There are several different ways you can keep up with other blogs. I will tell you about what I use and how I do it. I have been doing this for a few years now and it works really well for me. I know there are other blog reading applications but I love my Google Reader.
First of all when I come across a new blog I want to follow, I add it to my Google Reader list. I do this by adding a “Sub” button to my bookmarks. I can then subscribe to that blog right away. I also sometimes click on their RSS button and do it that way. I have no real reason for which one I chose but it is easy to add using the “sub” button if the blogger doesn’t have an area to subscribe from.
A lot of people use Google Reader but just using the reader to read blogs is really boring to me. I want to visit your blog and see it in person, not just read it somewhere else. That is why I love using the “Next” button. All you have to do is go to Google Reader, click on “reader settings” then “goodies” and you create it right there. What this allows you to do is view all the blogs in your Google Reader from your bookmark bar. It allows you to actually go to the blog to read it and still keep up with it in your reader. I also like that I can create a next button for any of my Google Reader folders. It makes it really easy to read and follow them this way.
I like keeping up with blogs using Google Reader because I know I don’t have time to visit every blog I follow in one day. It might take me a while to catch up with everyone but I feel this the best way to do it. If I do get too behind I can easily mark blogs as read or mark any blogs older than a day, a week or two weeks as read. I usually do the two weeks option if I am behind because that way I am not missing too many of the new posts that have been written.
As a blogger I enjoy reading other blogs and I really like to be organized about it. I also can download the Google Reader app on my phone and follow blogs that way. I haven’t downloaded it to my new phone yet because quite honestly I prefer viewing blogs on my computer, not my phone. I will probably add it soon for those times when I can get on a computer.
I try to view a few blogs every so often throughout the day. Using the next button makes it easy for me to do so. I just click on it when I am ready to blog surf. I also like going to the actual blog because it is much easier to leave a comment.
I am going to check Google Reader out after reading how you use it. I just keep a folder of all the blogs I like in my favorites and I subscribe to a few by e-mail. I really like the idea of being able to mark the blogs as read. Seems like it would be a great way to keep track of it all.
Jean recently posted..Triple Berry Yogurt Scones
I have been using Google Reader for a while and this certainly illustrates why. I follow a little over 30 or so blogs and there is no way I can visit all those sites and expect to get things done. Since I have dropped tumblr, I have more time in my day to read but it’s easy to sift through things with Reader.
Here is a tip I use: there is a webapp called IFTTT that will automate a task for you. I have a task set in it where when I ‘star’ something in Google Reader, it will send that to Evernote [a note taking application] where I can archive it. I follow some food blogs and a few blogs that show tutoraals so this is a good way to archive the things that interest me.
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Hey Julie!! Awesome Website! Lots of great information here to read.
I enjoyed reading your post on the Google Reader. I hadn’t really put much into it but after reading your post it makes things much simpler. Thanks for the tips!
posted by Galen Morgigno
Galen Morgigno recently posted..Where Can You Find Content for Your Blog
I use Google Reader too but haven’t heard of the next button going to look for that now! Thanks!
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