On Tuesday, I talked about how you could easily keep up with all the information from your favorite Web sites and blogs by using an RSS (or feed) reader. Today, I'm going to briefly introduce you to two popular Web-based readers - Bloglines and Google Reader. There are many decent readers out there, but these are the two I use and can talk halfway intelligently about. Why do I use both? Read on.
About Bloglines
I have been using Bloglines since last fall. After reading lots of reviews about "which reader was best," I decided on Bloglines. And I was not disappointed. After awhile, I created two Bloglines accounts - one for home and one for work. At one point, I was tracking over 200 subscriptions, but even that became too much for me. Today, I'm tracking around 100 subscriptions, give or take a few.
About Google Reader
Just recently, I decided to try Google Reader. It's become quite the hit over the last couple of months, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to see what all the fuss was about. Wow! It's a great tool!
Within minutes, I was able to set up my account, export my subscriptions from Bloglines, and import them into Google Reader. In 3 clicks, I read the Getting Started help to orient myself to the new interface, and I've been loving it ever since. The Home page is awesome. It keeps stats on what I'm reading and highlights trends and all sorts of kewl stuff that a data geek like me would love. There's even an easy way to share your favorite posts with others (which is what I'll show you in my next post).
Why Both?
If I love Google Reader so much, why am I still using Bloglines? The reason is simple: Bloglines allows you to create as many email addresses as you want. I still sign up for a lot of online newsletters - at home and at work - and it's nice to provide a "throwaway" email address, keep my Inbox cleaned out, and read these newsletters in a RSS reader-type fashion.
Ready to Give It a Try?
If you're not currently using an RSS reader, you can't go wrong with Google Reader. But if you like the idea of sending the online "junk mail" you've signed up for to a free "throwaway" email account, then go with Bloglines. Or try any RSS reader that's caught your attention. Just try one and see what a timesaver these RSS readers really are.
Click here to get started with Google Reader or click here to try Bloglines. Take a quick tour of each and see which one appeals to you most. Good luck!


I received an email yesterday that included a tribute from Jonathan Falwell, Jerry Falwell's son, and I wanted to share it with you. It was entitled "Honoring My Father."

telephone number one day. Einstein reached for a telephone directory and looked it up. "You don't remember your own number?" the man asked, startled.
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