Technology Lesson: Switching to Feedly

Last week I told you that Google Reader was shutting down. Today I'll bypass importing last week's data in favor of using Feedly. Feedly will import your feeds directly from Google Reader, and can display Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest updates. It also has a free app, that can be used on iTouch, iPhone, iPad, Kindle, and Android.

You don't have to use Feedly, and there are articles at the end of this post with suggestions for alternative services. There is also an article from Whoorl, which walks readers through using Feedly.

Over three million users have transferred from Google to Feedly, and more are expected to follow suit. Joining is very easy, and the site has a simple and customizable interface.

Head to www.feedly.com to get started. There will be a message for Google Reader users, and after you click the link to connect your account, you will be asked to authorize. Say yes.

You'll find that your blogs are imported and ready to go:

Older posts from your Reader will be available too, but you should still hold on to last week's downloaded data. (It's just a good idea.) Feedly uses Google's technology to import and display feeds. What Feedly will be doing after Google Reader shuts down is unclear, but I have confidence that everything will be OK.

After your super simple transition to Feedly, take some time to explore. (If you need help, I again recommend the Whoorl article at the end of this post.) You can change the format in which your blogs are displayed, and how your navigate Feedly.

Good luck, and enjoy!

This is the last Lessons for Old People post until September. Per tradition, and New York City's unbearable heat, I like to take the summer off to attempt to accomplish other projects. In reality, I'm probably more easily found perched reading a book on a barstool in an air-conditioned bar, but getting through these library books are not an ignoble challenge either! When I return, I'll get back to talking about Pinterest too much. If you have any questions, or would like to suggest a topic, please e-mail me: hill.katherinem[at]gmail.com.


Additional Resources:
RSS isn't read: the best Google Reader alternatives, The Verge
The Best RSS Readers To Use Now That Google Reader Is Dead, PopSci
Google’s Aggregator Gives Way to an Heir, The New York Times
How To Use Feedly, Whoorl