I read approximately 200-plus blogs a day. It takes less than 20 minutes. How? Simple. I use Google Reader. Using this simple tool, I subscribe to blogs I find interesting. When one of these blogs has a new post, the content instantly appears in Google Reader through the magic of RSS (“real simple syndication”).
You don’t have to understand RSS or the underlying technology to take advantage of it. Simply set up a free Google Reader account and start adding your favorite blogs. Here’s a short video to get you started.
If you can’t see this video in your RSS reader or email, then click here.
Please note: I don’t read every new post that appears in Google Reader, but I scan through them all and read the ones that catch my eye. This is how I keep up with 200-plus blogs a day.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I do the same thing (although with fewer blogs) using my Thunderbird email program. Where's the advantage in using Google Reader? Besides, I'd rather not give Google any more of my business than necessary (I even use Bing far, far more than Google these days).
http://twitter.com/joannesher @joannesher
I LOVE my google reader. Do the same thing–I even have my blogs divided into categories (must-reads, second priority, and when I have time) to help me remember which I want to be sure not to miss.
http://www.andyrowell.net/ Andy Rowell
I do the same thing. This is why people need to have informative, brief, catchy blogpost titles.
Mark
@walt, the advantage of an on-line service like google reader is that you can get your feeds from any PC once you log in – the subscription info is "on the cloud" – whereas with a thick client like thunderbird, if you change PCs you have to import your settings or set them up again. I'm sure there are alternatives to google such as yahoo…
http://amothersangst.blogspot.com Fran
Thank you for reminding me! When I switched to “Chrome” I neglected to set Google Reader back up. I just played catch-up on some blogs I’d been neglecting.
http://twitter.com/LMilesW @LMilesW
I too use Google Reader but via the Feedly plugin for Firefox. It's like reading a newspaper only better and make the multiple blogs seem a lot less daunting than just Google Reader alone.
http://intensedebate.com/people/totai totai
Have you tried using Feedly? It's a skin for Google Reader and is the best tool I have found for RSS, with built in Twitter linkage, recommendations, connectivity to Gmail for ease of sending articles to people and more. It is a Firefox add-on, but I have found a workaround to making it work in Safari. Highly recommended, it changes the RSS experience for sure!
Monica
I do the same thing using netvibes. It's so malleable and easy to use, and Firefox even has a button for adding feeds. It makes it easy to keep up with many blogs. Really happy with that.
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MICHELE CUSHATT is a communicator and storyteller whose speaking experience includes Women of Faith, Focus on the Family, and Compassion International. As emcee and communication coach, Michele is in her sixth year on staff at Dynamic Communicators International. She lives in Colorado with her husband Troy and three teenage sons. You can connect with Michele on her blog, Facebook, or Twitter.
BARRY HILL, JR. is a storyteller, blogger, speaker, barista, and is in his fifteenth year of full-time ministry to teens and their families. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and their six children—“the circus.” You can usually find Barry where fresh coffee and good ideas are brewing. To join in the conversation, drop by his blog, The Ordained Barista, visit him on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter.
JOE LALONDE is a husband, explorer, challenger, and an adrenaline junkie. He has served as a youth leader for E3 Ministries for over 10 years. He is usually found wandering the woods, enjoying the company of his wife, or running the trails. Joe enjoys helping others expand their influence and leadership skills. You can connect with Joe at his blog or Twitter.
RACHEL LANCE is originally from Alaska but now lives in a Chicago suburb with her husband and daughter. She works in technology and communications for the Willow Creek Association. She holds a degree in information management and is working on her Master’s in Library Science. Given the gift of time, top on her list would be a long bike ride, a great novel, and a farmer’s market dinner. Follow her on Twitter.
JIM MARTIN is the minister of Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, where he has served since 1994. He also leads a mentoring group, primarily composed of younger Christian leaders, and serves as a Mentoring Partner for MentorNetwork Ministry. He and his wife, Charlotte, have been married for 33 years. Read his blog, A Place for the God-Hungry, and follow him on Twitter.
TIM PETERS is the Co-Founder of Resolute Creative, a digital marketing group. He loves seeing organizations of all sizes come alive when they identify the best digital solutions to advance their cause. Tim enjoys working out, running marathons, playing golf and spending time with his wife and three kids. Connect with him on his blog, follow him Twitter or connect with him via LinkedIn.
JASON STAMBAUGH is a husband, father, former fat kid, accidental techie, and founder of Wevival and Shop My Church. Jason also blogs at Heart Your Church about church ministry in the social media era. When he’s not helping customers, or working on his latest project, you will find him hanging with his family, reading, learning to code, cooking, hobby farming, and exercising. Connect with him on Twitter and Google +.
JEREMY STATTON is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville, KY. Although he enjoys writing, reading, and running, his first love is his wife and four kids. His family is currently in the process of adopting a son from China. He is also the author of Grace Is: A Practical Guide to God’s Love. He is an avid blogger at JeremyStatton.com focusing on helping others live a better story. Follow him on Twitter.
JOHN TILLER is an inspirational speaker and writer. He travels with his family to churches, conferences, and other events sharing their remarkable survival story. He enjoys real estate investing, serving at his home church, watching NFL and NASCAR, improving his 10K time, and hanging out with his family at their Powhatan, Virginia home. Connect with John via blog, Facebook, or Twitter.
JUSTIN WISE is the social strategist for Monk Development, builders of Ekklesia 360. A proud husband and dad, Justin and his family live in Des Moines, Iowa. When not running, reading, or cooking, find him blogging at JustinWise.net, online at Justin.am, or on Twitter.
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