Tamara's Blog

Using RSS Readers: Bloglines and Google Reader

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!

Managing Information Overload

Thanks to email, the internet and Google, we now have immediate access to more information than we know what to do with. Of course, we have no desire or need to read all that's out there, but you'd probably agree that there are at least a handful of Web sites (and blogs!) you would like to keep up with.

What if I told you that you could easily do this - without having to manually visit these Web sites and for the cost of a few minutes each day?  You can! I am able to stay on top of over 100 Web sites and blogs (60+ personal and 40+ work-related) in about 15 minutes a day. I actually click-through to read a news article or blog less than 20% of the time. Interested? If so, read on.

What is RSS?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. All that means to you is if a Web site or blog has been "RSS-enabled," it will be Real Simple to keep up with it. You won't have to check in periodically for updates and you will be able to scan through the new content very quickly.

If a Web site or blog has been RSS-enabled, you will usually see the orange RSS icon. For Internet Explorer 7 users, this icon will be highlighted in the toolbar. This orange icon lets you know that you can add that Web site or blog's "feed" to your list of "subscriptions" in your RSS (or "feed") reader.

In my next post, I will introduce you to two popular RSS readers - Bloglines and Google Reader. I use both. They are both free and Web-based - which means you don't have to download anything and you'll be able to access your reader from anywhere. You can even keep up on your mobile devices.

But Wait! There's More

If you want to learn more about RSS and/or get a head start with a RSS reader, check out these links:

• Video. If you like videos, then visit Tim Bednar's blog and view this quick video: RSS in Plain English.
• Oprah. If you like the "Oprah way" of explaining things, then go here: How to Explain RSS the Oprah Way.
• Text. If you want the straight scoop without all the fanfare, then FeedBurner has the story for you: Feed 101.

A Tribute by Jerry Falwell's Son

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."

I will admit that I wasn't the biggest Falwell fan, but there is no doubt in my mind that he loved God with all his heart and that he was fully committed to serving Him until his very last day.

Click here to read Jonathan's tribute to his dad. It is an excellent piece of work.

Poll Results: Who Reads Blogs?

Last Saturday, I asked you to respond to two polls so that I could see how much blog reading and commenting is going on in my circle of family and friends. Twenty-eight people participated - which is phenomenal! Here's a quick, unscientific summary of the results.

Conclusion 1: We're not big blog readers

• 70% of you read 0-2 blogs in a typical week
• 15% read between 3 and 10 blogs
• The remaining 15% read 11 or more

Conclusion 2: When we do read, we participate

• Almost half of you (46%) said you are light commenters
• 25% send private emails to the blogger
• 7% comment regularly
• The remaining 21% either don't read blogs or they just "lurk"

For complete results, click here to return to the original post. If you already participated, you'll automatically see the current results. If you didn't vote yet, go ahead and cast your votes. The results will be automatically displayed.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

About You: Eric Bryant

I met Eric in early 2005 at a Leadership Vision workshop in  Redmond, WA. When I learned he was from Mosaic LA (which I had not yet visited), I knew I had to meet him. I'm so glad I did.

The title on Eric's business card says "Navigator" for Mosaic. This can be loosely translated to "pastor" - but that's not even the half of it.

He's a Blogger

Check out his blog at http://ericbryant.org/blog/. He shares his life and insights, both serious and fun. And if you sign up for his newsletter, you'll be entered into a monthly drawing to receive free stuff...like his new book...

He's an Author

In June, Eric is releasing his book called Peppermint-Filled Pinatas: Breaking Through Tolerance and Embracing Love. I will admit, I haven't read the book yet, but I have read the sample chapter he posted (which tells the story behind the title). It was a great read and I'm eager to read the rest! Click on the book image to download the sample chapter and read some of the reviews.

Calling All Seattleites!

Eric wanted me to let you know that he will be doing a book signing at the Alderwood Barnes & Noble (near Lynnwood) on Friday, May 18th, at 7:00 PM. [That's tomorrow if you're reading this today. He!] Come on by to meet Eric and get a signed copy of his new book. You know where I'll be!

He's a Stand-Up Comedian

This comedy video was recently posted on YouTube. It's hilarious. Learn why he's bald at 32 and how he cleared the beach for his new bride on their honeymoon.

Mosaic, a Community of Faith, Love and Hope

I became acquainted with Mosaic in 2003. It intrigued me enough to read all the books by Erwin McManus, the lead pastor for Mosaic LA. I learned very quickly that Erwin was no ordinary pastor and that Mosaic was no ordinary church. I was hooked.

What is Mosaic?

In a word, it is a community. From the Mosaic LA Web site:

We are a community of followers of Jesus Christ, committed to live by faith, to be known by love, and to be a voice of hope. The name of our community comes from the diversity of our members and from the symbolism of a broken and fragmented humanity which can become a work of beauty under the artful hands of God. We welcome people from all walks of life, regardless of where they are in their spiritual journey. Come to Mosaic, and discover how all the pieces can fit together!

There Are Lots of Mosaics

Mosaic LA is not the only Mosaic community. There are Mosaic communities sprinkled all around the globe. One such community is in Seattle called Mosaic Seattle. It is truly a community of faith, love and hope. For information about other Mosaics, check out the Mosaic Alliance site.

Watch the Mosaic LA Video

Let Mosaic LA show you what they're all about. Here's their 2-minute video recap for 2006. This is where I attend "church" when I'm in southern CA. Turn up your speakers and enjoy!

Poll Time: Who Reads Blogs?

This week, we've focused a bit on blogging. Now I have a couple of quick questions for you:

• In a typical week, how many blogs do you read?
• If you do read blogs, do you add your own comments?

Please take a second to answer these questions in the two polls below. I will report on the results in a future post.

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Getting Started with Blogging

Some of you have asked about how to get started with your own blog. You will find lots of options and even more opinions out there on what to do. I am offering up just one more opinion.

If You're Into Free

It doesn't cost a dime to create and maintain your own blog - well, except for the cost of your internet connection. Some of the more popular free options include:

• Blogger (owned by Google)
• WordPress.com (extremely popular)
• Vox (this is the one I would use if I didn't have a paid account)

If You Want More Flexibility

If you want to use a custom design OR add kewl stuff that isn't supported by the free software OR manage multiple blogs or authors OR...then you can sign up for a blogging service. The two most popular are WordPress.org and TypePad.

I currently have a single TypePad account to manage this blog, Henriet's blog, and the upcoming On The Front Porch blog.

One More Thing

Microsoft has a nifty desktop tool called Windows Live Writer that works well with many blogging platforms. It makes "blogging easier and more fun."

This tool is still in beta, but it seems to work well most of the time. This is the tool I use to create all my posts. You can learn more and download it for free here.

Quick Facts About Blogging

According to my new blog plan/schedule, this is Technology day, so let's get started with some quick facts about "the Blogosphere":

• 79.2 million: That's the number of blogs Technorati (the leading authority on what's going on on the Web) is currently tracking.
• 15 million: That's the number of blogs that are currently active. Many blogs become relatively inactive after 3 months.
• 175,000: That's the number of new blogs being created every DAY.
• 18: That's the number of posts being submitted by bloggers every SECOND. That's 1.6 million posts per day.

Are You a Lurker?

About 90% of people who read blogs are "lurkers." A lurker is a person who reads but never participates in the blog discussion (if comments are allowed). Lurking is sort of like listening in on the discussion going on at the next table. If you're a lurker, you're in good company.

Of the remaining 10%, 1% actively participate, while 9% jump in occasionally. I'm in this 9% category. Which category are you in? Hmmm, is this a trick question? Because if you are a lurker, by definition, you can't respond. :)

Famous Quotes: Albert Einstein

Something I read about Albert Einstein when I was young has  inherently become one of my life guidelines. Thanks to the ease of Internet searching, I was able to find the story:

ONE OF Einstein's colleagues asked him for his 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.
      "No," Einstein answered. "Why should I memorize something I can so easily get from a book?"

In fact, Einstein claimed never to memorize anything which could be looked up in less than two minutes.