This weekend, the unimaginable happened.
I deleted my Google Feed Reader.
ON PURPOSE.
I have been pondering this decision for a long time. It’s been jumbled up in conversations that I have with myself regarding balancing my life and the internet. You know which conversations I am referring to. They are very like the conversations that you have with yourself all the time about the exact same thing, right?
Right.
It started in earnest quite some time ago, when I read that Whoorl accidentally deleted her reader. I started thinking...”Hmm…would I freak out if that happened to me or would it be a good thing?”
I found myself thinking about it. Revisiting the situation. Quasi-wishing that I would execute one of my infamous technical blunders that would wipe all my subscriptions out without me “Really” being responsible for it. I hemmed and hawed, discussed it with other bloggers and examined my own motivations until my examiner was sore.
And then I took action.
I am not even sure what happened. I was just sitting in bed on my laptop discussing a medical issue with Christine on Google Chat. She told me to hold on for a minute and I was left staring at my reader with 1,324 unread messages in it. By the time Christine came back on…POOF! My hundreds of subscriptions built up over the last 2.5 years were deleted.
Gone.
Just like that.
Most of you just took a sharp intake of breath, didn’t you? Ok, let me qualify that-those of you that use a feed reader on a daily basis just took a sharp intake of breath, didn’t you? Not surprising. This is a really big, huge move for me. (And don’t think that I don’t feel a little ridiculous to copping to that.)
I am torn between feeling BRAVE! FREE!! LIBERATED!! and SCARED! WORRIED!! NAUSEATED!!!
It’s just that lately, my reader has seemed less and less like a friend and helpmate and more and more like a hostile enemy or bitching spouse that is also suffering from severe Erectile Dysfunction Syndrome. In other words, it wasn’t doing much good and was leaving me feeling highly unsatisfied.
The whole blogging thing isn’t really working too well right now. And if I have learned anything, it’s if something isn’t working you shake things up, change the equation and try to see if it helps. I think that there are positives and negatives that come with this deal.
The GOOD:
I feel free. I really do. Like I am free of never-ending guilt, at least for a time. After BlogHer I realized that as much as I enjoyed meeting new people, new reads, I felt totally powerless to read them because my reader was overwhelming me. I am a pretty loyal person and I am also an avid talker. The combination can be quite a time suck, believe you me.
I also want a more personal, organic blogging experience, if you will. Blog the Recession started by Motherhood Uncensored really resonated with me. People put a lot of time and effort into their web pages. I feel that they deserve to be visited instead of viewed through the sanitized view of my reader. Everyone likes traffic and revenue and I should be doing my part to spread the love around.
The BAD:
I know that there are blogs I was subscribed to that I will lose track of. Despite my best intent. Especially those blogs that only update very infrequently. I just don’t have the brainpower to keep track of them all. Did I mention my reader had hundreds of feeds in it? Even if I like you, even if I really don’t want to lose track of you completely. I’m human and I have a tiny little brain.
I also worry that not having a reader will actually mean I am on the internet MORE and not LESS. I am disorganized by nature, so I worry that I will spend a lot of time checking to see if my favorites are updated and blah, blah, blah.
The (possibly) UGLY:
Hurt feelings. Which is the last thing I want, but I am sure that there will be. Which really sucks a duck because being on the other side of the owies a lot of the time, I really hate hurting people’s feelings.
I want to be clear about something upfront: I DIDN’T DELETE YOUR FEED BECAUSE I DON’T LIKE YOU. I feel that the whole “It’s not you, it’s me” line in relationships is the perhaps the biggest craptastic copout on the planet, and yet that is exactly what I am asking you to buy-lock, stock and barrel.
Yes, it was probably time for me to re-evaluate some of my subscriptions, but for the most part? I really love all y’all.
So, what now?
Well…I dunno.
I didn’t really have a plan for all of this. I find that the longer I blog the more interested I am in the PEOPLE behind the blog rather than the blog itself. Is it weird to say that there are bloggers I LOVE, ADORE, and ADMIRE that I read rarely or not at all? Well, it’s true. And that may make me weird, but it seems to be how I roll, people.
I have a feeling that my main sources of browsing from this point on will be via Twitter, comments, emails and the shared items from Google Reader (I didn’t delete those because I have LOVED the gems I have gotten from people like Sizzle, Marilyn,Angella and Megan.).
My main source of browsing, though?
If you aren’t on here and want to be? Leave a comment or email me! I’d be more than happy to add you.
It will be interesting to see what comes of this little experiment of mine. I may hate it and go back to the reader. I may love it so much I will want to make out with it and have little babies together. I also think that there is a high probability that I will feel ambivalent about it and end up thinking, “Meh”.
I just hope I don’t end up regretting it, because regrets suck. And I have quite enough of them in my life without adding “Google” to the list. I know that they are taking over the country, the world, and quite possibly the universe, but they don’t have to invade THAT corner of my life, thank you very much.
Any which way the cookie crumbles? It’s going to be interesting trying to figure it all out.
What about you? Have you had thoughts of Feed Readercide? Have you done it? Do you regret it?
Missy says:
I think this is a good move.
Like everyone else who went, I ended up with a bajillion new blogs after BlogHer. I didn’t do anything as drastic as you’ve done, but I did spend some time organising my Bloglines into categories. The categories help me prioritise, which helps with the time-suck aspect. Plus, I am trying not to be afraid of deleting feeds. Not every blog is for me; like you say, it’s nothing personal.
On the ‘personal’ side - I did find that the reader depersonalised it A LOT. If I can’t visualise the blog or the person behind it, why keep reading? I LOVE the blog the recession idea, and I hope everyone (especially me!) keeps it up.
Ok, sorry for the huuuge comment, it’s just something I’ve been thinking about recently as well. Great post!
Missys last blog post..Good Decision / Bad Decision
August 11th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Michelle says:
Well done. Now don’t lose any sleep over it!
I don’t blog, but I do have 17 blogs in my favorites (you’re one) which I check about 5 times a week. Any new ones I come across via links I might keep, even for a week, but I have also deleted about six that I can remember that didn’t interest me.
*Just so you know, I always look forward to reading you and your life - does that make me a stalker?
August 11th, 2008 at 3:30 am
Rhi says:
You’ve never liked me, have you? I’m not on your link page, either. Hmmph!
I’m looking forward to seeing how this works out for you. You may have started a trend
Rhis last blog post..Friday Bullets: Bye Bye Cyst Edition!
August 11th, 2008 at 5:20 am
slynnro says:
I only started to use a reader in January and I’m pretty meh on it anyway. I ALWAYS click through (I blog the recession year round!) because I hate reading in readers. I went a little nutso post-BlogHer adding blogs and I just re-edited it. I dunno….readers kind of suck anyway. Good for you.
slynnros last blog post..Scenes From a Marriage: This is How We Plan a Vacation Edition.
August 11th, 2008 at 5:54 am
TheAngelForever says:
Thanks to Blog the Recession I have started to use my Google Reader as a diving board. It lets me know when blogs are updated so I can go and read them there. Prior to this I was skimming through looking at items. The other day I also purged a lot of old items from it because they are never updated.
Now that I am clicking over a lot more to actually read those that I frequent, I realize just how much I was missing in Google. Like I said, now I simply use it as a way to organize things, not to read.
May the Force be with you as you continue on with this experiment.
TheAngelForevers last blog post..Mount Dinocake practice
August 11th, 2008 at 6:10 am
mamalang says:
I haven’t succumbed to using a reader yet. I know me, know what a time suck mess it would be, so I’ve resisted. And lately, I was faultering, but now I’ve been renewed in that. Thanks for the push to remind me!
Good luck. I hope it works out for you the way you want it to…regrets do totally suck.
mamalangs last blog post..Raindrops falling on our head
August 11th, 2008 at 6:11 am
DesignHER Momma says:
I think you are awesomely brave! I have felt overwhelmed at times too at the massiveness of my reader.
blogging should be fun, not filled with anxiety, stress, and overwhelming.
I’m pretty sure you will not miss it.
DesignHER Mommas last blog post..I’m gonna be MADE! - carnie style of course
August 11th, 2008 at 6:12 am
rachel says:
Wooo Hooo! Brave steps Loralee, you go girl. Good heavens, did I actually just say that?
I will anxiously look forward to your reports and whether there are any side effects to this brand new form of treatment for blog readers.
I would probably faint if there were that many unread in my reader. Have fun, I hope that you go back to enjoying finding new blogs and loving the ones you remember or find for the first time.
XOXO
rachels last blog post..Mouthwatering Monday: Seven Layers of Heaven
August 11th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Csquaredplus3 says:
Good for you! I applaud you purging the things in your life that are a time suck. I can’t imagine anyone would be hurt…especially people who are friends and recognize how much time blogging takes - even for the “casual” blogger.
It’s gonna be just fine…
August 11th, 2008 at 6:52 am
pgoodness says:
I started with Google Reader a few weeks ago, but I have to say, I still don’t use it - mostly because I don’t really get it. I’d rather click through from my blogroll, because I really like to go to each person’s site. Reading in a feed reader just takes something away for me.
So I say GOOD FOR YOU! And you’ll re-find those you lost if you’re meant to.
pgoodnesss last blog post..Getting Things Done Redux
August 11th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Carrisa says:
Good luck with all of this. Be sure to let us know if it does indeed cut back on the amount of time you spend online. Damn internet is such a time suck.
August 11th, 2008 at 7:19 am
SparklieSunShine says:
I’m really proud of your decision to do this. I think it will end up being a good thing because even if you decide to go back to using google reader you will be able to completely update your list.
For the record I will never stop reading your site. You stuck by my teeny blog through the hardest time in my life so far. When my commenter’s we the only people talking to me besides my family. You would have to put a banner on your site that said, “Welcome everyone EXCEPT Angela AKA SparklieSunShine!! I really wish she would get the hint and stop reading my site. GEEZE!” before I would actually stop reading you and even then I would probably read and frown and just not comment. Stalkerish? It sounds like it when I’m writing it down like this. Hmm….All I’m trying to say is that I love ya! I hope this ends up being really positive for you. <3
SparklieSunShines last blog post..My Favorite Relationship Advice
August 11th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Amy @ Milk Breath & Margaritas says:
Wow. I have trouble with “Mark All As Read” but I make myself do that sometimes anyway.
I think it’s a good move.
Amy @ Milk Breath & Margaritass last blog post..Shark Goes To Work
August 11th, 2008 at 7:42 am
cagey says:
Wow! Talk about taking bold action!
I have a limit on the number of feeds I allow myself. Currently, it is 100, but has managed to sneak up to 118 lately (keeping in mind, this includes newsfeeds and my own feeds from the 4 blogs I write sporadically).
I do need to the cull the herd, though. And like you, I HATE hurting people’s feelings. But. I simply cannot keep up with more than 100 feeds.
cageys last blog post..Who’s counting?
August 11th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Nilsa says:
First, yes, I’ve been overwhelmed by my Google Reader. And that’s when I purge. Not delete entirely, but selectively purge. I think, as bloggers, we mature and change over time. Blogs we read even months ago might not have the same impact they did previously. So, I tend to delete those I’m no longer reading. Or those I tend to save until last. And I also add as I find new blogs I enjoy reading. My GR is an ever changing beast. And I have no regrets for living my feed reading life that way.
Second, you can add me to your linky love page if you enjoy reading SoMi from time to time.
Nilsas last blog post..Shower
August 11th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Holly says:
We regret things we haven’t done, not things we have. If you don’t read me, I won’t be upset, I’m infrequent =)
Hollys last blog post..Say It With Me
August 11th, 2008 at 8:04 am
ali says:
whatever, woman…i won’t be insulted that i’m not on your linky love page…ho hum…
seriously, though, i think it’s gREAT that you could do it! i wish i could!
alis last blog post..a story of my first time. and my last time.
August 11th, 2008 at 8:14 am
sam (temptingmama) says:
I hope your experiment works out for you! I’m with Ali though, I don’t think I could ever leave me reader. I’d be lost.
I do have a plugin though were I can comment and view someone’s site straight from reader (which I’m doing at this moment!) so it’s nice.
August 11th, 2008 at 8:20 am
HeatherPride says:
Yay, brave girl! I’m with you, I use blogging as my creative, fun space and if it ever got to be too much work it just wouldn’t mean the same to me. So good luck with your experiment!
I would love to be on your linky love list, if you think I’m Link Worthy!! Can I get an application? Do you need references?
HeatherPrides last blog post..Losing Laurel
August 11th, 2008 at 8:22 am
She Likes Purple says:
I have thought about doing this same thing, even more so after reading this. I, too, want an organic blogging experience, and I don’t feel I’m getting that. I feel weighed down by blogging obligations and it’s exhausting. I have a lot coming up that requires me to be checked into life and not tied to my laptop. I just may do this this week. Thanks for the inspiration.
August 11th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Feather Nester says:
You know, I think I actually do get it. It’s funny, the timing of my reading this, because just last night I was thinking about why I’m so unhappy. Now, undoubtedly, 90% of the answer to that question is my post-partum depression that is still going unmedicated because I’m still wrapping up the weaning of my Papoosekin. I’ll join the medicated masses in a couple more days. Anyway, I was thinking that I’m just BORED all the time and that’s what’s dragging me down. And I was trying to figure out what I used to do BEFORE having the Papoosekin nine months ago, when I remember being happier, but can’t quite put my finger on why (the hormones, you think? Yeah, I know, that’s obvious, but part of my depression is a complete refusal to believe that this is ALL due to depression).
Anyway, I concluded that I’m wasting a TON of time following blogs on my reader. And that I might actually be happier if I got off my butt and actually DID stuff. You know, participated in my REAL LIFE. And I AM a blogger, so I’m not knocking blogs. I’m knocking how much time I’m spending reading other people’s blogs.
Sorry, I’m practically writing a whole blog post here. Really, I just wanted to say that it sounds like you made a good move for you, it may be a good move for me too, and it’s not like you can’t build that subscription list right back up again if you want to. And I’m sure you’ll find some new blogs to follow in the meantime that you never would have known about otherwise.
Feather Nesters last blog post..Friday Favorite
August 11th, 2008 at 8:46 am
heather hales DESIGNS says:
lor- i did delete my feed reader a few months back. I went feed free for about 2 months and then with very strict guidelines for myself i started subscribing to feeds again. But, I started fresh. I added the feeds of only the people I knew in real life, added a links page to the blogs I used to subscribe to on my blog- for my browsing purposes. However my rules have gotten a little lax lately and I have added a few people I don’t know from adam to my feed reader, but I think twice before I add someones feed. I am also very liberal at deleting posts and feeds altogether if I feel it is not worth it to read regularly (vs. occasional popping over for reads).
Be free and love it!
August 11th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Mr Lady says:
I am new to the Reader world, and I think I’ve finally figured out the key to managing it, but…..
Word up, dude. You’re a’ight.
Here’s my advice, as someone who flat out refused to have a reader for 3 1/2 years. Use BLOGROLLING. If you go look at my blogroll, you’ll see that some of the links have exclamation points by them. Why? Because when you update your blog, blogrolling notifies me. It puts that little exclamation point (or whatever you tell it to) right next to your link. It is, by far, the best blogging tool I have ever used. And it’s inportable, so if you ever move this sucker, you don’t have to type a whole new list again. You have one list, and you never have to worry about it ever again.
Mr Ladys last blog post..My Car Has Crabs
August 11th, 2008 at 9:12 am
sizzle says:
I frequently hit “mark all as read” and move on when it comes to my Reader because I know that overwhelming feeling all too well. I feel bad that I can’t read or comment on everyone’s blog but I have to live my life outside my blog. I think it sounds like you did the right thing for YOU and that’s what matters most.
P.S. Glad you like the shared stuff in Reader.
sizzles last blog post..Let. It. Lie.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Mr Lady says:
I think your blog is hungry. It ate my comment.
Mr Ladys last blog post..My Car Has Crabs
August 11th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Erin Taylor says:
Feed Reader??? Hey, if I don’t know what it is, I guess I can’t be upset, right? Whatever simplifies life is good, right? That’s why I have decided doing laundry isn’t worth it.
Erin Taylors last blog post..Go USA!!!!!
August 11th, 2008 at 9:37 am
karen says:
I think blogging and feed-reading are a lot like sex in that, when it’s not fun anymore, it’s time to do it differently or stop.
karens last blog post..Vertical Naps
August 11th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Miss Grace says:
Hi! Without sounding totally self-promoting, can I be on your linky love page?? Cuz you totally rock, and I totally like you, like, a lot.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Alice says:
i don’t have as many blogs in my reader, but if i come back from a few days and the number in my reader is just too high… i mark all posts as read and blithely pretend it never happened. ooh, look! my reader’s at 0! how nice! now i can enjoy each new post in a timely fashion!
Alices last blog post..hundred pushups: progress report
August 11th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Sra says:
My feeling? Feed readers are just a more convenient form of a bookmark list (or a Linky Love List). More convenient because it actually tells you when there is something new to look at so you don’t have to waste time checking on sites. For some reason I feel a little anxious when I feel like I need to check a site to see if there’s anything new. With a feed reader I know with a glance. Saves me time.
And like any bookmark list, a feed reader needs to be cleaned out every once in awhile. There will be sites that you once enjoyed reading that aren’t really relevant to your interests anymore, so why should you feel like you have to keep reading them?
So I guess my opinion is that if your feed reader got the best of you, it’s because you let it take on a life of its own instead of tending to it like a garden. You let it fill up with weeds, even if they were pretty weeds with flowers on top, like dandelions. Just because a weed is pretty doesn’t mean you have to keep it.
Also, I’m bothered by this idea that readers should feel obligated to visit people’s actual sites — that that is the superior means of reading a blog. If you want people to do that, then only offer a limited feed, so that anyone whose interest is piqued by your excerpt can come on over and read the whole thing.
Personally, knowing how much I appreciate getting comments, I try to find something to comment about in people’s blog, so that means I usually visit after reading the post in my reader anyway. Incidentally, the chances of my visiting to comment are actually lessened when someone has a limited feed available, because I’m less likely to click over if I have nothing to say, and I’m less likely to have something to say if I can’t see the whole post.
Anyway, I don’t think bloggers should feel entitled to visitors and the revenue they get off of them. It’s a privilege when someone is interested in reading a blogger’s words, and they should be grateful when people are interested, via feed reader or not.
That’s just my humble opinion on the matters. I realize some of this comes across as snotty, and I don’t mean for it to.
August 11th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Kate says:
I have had thoughts about getting a reader type deal. But am clueless how to go about it. And.. I never checked into it because I knew it could become overwhelming - and some days (actually most days) I feel overwhelmed in trying to read the 10-15 blogs saved in my favorites. So I knew a reader was not the route for me.
Good for you for deleting it!
And if it was a mistake, you can always start one up again!
No regrets, girl! They just aren’t worth it. I know that all too well!
Kate
Kates last blog post..Thyroid
August 11th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Pants says:
I haven’t even been using Google Reader for an entire year yet…if I deleted mine I would probably cry for an entire day.
Pantss last blog post..BRAINS!
August 11th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Headless Mom says:
Good for you!
After BlogHer my reader has gotten out of control (at least for me.) Then add vacation on top of it? It hasn’t been under 59 unread articles in I can’t remember when. (To me, this is a lot. Don’t laugh.)
I don’t have the guts to do it though. I have, however hit the ‘mark all as read’ button a lot lately. I really want to participate better in the ‘click through’ movement but unfortunately I don’t have time on my side. I’m really trying though because I love the click-through-s.
Wow. Sorry about the mindless ramble.
Headless Moms last blog post..Word of Mouth Monday
August 11th, 2008 at 10:47 am
merlotmom says:
I used to stress out over all the unread posts in my reader, now I just ignore the number. I look for the ones I want to read and diss the rest. I, too, have considered getting rid of it altogether but I’m too lazy to randomly search for new posts and at least this way I can see what’s new at a glance. I think if you control it instead of letting it control you, it can be a useful tool. BTW, I always click through to the blog anyway because I like to get the feel for the blogger and look at their pretty designs. Nevertheless, ’twas a brave thing you did Miss Loralee and after your withdrawal, I’m sure you’ll discover what works best for you. Then, you MUST let us all know.
merlotmoms last blog post..Give Me The Grateful Life - Monday
August 11th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Camille says:
Well I keep trying to get myself a feed, and I think I have one now, but I don’t know how to add people to it.
Anyway, I hope you don’t forget about me (then again, that’s what hundreds of your readers are probably thinking right now).
Camilles last blog post..There’s Nothing Like Watching the Olympics to Make Me Remember My Failures.
August 11th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Mary Beth says:
Good for you! Don’t become a slave to the machine:)
I’d love to be added to your Linky Love page - thank you very much!
Mary Beths last blog post..THOUGHTS FROM 3AM
August 11th, 2008 at 10:57 am
elle says:
i did that myself a couple of years ago…even left blogland for almost a year. the information overload can get quite cloying, and for me it was a mix of terrified and excited when i watched all the feeds go bye bye. like everything else in life, i’m striving for moderation now…
August 11th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Jill - GlossyVeneer says:
You’re brave. I might get all twitchy if I deleted my Google Reader subscriptions. Kind of like when I had to go without a Blackberry for two weeks. But I have been following the ‘Blog the Recession’ idea of clicking through to the blogger’s sites that I truly love. But corporate ones that I follow for work information, they can stay in the reader!
August 11th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Christine says:
That was a funny chat, huh?
You know I’m down with this.
I couldn’t ever get into using a reader. You’ve heard me say this before (many heard me say this at BlogHer), but using a reader to me just didn’t cut it. It’s like the difference between talking to a friend on the phone and hanging at their house.
I found I just couldn’t connect w/ my friends with a reader. I need to see their blogs that they work so hard on.
I may visit less frequently, but it’s all about QUALITY TIME, baby!
xoxox
Christines last blog post..I will take this dream, stick it in my pipe, and smoke it*
August 11th, 2008 at 11:12 am
foradifferentkindofgirl (FADKOG) says:
I totally respect your decision! I don’t have a firm number on the blogs that I’ve added to my Reader since I started using one a few months ago (I’d added yours last week! Woot!), but I do know that since I started reading one, I spend a chunk more time online than when I was simply throwing my visits out to Google or my accumulated history file. There are days I open it in the morning and think “Oh, my GOD! There’s no way! Plus, how is it these people can post something all the time and I’m struggling over two or three posts a week?!”
I hope it’s freeing for you, I really do. Because then I want you to come back and proclaim just how much so it was in the hopes I can get the itchy delete finger, too!
foradifferentkindofgirl (FADKOG)s last blog post..don’t call us, we’ll call you
August 11th, 2008 at 11:14 am
sus @ wigglerooms says:
I have to admit that I am so out of touch that I didn’t even KNOW how that whole subscribe - google reader thing worked, but since I nearly had a heart attack on your behalf reading this post and feeling the burden of hundreds of unread posts, I think I’ll stay in the dark and just click around as best I can when I can. Meantime, since you asked, I’d love to be added to your linky list.
Now go forth and be FREE!
sus @ wiggleroomss last blog post..Ahoy! Violent Reenactment A-Brewin! Bring the Kiddies!
August 11th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Tootsie Farklepants says:
The hard work people put into their blogs and that they enjoy visits are the main reasons I never joined the reader camp.
And also it would overwhelm me.
Tootsie Farklepantss last blog post..In Honor of Back to School Week
August 11th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Backpacking Dad says:
I use my Reader mostly because it automatically imports itself into my blog so I don’t have to actually DO a blogroll: it’s just there, always updated.
I always click through from the reader, and I almost always leave a comment.
Except for those days when I just wipe the whole damn thing out.
I had to get rid of kottke and boing boing because they made me feel guilty about not keeping up with their 30 posts/day. So now it’s just parenting blogs and a couple of extra ones. I don’t get overwhelmed.
And, uh, I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I’m not sure I added a single feed from BlogHer. I haven’t gone through all of those cards that I have stacked very nicely in a ziploc bag. Maybe a couple. But I was already stretched thin, and I feel stretched even more thin lately.
Good for you for deleting the Reader.
I’m tired and this isn’t funny. I’m sorry.
Backpacking Dads last blog post..This moment, like so many others, brought to you by parenthood.
August 11th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Megan says:
We are complete opposites. For a long time I was an advocate of going to every website and browsing the old fashioned way. About a week ago I started using Google Reader. And I am in love. It has become a time saver as I discover more blogs I love!
August 11th, 2008 at 11:33 am
just beth says:
I don’t like the feeds! I really enjoy coming to everyone’s blog, I think you get a better feel for things, for the person. At least, that’s what it feels like to me.
I wanna be some linky love! plleeeeaaase?!?
xo
b.
just beths last blog post..Oh yeah, we’re THAT FAMILY allright.
August 11th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Aspen says:
I say: “Good for you!”
I’ve purposely kept my internet links to a minimum. I have let the internet take over my life before and I’ve found it’s easy to slip back into that way of life, if I’m not careful.
I start teaching in a couple of weeks. That should keep me busy enough that I might actually forget what the internet is…
*shudder*
Aspens last blog post..Ahhhh… That’s better!
August 11th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Texan Mama says:
You are so smart, lady!!! I agree about the time-suck thing. I have wondered about feedburner, twitter, stumble, etc. and i have decided not to do ANY of it. I just want to write and read blogs. I don’t even do the blog ads because I am not sure I’d want to endorse the things they may be selling. So I hope readers come to me to read because they like what I say.
One thing that bothers me when I delete a feed from my Google reader: when a person I’ve deleted comes by my post and leaves a comment. Especially when it’s a nice comment. Usually I go back to his/her blog and read a few times but usually I just end up remembering why I deleted it from my subscriptions. But I still feel guilty.
August 11th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Julie says:
I am sooooo offended!
Just kidding. I only blog for relatives and I don’t do it all that often anyway. I enjoy that you will sometimes stop by, but don’t feel pressured to do that. I don’t do it so people read me or to get kudos on my writing anyway, because it isn’t anything all that great anyway!
I enjoy reading your blog and will continue to do so.
Love ya!
Julies last blog post..Nursery Pictures
August 11th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
BusyDad says:
I broke up with my reader 3 times already. Like moved all my stuff out, threw the key away and drove off. I recently rebuilt it but only visit late at night when I’ve been drinking.
BusyDads last blog post..Even PETA People Would Laugh
August 11th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Jen says:
Wow you are like 1,000 times stronger and braver than I am! And yes, I realize that by considering you ‘brave’ for deleting your Google Reader, I am totally showing how utterly addicted I am. However, if I had 1000+ unread items in mine, I’d probably pass out from the overwhelming-ness (made that word up!) of it all. I usually only have about 100 or so unread items, I try to be selective about my suscriptions so I don’t get buried.
Good for you though
I’m impressed!
August 11th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Shover Robot says:
Well I never used it, and guess after reading these posts I am not going to bother.
Shover Robots last blog post..Robotic Update!
August 11th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
hillary says:
Ohh you are so brave. My google reader makes me hyperventilate when I open it. I kind of hate it right now.
I would love to make it onto your Linky Love page. If you felt so inclined.
Thanks for stopping by my blog last week and for your well-wishes. Angella really wasn’t scary at all
hillarys last blog post..We Can Get Married And Live In Our World
August 11th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Cory says:
I think it was a good idea. I don’t subscribe to anyone, I just…click around. And in my head that was said like Jim Carrey says “snoop around” in Ace Ventura…just to let you know. I also know what you mean about bloggers that you love and adore but don’t read their blog much.
Corys last blog post..William Fitzsimmons and his big ole beard…TAKE TWO
August 11th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
VDog says:
You know I hate MY reader. I just don’t fit with that style of doing things.
It makes blog reading feel like an *obligation* instead of something fun I do *to DE-STRESS*. Seriously.
Like I told you, it’s like my mail situation at home — i know it’s there, and there’s some good stuff in it, but it just keeps piling up. Eventually I have to spend like three hours giong through it and not really paying full attention to any one thing. It sucks, but it’s a deficiency I have. I am a Cracker. Fer realz, yo.
I totally feel you on the favorite people/less reading of their blog thing.
Kisses and hugs (and I’m totally gonna flash my no-longer-lactating bewbies at you next time I see you),
V
VDogs last blog post..A Return to Bed Head
August 11th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Marie says:
Heehee! I know that feeling of wanting to burn the whole thing and start afresh. I once set up a reader and was very quickly inundated with hundreds of things I had not read… which only increased because I like to use my bookmarks pages to access posts, not the reader. Plus I like the browsing aspect of saying to myself, hmm, what is loralee up to today? And then it’s a fun visit rather than feeling like an obligation. But I do have lots of good new links from BlogHer discussions. More people for me to drop in on when I have time and inclination. In short: more browsing, less obligation.
Maries last blog post..Wiggling & Whooshing
August 11th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Scary Mommy says:
I’m not into the whole reader thing. I guess I’m just an old fashioned kind of girl.
And I would totally be honored to be added to your blog roll, in a very loser-ish sort of way!
Scary Mommys last blog post..Little Boxes on the Hillside
August 11th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
loralee says:
I THINK I am caught up on adding blogs to my linky love page. Please don’t be offended if you weren’t up there in the first place (I am the most disorganized person on the planet).
If I have left you off or you still want to be added, please pipe up and let me know!
***
Sra: I have no problem if people use a Reader, I really don’t. I also know there are a million and one views on how you go about blogging and viewing blogs. I also fully admit to letting my reader get out of control. I am a pretty loyal reader and it’s not easy for me to admit that my blogging life/preferences/reads have changed because blogs are so personal. And often I really love/like the people behind them.
It was easier to just BAM! Cut everything than sort through and try to eliminate. I’m hoping that if I use a reader again, I will be much more controlled and on top of everything.
I don’t expect anything from people that read me(except that they not be hideous trolls and respectful of me and my readers). I look at it more like looking at a piece of art online vs. visiting it in a museum that is open to the public but that accepts donations.
Is the online experience good? Yes, because the art is good. But for me, I feel that the actual visit is a more fulfilling experience for me. I love putting a blog design, ect. with the words. Blogging doesn’t have a whole lot of visual cues that you can associate to the blogger like you can in real life. It gives a lot of clues to personality and such. And? It means I’m dropping a nickel in the donation pot when I as a “Thanks” for the work involved.
However, I never get my knickers in a twist if people don’t click through, or lurk or just talk to me on Twitter or email instead of reading me.
You didn’t come off as snotty, you did a good job stating your point of view. I always appreciate different opinions.
August 11th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Kerri Anne says:
We’ve chatted about this a bit already, but I just wanted to add my two cents to the swirling discussion of to reader/not to reader and admit that I haven’t used any sort of reader at all during 2008. What is more, I don’t feel like my reading, my commenting, or anything else has suffered because of it.
In fact, I have loved living sans reader since the moment I stopped using one, and yet I’m still able to visit my frequent bloggy haunts, and tons of sites outside my immediate circle, and it definitely feels less stressful and more organic to me. I’d say I read more than I did when I used a reader. And yet, I don’t feel overwhelmed at all.
All of that to say: doing what is right for you, with your site and the way you read the sites you do, is important to overall sanity and I’m glad you are making that decision for yourself as you go along. Muchas smoochas.
August 11th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Genie says:
I recently reorganized by RSS reader in an attempt to only read those that I wanted to and in the order that I wanted to. It’s worked out relatively well, in that I tell myself not to freak out if there are hundreds unread in categories I don’t know much about. I’ll let you know how it goes over time.
Genies last blog post..Paintball!
August 11th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Aimee Greeblemonkey says:
You know I hear ye on this.
Not sure I can delete it… yet.
But you go girl.
Aimee Greeblemonkeys last blog post..For all those who will be in Denver during the DNC!
August 11th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Aimee Greeblemonkey says:
And! A lot of times I use my blog list to read from too, of which you are on!
Aimee Greeblemonkeys last blog post..For all those who will be in Denver during the DNC!
August 11th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Pants says:
Got to thinking about this…and cleaned mine up. So much better, now!
Pantss last blog post..BRAINS!
August 11th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
BOTB says:
You’re braver than I am. My google reader has been overwhelming me lately and I knew the time had come to purge some of the blogs. I’m weak and not all that brave so I took it from just under 500 feeds to just under 250. That’s not too shabby if I do say so myself and it’s a much easier loss to deal with
BOTBs last blog post..BOTB: Olympic Heroes
August 11th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Gretchen says:
Rather that totally deleting mine, I hit “Mark All As Read.”
After having unreliable internet/broken computer/ vacation… My unreads were up over 1,000… Every time I’d log-in, I’d nearly break out in hives. For me, going back to zero was a nice, clean slate. The other thing I’m going to do when I have time (ha!) is sort them into categories…
And if I’m not on you linky love page, I should be!
Gretchens last blog post..Guess What?
August 11th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
bethany actually says:
I think you have done something that will make you happy in the long run, that will give you more time and less stress. Good for you.
I actually do go through my subscriptions periodically and delete the ones for which I’ve found myself repeatedly hitting “mark all as read.” Even so, this same idea has been rattling around my head. Still pondering it.
bethany actuallys last blog post..Summing up Saturday
August 11th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
MacKenzie @ BRC Banter says:
I have never used a google reader and don’t think I ever will. Yes, I have probably lost out on reading some good stuff, but the blogs I love to read, I read.
Good luck with your new freedom!
MacKenzie @ BRC Banters last blog post..The Ordeal or The Trip When I Was an Idiot.
August 11th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Amber says:
Be free, little one, be free! I have been in Yellowstone and Utah with two weeks without blogs and I realized how much I am weighted down by it all!
I have a very limited list of folks I visit–mostly just those who comment. It was too out of control before and unlike before, I am no longer trying to get new readers but establish relationships with those I already have!
Ambers last blog post..This Mommy Blogger’s Love Affair With the Olympics…and JumboTron!
August 11th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Isabel says:
I am so curious to hear how this helps/hinders your life.
(I’m thinking this will be a good thing. I mean, I’m pretty sure the world will not end.)
Isabels last blog post..In which I prepare to spend an entire month in my bathing suit (or is the correct term “swimming suit”?)
August 11th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
holli says:
I never figured out how to use a reader - even though it probably would have helped me.. I just like clicking over to the worlds created by my friends… in my head - it’s like visiting their online homes. It doesn’t feel the same when I view them through some washed-out, third-party version. I like seeing your eyes - and I associate this color with you.
I kind of freaked after BlogHer - I realized Faith won’t be home with me all day in a very short time… and how many hours has she spent waiting for me to finish my stuff online? I know there will be time very soon for me to miss her, while I do my own thing. For now, I’m trying to prioritize and just hold it together. I’m not doing a very good job of either.
How did I turn this into something about me? What I meant to say was that I think you did the right thing.. and if you ever subscribed to my feed I didn’t know in the first place. I try not to keep up so I don’t get my feelings hurt if people unsubscribe.
Love you.
August 11th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Davie says:
All I know is you never visit me anymore and I have flashbacks of Junior High every time you don’t comment.
I will blame it on your reader and try and ignore the fact that you only liked me for my graphics.
God - how many times will I have to hear that line!
Take a picture of me Davie, PhotoShop me Davie, does this top make my boobs look big Davie? You are such a great guy Davie - like one of the girls only with bigger hands and hairier legs.
I have feelings too you know - mostly creepy guy feelings - but they are feelings none the less.
Its a good thing baby comes tomorrow and sex with my hot wife is back on the schedule in a few weeks or I would be totally rejected.
Your not the first LDS blogger I have PhotoShopped LL, but you may be the last!
Davies last blog post..One is the loneliest number unless it is one more day to a dream come true.
August 11th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
loralee says:
@Davie
Yet another reason I ditched my reader. Do you know how many blogs I had that it stopped updating? Let’s just say yours is not the first. Nor the first person to think I was ditching them.
I assumed that you were on a blogging break.Which is my bad, but I did visit your wife. (She is less hairy, you know.)
Totally excited for your little one to get here!
August 11th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Angella says:
You may have inspired me…
In the meantime maybe I’ll have to share my own posts so that you’ll come and say “hi”.
I kid! That’s the worst. Do what’s best for you and stop by when you can
Angellas last blog post..Awesome. Not Awesome.
August 11th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
mothergoosemouse says:
I like my Bloglines because I thrive on to-do lists. But just like my other to-do lists, I’m not beholden to it.
Whatever works, right?
August 11th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Tasses says:
I start every morning with an itchy trigger finger. You are bold & wise.
Tassess last blog post..Channeling Judas Priest (or maybe just Beavis & Butthead)
August 11th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
threeundertwo says:
The downside of a feedreader is that it accumulates *all* of the posts you haven’t read, so you can just feel the guilt piling on. The beauty of reading from your blogroll (which I usually do) is that you have more of a sense of getting caught up.
I love Blogger’s new blogroll, which shows blogs in the order of when they have updated.
If you add me to your linky, my cat and I will be happy.
threeundertwos last blog post..Happy Birthday Drama Girl!
August 11th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
VDog says:
Ok, and “Hey, Irony?” This at the top of your page:
Make life easier! Subscribe to Looney Tunes with a feed reader. Click and subscribe with the reader of your choice.
BWAHAHAHAHA.
VDogs last blog post..A Return to Bed Head
August 11th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
loralee says:
@VDOG
Oh my HELL that is funny.
Although, to be fair it DOES make SOME people’s life easier. Heh.
Dude. I am going to be laughing at that for quite some time. You are awesome for noticing it.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Dana says:
You. Are. Brave. I would feel so guilty if I did that. I have this uncontrollable need to read every word of every blog in my feed reader, even if it takes 4 decades.
Danas last blog post..A Happy Monday (There’s A First Time For Everything)
August 11th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Sarah says:
Yo, bitch. You can delete all you want, because I’ll just email you my newest post.
Every.
Single.
Day.
Love you!
Sarahs last blog post..Mother Invasion
August 11th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
loralee says:
At least I know they’ll be short.
HA!
P.S. I totally want to buy twinner cowgirl boots with you.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Sheri says:
I’m new enough at this whole blogging thing that I still click through to visit each blog. Much more personal that way, at least for me. And, I’m slow to change,lol.
You’ve been on my favorites blogroll for awhile now, if you’d like to add me to yours I’d be thrilled!
August 11th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Fear and Parenting in Las Vegas says:
I feel your pain, my reader has grown exponentially over the last month and it’s getting out of control. I find myself scanning more than reading - just to get my numbers down. Like any overload, we need to rethink and reprioritize.
Fear and Parenting in Las Vegass last blog post..Fear and Parenting Reviews: The Back to School Edition - Part I
August 11th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Redneck Mommy says:
I killed my blogline reader a while back. It was overwhelming me and making me not like blogging anymore.
Damn girl. Seems we have more in common than we thought.
You are my DOPPELGANGER.
Or the wind beneath my wings. Heh.
August 11th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Shamelessly Sassy says:
I don’t use a reader. I never have. I bookmark sites I love. I visit through my comment links, others comment links. Twitter links. Stumbled posts. I’ve found that this way I read what I want to read, and I don’t feel like I’m being obligated to read anything. It’s like a breath of fresh air.
Shamelessly Sassys last blog post..Happy Birthday
August 11th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Craig says:
I view blogs using Live Bookmarks in Firefox. That way, you actually visit the site, but you merely have to look in your bookmarks to see if there are new posts. I like it.
Craigs last blog post..The Ordeal or The Trip When I Was an Idiot.
August 11th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
loralee says:
I have thought about using that for people I have met in person. Does it keep track of all the unread posts, though? because I hate that.
August 11th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
T@SendChocolate says:
I am not brave. I have thought about it. I am drowning in my Google Reader. 4460+ posts currently. BUT I am afraid to lose my blog friends. And those I care enough to RSS, I do consider friends.
But you know what? I so identified with what you said about being more interested in the people behind the blogs, Loralee. That’s exactly how I feel, too. The Community, reading, and commenting, is more important to me. Twitter has pretty much become my feed reader. Guaranteed if a follower tweets a post, I will read it.
I am thinking about this, more and more. Nice job. May join you on the delete train, just have to build up my nerve.
T.
T@SendChocolates last blog post..I Knew Google Was Messing With My Head!
August 12th, 2008 at 1:47 am
agwylyk says:
I don’t even know what a google reader is…I think I’ve learned from your post that ignorance is bliss.
August 12th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Jim says:
I only use feeds for blogs that I follow. It’s easy to check and see who has a new post rather than spawn 30 tabs. I removed all the news feeds and other stuff since I would end up clicking on new stuff all day if I didn’t.
It’s like crack. A little won’t hurt and you can stop whenever you want if you don’t do it too much. Yeah, that sounds good…
Jims last blog post..The Boy Wises Up (about adoption)
August 12th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Queen of Shake Shake says:
Dude, no way am I giving up my reader. Sometimes we have a love/hate relationship, but then again, sometimes I hate my kids too, sooo….
I keep my subscriptions under 125. I won’t go over that because it’s unrealistic. In fact, 125 is unrealistic and I don’t strive to read all of those even weekly, must less daily (gack! could you imagine?)
All the mental angst I feel with the reader…I’m working on it. For now, I’m trying to turn it into a lesson about learning to be ok with putting myself before others. If I get to the reader, great. If I don’t, I’m not going to feel guilty for living my life anymore.
Queen of Shake Shakes last blog post..Where Champagne Replaces My Morning Coffee
August 12th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Dutch Blitz » Delete The Reader? says:
[…] Loralee deleted her feed reader. It’s tempting, for the “good” reasons she gave, but I don’t know if I am brave enough to do the same… […]
August 12th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Kristabella says:
Wow, I am impressed. I don’t think I could do it, only because work blocks 90% of the blogs I read, so the reader is the only way for me to keep up. I have a very intricate system of reading in the reader, typing comments in a spreadsheet and then clicking through once I get home.
Good for you!
Kristabellas last blog post..How My Mind Works
August 12th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Deb on the Rocks says:
I’m all about bringing back the blogroll. But keeping mine updated is triple hard. I’m going to try….
Deb on the Rockss last blog post..Are their lithe, powerful bodies taunting you with what you COULD have been?
August 12th, 2008 at 9:57 am
SmockLady says:
coming out of lurkdom to say: Good for you. I’ve seriously been considering this for a while (a month or so) myself. And like you, the whole Blog the Recession has me thinking about a return to the old-fashioned blogroll. I’ve left fewer comments since I started using a reader. I’ve been “less involved” and felt a stranger to friends since I began the reader habit. My plan is to leave the “techie” feeds in my reader and resync my blogroll with my feed list and go with that.
I put a lot of work into my blog as do many others - clicking through to the blog is not just about Blogging the Recession, but about honoring the time that others’ put into their design and their writing.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:24 am
loralee says:
@Kristabella
HOLY COW!!
Dude, if I had a brain that was remotely capable of creating a spreadsheet for my comments and then putting them all in at home I would totally not even have written this post!
August 12th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Andrea says:
Came over from Angella’s Dutch Blitz…
Oh, the guilt I recieve from that stinking little (or big) number at the top of my subscriptions page. I, quite frankly, have enough guilt in my life - I am a mother - I don’t need Google to guilt me also.
I feel terrible that I can’t leave a well thought out comment on everyone’s blog. I happen to hate drive-by comments, but I simply don’t have the time to give every blog post the comment it deserves - again, a mother.
I find that I neglect the people that leave comments on my blog because I am so busy trying to fulfill my “obligation” to my subscribed feeds.
All that to say… you are brave and perhaps my hero :).
-Andrea
August 12th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Miss Britt says:
I could never delete my entire reader. No way. No how.
BUT -
I am learning to delete a feed here and there when I find I’m just hanging on to it out of some sense of obligation.
And I do go ahead and “mark all as read” when I find I am busy.
I’m learning that it’s OK to be too busy for blogging.
Miss Britts last blog post..One Year: the real reason I didn’t blog this earlier
August 12th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Kelly says:
I honestly might do the same thing… I’m one of those “Mark all as read” people just because get overwhelmed with all of them. I think starting over from scratch and setting a LIMIT for myself would be better. Thanks for the inspiration… might just have to do that. Maybe.
August 12th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Karla says:
I’m here out of intrigue from Angella over at Dutch Blitz. All I gotta say, wow, all the power to you girl. Feed readers are OVERWHELMING at best, and with that comes heaps of guilt and less time spent with family, and…oh…I don’t need to go on. You’ve hit the nail on the head ever so eloquently.
Karlas last blog post..The Almighty Biter
August 12th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Hiding says:
Of course now this means I have do synchronized diving to get you to link to me.
I had Google Reader for exactly 3 weeks and I had such anxiety over what I hadn’t read, I deleted it way back then.
You are still one of my favs…
Hidings last blog post..Giving myself permission
August 12th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
loralee says:
@ Hiding
HA HA HA HA! Synchronized diving?! HA!
I’d add you anyway, but the laugh is totally appreciated today.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
loralee says:
I also want to pipe in to say that keeping a reader is TOTALLY ok.
I have been “Marking all as read” almost every day. I tried to not have guilt, to go and weed my reader but honestly? It was not working.
For me the best option was to make a clean break and just start completely over without one.
I need to back away from all the trees to see the forest, if you will.
But seriously, I don’t think this way is better than using a reader. It’s just better for me right now.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
OHmommy says:
I have a love hate relationship with my reader. I love that it keeps me organized and hate that it overwhelms me so. I feel obligated. Ugh!
Wat to go.
OHmommys last blog post.."Twas the night before our European vacation.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
maggie, dammit says:
Wait, 1,324 unread messages????????
Girl, you did the right thing.
I loved this post. Absolutely loved it. You explained it so well and I completely identify with everything you said.
You did the right thing. Really.
maggie, dammits last blog post..the winds of change
August 12th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Lisa says:
Sometimes you just need a fresh start..
Lisas last blog post..Tube Socks and Grasshoppers
August 12th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Dawn says:
Dude, I’m on your linky love page and I’m still mis-spelled!
Dawns last blog post..Rick Rolled Redux
August 12th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Kaza says:
I didn’t go quite that far, but this weekend I marked everything as read so I could start over. But I do click over to visit actual blogs, as I prefer to read that way.
I’d love to be on your linky love page!
August 12th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Renee aka MekhisMom says:
That was a bold move you made. I have only been blogging for a little over a month but I have loads of blogs in my reader. I always click thru I just use as a way to keep track of blogs I like. Hmm, perhaps you can pay this new blogger a visit. I’d like that very much.
Renee aka MekhisMoms last blog post..Gotta love it
August 12th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
AbsolutelyBananas says:
Way to go! Seriously I did the same thing after returning from SF. It was that or give up blogging altogether. It’s for the best, really.
AbsolutelyBananass last blog post..A cluttered mind
August 12th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Rachael (SNOTW) says:
I can’t delete my reader, but I did go in and delete a bunch of blogs out of it. I’ve also been skipping a bunch of stuff on vacation this week instead of letting it build up. You inspired me. But… baby steps.
Rachael (SNOTW)s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Goodbye, Friend
August 12th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Adam says:
Yeah, I’m having problems with my linky love link. It’s just not working. Is there anyway you can fix it?
August 13th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy says:
Very brave. And Smart. My reader has 559 items right now. And I fell pressured to get caught up. But, I try not to stress over it. It will happen eventually. And if I get overwhelmed I mark them all as read and start fresh. See you on Twitter!
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommys last blog post..My Inner Lolita
August 13th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Auds at Barking Mad says:
I gave up on my blog reader a long time ago because balance is really becoming a problem for me. I lose all perspective trying to keep up and attempting to leave comments, etc. I rely solely on my blog roll and bookmarks, which, ironically enough are now getting out of hand.
I don’t know what the answer is.
Stop reading? Not a chance. Especially now that I went and started this silly brainchild, “The Barking Mad Dinner Party”….I think I just shot my whole balance thing in the foot!
Auds at Barking Mads last blog post..You Have Questions? I THINK I Have Answers!
August 13th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Kelly says:
I’m not ready to let go of the Reader just yet. I like the quick update (now that I am caught up) but I am going to try not to hang on to every blog forever. I plan to weed out once a month and add in a few new ones each time. I love to read and the reader is quick and easy on a PDA. I do agree, however with losing the feeling of the who the person is when you don’t visit. I also hate that it has seriously put a dent on my commenting. thanks for the food for thought!
Kellys last blog post..These bloggers ROCK!
August 13th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Jen says:
You’re very brave. Every couple of months I go through my reader and purge everything that I’m no longer really into but I don’t think I could ever just delete it all. I do hate how I feel an obligation to my reader though so maybe someday…… No, I don’t think I could do it. It’s a love/hate relationship but right now love is winning out.
Jens last blog post..Cute girl, too bad about the eyebrows
August 14th, 2008 at 7:54 am