Why I don't use a feed reader anymore.
Over the past few months or so Twitter has not only changed the way I interact with people online but it’s also changed the way I jump from content to content. I think we all have our own habits when it comes to this: we’ve got our favourite news or blog sites, we have our bookmarks and our RSS feeds. I’d argue that more and more people are using social sites like Facebook (more on why I don’t link Facebook later) and Twitter to bounce around from content to content.
There’s definitely something to be said about being recommended a site by someone whom you’ve labelled a friend or contact. (Let’s just forget about the spam for a minute and talk about people you trust.)
When I visit a new blog and I read a few articles that are of interest – I’m more apt to look to follow them on Twitter if I see they’re an authority and someone I can ‘trust‘. (<- affiliate link) I might follow them just to listen and see what they say but they’ll eventually post about a new blog post that I can check out if I choose. Hell, I might even subscribe to their newsletter if I think it’s authentic. (More on that later ;))
Similarly, some of the people I follow aren’t content producers at all but their opinions, thoughts and ideas are of interest to me. If some of those people share a link from time to time I’m also a lot more apt to check into it further.
Before, if I liked a blog I’d subscribe in my feed reader and inevitably end up scrolling past most of the content because I was trying to get through all 494 new pieces of content. It just doesn’t stand out as much without a ‘voice’ behind it. It has it’s place for news and things I suppose but even then: I’m finding myself looking more to my social networks to be informed of the ‘goings on.’
I’m finding the ’social space’ a much more comfortable content sharing environment. In one place I’m able to interact, listen, organize my information streams (maybe a later post), read new & relevant content, be informed of local, national and topical news and most importantly: share a few things with people that are doing the same.
It’s really something to think about if you’re running any sort of content online. Maybe I’m the one following and interacting with you waiting for your next golden nugget of content or the announcement of your new product.
Just sayin, ;) Make it an awesome day.
