We should have known this was coming when Google pulled the API for Feedburner.
This is another stream being cutoff by Google as they’ve also ended the free version of Google Apps. I always wondered when the loads of outstanding free services was going to end.
The most frustrating part for me, is the fact that they’ve bought-up and beat so many online services in the marketplace, and then turn around and end them–much like Twitter did with TweetDeck and Posterous.
So now what?
Export
Before July 1st, you have time to export your glorious Google Feeds and import them into another system via a OPML file. For those of you that left Google Reader in the dust long ago, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Simply carry on.
For the rest of us, like myself included, we will need to migrate our feeds.
For me, Google Reader is a nerve center for mining content from the web for ChurchMag and others. I have to have an RSS reader.
Let me share with you how to export your feed and give you some alternatives for reading RSS feeds.
How to Export Google Reader
There are a few services that will allow–and may be allowing in the future as the news settles in–to import directly from Google Reader by providing Google Reader sign-in details. For those that would like to do it manually, or have to by default, here’s how you do it:
First, jump on this link and sign in: http://www.google.com/takeout/#custom:reader (I wonder how long it will be before they kill this service, too?)
Give it a second to load up with some data and then Create Archive:
If you’ve got a huge reader full, I suggest checking the “Email me when ready” and closing the tab:
Otherwise watch and wait or leave it as a background tab.
I was writing this post while I did it, and it was finished fairly quick.
Ready for download!
After you’ve downloaded your ZIP file, it will include numerous files:
Now you’re ready to import your feeds into an alternative reader.
Alternative Readers
You may have to try a number of them before you find what you like. I’ve used Feedly before, so I think I’ll give it a try again.
Here is a list of alternatives that I recommend:
- Feedly
- NewsBlur
- Skimr (now supports OPML files)
- The Old Reader
These are online alternatives, but there are a host of other app-centric apps as well:
If you have any other suggestions, please let us know in the comments!
How to Import
This of course will vary depending on the reader. Like I said before, I’m going with Feedly as it supports most any device:
- iOS
- Android
- Kindle
- Safari
- Chrome
- Firefox
And best of all, it’s super simple to import!
After connecting to Google Reader, you’re all set:
I didn’t need my Google Reader export file, but at least I have it! If Feedly doesn’t work out, I’ve got it for another service. Besides, I’m a stickler for archives. 😀
Feedly has also provided some cool tips for migrating to better suite Feedly to a more Google Reader like workflow.
Conclusion
I’ve officially kissed Google Reader goodbye.
No need to let it linger. The sooner I fall into a new workflow the better.
What’s your favorite RSS reader?
Don’t forget to subscribe to ChurchMag!
Andy says
Great and timely article for me. Google Reader was an essential ministry tool I used everyday so I too was among the masses scrambling to switch over to Feedly last night (and crashing their servers).
I’ve tried a few of the other alternatives but Feedly seems the closest to Google Reader, especially in list view. Of the other options you listed NewsBlur looked the most interesting but the 64 site limit wasn’t going to cut it and I’m too cheap to spend $12/year on something I can get elsewhere for free.
Eric Dye says
Agreed. 64+!?! You’re so pro. 😛
erica says
I switched over this morning when I got the horrible message. I decided to go with Pocket, which I had already been using a little bit to save things I wanted to read later. And I am using IFTTT to automatically import all of my RSS feeds to Pocket (which I can read from all my computers, iphone, and ipad), and I’ve also used IFTTT to automatically create a PDF of the post and save it in my Evernote if I star it in Pocket.
From IFTTT you could have had them go straight to Evernote, but I just have the free version, so I didn’t want it clogging it up.
Not sure if this will always work for me, but it seems like a good plan for how I work things so far.
Eric Dye says
Wow. This is #EPIC. (I should look at Pocket.)
Jason Delgado says
nice, this was mentioned in a new Lifehacker post: http://lifehacker.com/5990722/combine-ifttt-and-pocket-evernote-or-gmail-for-a-diy-google-reader-replacement
Josh Wagner says
I actually switched to Feedly when they redesigned GReader. The look stunk to me, and they nerfed some functionality (namely sharing). Both issues were solved with Feedly. I’m very glad I did that now…
Eric Dye says
No kidding! Feedly does look a lot better. 🙂
Tom Jamieson says
Yeah, I was as unhappy as the rest to see this happen. At least I had already connected my Reader account with Feedly. I have also DL’d the zip file for future reference if needed.
Eric Dye says
Word. Downloaded mine, too. Even if someone syncs it somewhere else, I think it’s a good idea. You know, just in case!
Jason Delgado says
Well, I was on Feedly for about a year (after the infamous Oct 2011 Google Reader Upgrade,… errr DOWNGRADE). But the backend was all Google Reader anyways,… so i eventually switched back at it still lacked functionality i desired that I used to have.
Looks like Feedly will still be the best but I wonder if they can keep up with this huge new demand they are about to get
Other issue is I have so much stuff on IFTTT that is programmed to make my life easier with simple Google Reader commands…like just staring an item will make it a post on Tumblr, which will then post that to Twitter… I don’t know of any other RSS readers that work with IFTTT :*(
wait,… new pope and Reader announced its doom,…. conspiracy?!?!?!
Eric Dye says
Only if someone famous dies this week. Then it’s a conspiracy.
Mark Robinson says
This news genuinely made me gaff out loud in a client’s office this afternoon when I read the news!
Now I’ve had time to process – Nope, still gaffing!
It just seems so brutally quick! Why not push it to open source at least?
Eric Dye says
Because Google is a killer.
Susan Reed says
I switched to having them delivered by email a while ago. It was a pain, I had to go through and re-subscribe to each and every single one via email. And there were always the few that didn’t have RSS email delivery options. HOWEVER, I’ve found this works best for me because a) I am more likely to read them when they’re right there anyway and b) I hate most feed reader layouts.
That said, the biggest pain of this announcement was the fact that it means Feedburner is (as if we didn’t know) dying. My big rush today was to move all my RSS feeds. I got the email RSS subscription moved to MailChimp, but I’ve not decided on which service to use for those folks who still like traditional RSS feeds. Currently it’s just freewheeling it out there.
Eric Dye says
I’m with you. I’m looking and thinking about the next move.
Victor Goh says
I’ve tried out Feedly, Pulse and Google Currents on my Nexus 7. I’m leaning towards Feedly because everything just works when I sign in using my Google Reader account.
Eric Dye says
I’m with you. Plus, the selection of apps on mobile devices and browsers is solid. I’ve also tweaked it to be more “Google Reader” looking, although I’m digging the magazine style that Feedly offers.
Jen says
OK, now what is the solution to the loss of igoogle. Thanks for the insight into reader.
Eric Dye says
iGoogle–LOL!
Yes, the personal “homepage” may have died forever.
Tim Wilson says
I switched over to Google Reader when Bloglines said it was closing and then it changed its mind! So I’m going to wait right up until the last and see whether this holds out.
You were the first person I found the news from. Sad but thanks for the heads up! (When you use 3rd party apps like Reeder, it’s not easy to find out)
Eric Dye says
Dude! That’s crazy!