based, much more basic reader.

And, there's Digg Reader too.

    A quick note about FEEDLY:

   Feedly seems to be a very popular option for people transitioning away from Google reader -
   as it works across multi-platforms, with apps and on iPhones, Android, Desktop etc. etc.
   Check out this link Transitioning from Google Reader to feedly. Quote: "When
   Google Reader shuts down, feedly will seamlessly transition to the Normandy back end. So if
   you are a Google Reader user and using feedly, you are covered: the transition will be
   seamless." Unquote 
   - I found this webpage about How To Import Google Reader Tags To Feedly And Get
      Everything Working!
   - And, this one on How to Export Your Starred Items From Google Reader 

Read more about the demise of Google Reader here: Powering Down Google Reader  and here for How can I download my Reader data? 


Quote from Google's own official blog:

"We have just announced on the Official Google Blog that we will soon retire Google Reader (the actual date is July 1, 2013). We know Reader has a devoted following who will be very sad to see it go. We’re sad too.

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.

To ensure a smooth transition, we’re providing a three-month sunset period so you have sufficient time to find an alternative feed-reading solution. If you want to retain your Reader data, including subscriptions, you can do so through Google Takeout."

For what it’s worth, this petition has been set up: Google: Do not remove Google Reader on July 1, 2013.