While there are many feed readers to choose from, we recommend Google Reader. In fact, Eric recommended it over a year ago, and it has since added some great features that, in my opinion, make it the best feed reader available. Setting up Google Reader is free and very simple to do. In fact, if you followed Eric's advice and set up a Google account, you already have access to Reader. If not, go to www.google.com/reader to get started.
Below is a gallery of screenshots that will give you an overview of Google Reader's main features. If you want to see the screenshots in their full detail and read my captions that explain each one, click on the player to go directly to my PicasaWeb page gallery. Otherwise, read on for a more in-depth look at Reader.
(HINT: You can turn on the captions in the slideshow below by clicking on the speech bubble icon .)
Update (hat tip to Eric): Copyblogger has a good article titled "How to Read," which discusses the 4 levels of reading from Mortimer Adler's How to Read a Book (in my library). Good stuff.
I love the conclusion:
"Reading, at its fundamental essence, is not about absorbing information. It’s about asking questions, looking for answers, understanding the various answers, and deciding for yourself. Think of reading this way, and you quickly realize how this allows you to deliver unique value to your readers as a publisher.
If you think all of this sounds like a lot of work, well… you’re right. And most people won’t do it, just like most people will never blog or publish online in the first place.
That’s why your readers need you. They need you to do the work for them, because they don’t want to become an expert. So, it’s your job to understand the complex and grasp the essentials, then make it simple, easy to read, and entertaining."
Thanks for that primer. It still seems like it can absorb a lot of time to set up the subscriptions in the first place but at least you give a practical way to organise and sift through the overwhelming amount of information.
.)
Update (hat tip to Eric): Copyblogger has a good article titled "How to Read," which discusses the 4 levels of reading from Mortimer Adler's How to Read a Book (in my library). Good stuff.
I love the conclusion:
Thanks for that primer. It still seems like it can absorb a lot of time to set up the subscriptions in the first place but at least you give a practical way to organise and sift through the overwhelming amount of information.