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October 18, 2005

Google Introduces RSS Reader

I'm a big fan of web-based RSS readers; I've been using Bloglines for some time now. So I sat up and took notice when I saw the announcement that Google was now offering an web-based RSS reader. It's from Google, I'm a Google-holic, it seemed like a match made in heaven.

Just an FYI, you need a Gmail account in order to use the Google Reader. That shouldn't be a barrier, since Gmail accounts are now available to everyone. Just select "Get and Account Now" from the Reader page. Since I already have a Gmail account, I went straight to the Google Reader and tried to import my recently exported Bloglines OPML file.

Except it didn't work. Who knows, maybe it's a Bloglines problem, maybe not. But I have to ask, am I the only one having problems with getting Google products to work lately? (Aside from the basic Google search, of course. Luckily THAT'S not causing me any trouble.) Gmail started the trend by rejecting my emails, making it less than useful as an email program. Then I upgraded my Google Desktop Search, which promptly quit working. I uninstalled and re-installed. No dice, so I downloaded Yahoo Desktop Search instead. After all, a girl's gotta be able to search her hard drive. Now Google Reader doesn't want to import my feeds.

I'm trying not to take it personally...heck, Google and I go way back. Maybe I need a new computer...yes, that's the ticket! It can't be Google's fault...it must be me. What a great excuse...I mean reason...to get a whole new system. Would that appease the Google Gods?

Posted by Cindy L. Chick on October 18, 2005 09:03 PM

Comments

Nope, not just you. We must be back to the beta-bubble where companies release before testing (circa 1999). :-) ... Way below Google's usual standards IMHO.

Steve

Posted by: Steve Matthews at October 19, 2005 09:20 AM

i was able to import my feeds list from bloglines. maybe try again? like you, i'm very partial to google, just don't think the reader is quite there yet. i've been looking for something to replace bloglines but have come to the conclusion it's pretty good.

From Cindy - I did try again the other day, but still no luck. I'll take a closer look at the file. I have a lot of email subscriptions in Bloglines. If those are included, that could really throw things off. Thanks!

Posted by: mmk at October 19, 2005 09:51 PM

Hi Cindy,

I'm a Google Reader Engineer and I happened upon your blog entry. OPML import is my responsibility, and I was wondering if you would mind emailing it to me, so I can debug and hopefully fix the problem.

Posted by: Mihai Parparita at October 21, 2005 05:56 AM

I just started reading this blog, and I find the information very helpful. As a fellow fan of things google, I wanted to pass on this humorous link to the rest of you who love what google does. Just be careful not to love them too much, for how will we know where they will stop!
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/40076

Posted by: Hil Kaman at October 23, 2005 12:23 PM

Hi, this exporting bloglines OPML is a popular problem. The solution (which I got via Phil Bradley) is
1- Right click on "Export Subscriptions" in Bloglines
2- Select "Save Taget As"
3- Import that file from your PC into new rss reader

Posted by: scott at October 24, 2005 05:24 AM

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