After spending the last couple of days reading posts about the topic, it seems like I’m not the only one reeling over the recent announcement that Google Reader is going away. If you were out of touch this week and missed the news, Google Reader will be gone as of July 1st. In reading the various news articles, I’ve read several times that the whole idea of RSS feeds is dead, and that social media is the future of the internet. Apparently, I am dreadfully behind – and I honestly can’t make myself care. To me, social media and RSS feeds are two completely different things. I don’t want to follow a bunch of blogs on Facebook or Twitter or whatever other social media sites I’m missing out on. Social media seems to value quantity over quality, and it gets to be too much. I like the simplicity of GR; I like the fact that it lets me know when the blogs I read have been updated; I like that I can choose whether or not to click over to comment. And, honestly, I don’t want to learn how to use something else!
I know that this sounds like a big old whiny rant, but I feel like whining. And, in light of the fact that I seem to have lost my love of blogging, temporarily or not, I am now questioning the future when it comes to my internet use and presence.
Don’t get me wrong – there are a lot of things I continue to love about blogging, and the biggest is you, my readers. I have gotten to know so many of you through your blogs, through commenting back and forth, through blogging projects. I definitely do not want to lose touch with any of you! I will be looking for a new way to keep touch with the blogs that I follow, and hopefully I will find one that is as simple to use as GR is.
As far as my own blogging, I have been sensing a change coming for a while, and the GR announcement has caused me to spend a lot of time this week talking and thinking about the form those changes will take. I find that these posts – my Sunday Salon posts – are the ones I enjoy the most. I like simply chatting with you all, telling you what I’ve been doing, what’s been happening with Kevin and the kids, and yes, what I’ve been reading. And I am reading – a lot! But while I am reading a lot of great, discussion-worthy books, I am not wanting to write long, discussion-filled posts about them. I like writing my mini-reviews, when there is no pressure to write more than a few sentences of reaction to a book, but when I sit down to write a longer review, it feels like a school assignment and I struggle to make the words flow.
While I don’t think that I want to stop blogging altogether, I do think that a change in focus is coming. My life has been FULL of changes in the past six months, so why not one more, right? I have come up with a short-term plan, as I have some review obligations that I simply cannot walk out on. Here’s what you can expect:
~ For the rest of March, April, and May, things will stay pretty much the way they have been for the past few months: sporadic reviews and Sunday Salon posts. This will give me a chance to clear up the few review copies I have left.
~ I will be taking an extended blogging break during June, July, and August, with one exception – I plan to read the monthly books for the “I’ve Always Meant to Read This Book!” Challenge, and will post my review and the Mr. Linky for others on schedule throughout the end of the year.
~ When I start blogging again in September, this will be more of a personal blog. I will definitely still blog about the books I’m reading, but that will not be my only focus. I honestly don’t know what you’ll find. Posts about parenting teenagers, my faith, marriage, politics? Who knows!
~ I do apologize to those of you who have signed up for the Ireland and Essay reading challenges, as I haven’t been engaging with any of you the way I usually do. I hope you will continue to read for the challenges, and continue to enjoy the reading, but I don’t know that I will be maintaining the challenge pages the way I have in the past. The Mr. Linky’s will stay up, so feel free to continue to link your reviews.
After reading Amy’s post, and the subsequent comments, I know I am not the only one contemplating change. What about you? Do you use Google Reader? Will you mourn its passing? Where do you see your blog taking you in the next year or so?
Oh, and because this is technically a Sunday Salon post, I should tell you what I’m reading!
~ Temple of a Thousand Faces by John Shors – Beautifully written historical fiction.
~ Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman – Love, love, love, love it!
~ Shades of Earth by Beth Revis – Very hard to put down; I want to know how it ends!
~ The Twelve by Justin Cronin – On audio, read by the velvety-voiced Scott Brick.
~ Brooklyn Bones by Triss Stein – Also on audio, read by another amazing voice, Xe Sands.
What are you reading today? Oh, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Yes, yes, re whining rant! I feel exactly the same way! :–)
rhapsodyinbooks´s last post ..March 17, 2013 – Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Rhapsody – I have a feeling there are a lot of us whining!
Twitter: BookAddictHeath
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I totally agree about the GR thing. I chose to go with Feedly upon hearing of GR’s demise and so far I like it quite a bit. It’s almost as simple as GR with a little more prettiness on the page (which is slightly distracting for me, but I’m getting used to it). I highly recommend checking it out.
I also get what you mean about having difficulty with longer reviews. I’ve been working SO much lately that sitting in front of the computer to write reviews has become a chore to me, too. I’m hoping to push through it, because I really do love blogging, but I’m not sure how much longer I can keep up the reading/writing pace I have going right now. We’ll see …
Heather´s last post ..Delirium Stories: Hana, Annabel, and Raven by Lauren Oliver
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Heather – it seems like a lot of bloggers are feeling in transition these days….
I hear you about contemplating your blogging future; I have been there. I don’t blog much about books these days for exactly the reason you have not – it feels like school work…too much pressure to write an intelligent review with reasons for my opinoin. I am going to take your lead and try to write just one quick paragraph of my reaction to the book. Nothing deep but that’s where I am at. Besides, I like your mini-reviews.
GoogleReader: I have not been using this one much.mostly been relying on updated posts coming through in my email. Using email has forced me to be more choosy about which blogs I follow, yours being one of them. I heard that feedburner is going away, and that’s what I am using for my blog. I am not certain what I will do for those who do want to follow. I know that I am not willing to pay for a service; my blog is a hobby. I don’t mind following certain blogs on FB but I like to keep it limited and used as I am currently doing so. Besides, FB has it draw backs. I don’t always see that a blog was updated. It will be interesting to see what others are going to do about this situation.
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Deanna – I may go to e-mail, too, but I have so many, I’m worried I would get overwhelmed!
Twitter: youvegottaread
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I’m right there with you Carrie. Not because of GR…strangely enough I just use the Blogger feed and that has always been good enough for me. But on a week to week basis, I have a real hard time keeping up with everything (and I DON’T WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME!). I feel like I have to steal time to get a review written. I love the interaction with everyone, but I’m wondering if there is another way…
Sandy´s last post ..Sunday Salon: Answers
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Sandy – I know what you mean – I have no idea how people who have a full time job plus family ever find time for blogging!
Like you, I don’t want to follow a bunch of blogs on Facebook either. I don’t mind following a few, though, or finding the posts there. I just don’t want all of them there. So far, I’m testing out Feedly and thinking it will work. As for Heather’s point about it being too distracting, I think there’s a way to change the settings, but I might be wrong about that…as I am new to it.
Bryan G.´s last post ..Why, no, I’m not talking about Google Reader shutting down
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Bryan – I’m leaning more toward Bloglines or The Old Reader. I’ve used Bloglines before, and they both seem pretty similar to GR.
Like you, I am not excited about the changes of the internet toward only social media.
Rebecca´s last post ..TSS: The Interwebs, They are a-Changin’
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Rebecca – I’m glad I’m not the only one!
Oh my gosh … you’ve just made my day. I am so glad that you are loving LOOKING FOR ME!
Thanks a million for reading it, Carrie!
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Beth – you’re welcome – thanks for writing it!
I am so out of it that I don’t even know what google reader is! What I do know is that change is hard (good, bad, or ugly). I applaud you for knowing that you need a change. I so look forward to reading the metamorphisis of your blog in September!
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Thanks, Tobe. You don’t know how much it tickles me that a friend from all the way back in 4th grade (Mrs. Olson’s class) reads my blog.
I really enjoy friending various authors on facebook whose books I read or would like to read. They love having followers too.
Harvee@Book Dilettante´s last post ..Sunday Salon: A Few Good Books
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Harvee – I started doing that, but then my feed was just full of authors and other people I don’t really know. I recently culled my Facebook friends to mostly people I actually know in real life, or who I interact with often online.
Twitter: xesands
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I think your frustration and dismay is totally justified. I also think that changing your blog into something you look forward to and enjoy again is a great plan, even if it means that some things go away in the process. In the end, the blog is your space for personal expression about whatever you want it to be about, and if it’s turned in any way into an obligation or chore, then something’s got to give.
So good on ya for figuring out what feeds you and what doesn’t, and planning some changes that speak to those discoveries. Much luck on your journey!
(PS – glad you’re listening to Brooklyn Bones
That was a fun project to work on.)
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Thanks, Xe. And I am so enjoying Brooklyn Bones – glad to finally get to listen to some of your work!
Twitter: xesands
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Oh! Well I’m doubly glad then – glad you’re listening (because it’s an easy little cozy) and glad you’re enjoying it. Of course, I don’t usually have a slight NYC accent…
Twitter: laurelrainsnow
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I have never used Google Reader…I subscribe by e-mail to the blogs I want to read. But I can relate to those who are accustomed to something that will be lost. That’s never a good feeling!
I try to roll with change…it’s the story of my life…lol. I hope that you find something that works for you.
As for books…I have preordered Beth Hoffman’s Looking for Me, and can’t wait! I know I’m going to love it.
Here’s MY SUNDAY SALON POST
Laurel-Rain Snow´s last post ..AUTHOR’S HOME PAGE
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Laurel – I know you will love it!
I think your changes sound really reasonable and smart and I’m glad you’re not going away forever ?
Amy @ My Friend Amy´s last post ..The Walking Dead: You’ll Be Torn Apart by Teeth or Bullets
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Thanks, Amy.
Twitter: Vasilly
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For a while I was mourning the loss of Google Reader but I found two great replacements: The Old Reader which looks just like Google Reader and BlogLovin. Carrie, I think you need to do what’s best for you. If writing mini-reviews and taking a long break in the summer helps, go for it.
Vasilly´s last post ..Weekend Plans
Twitter: booksandmovies
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V – I’m going to check those other readers out – thanks for the tip!
Twitter: Chrisbookarama
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I really have to start thinking about where I want to take things. I’m not sure what I’m going to do. Mostly I’m worried about losing touch with blogging friends.
Chrisbookarama´s last post ..Lazy Sunday Thoughts On Blog Tours, etc, etc
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Chris – that is my biggest worry, too.
I will look forward to whatever you decide to post. I’m enjoying my Irish author today, it being St. Patrick’s Day and all.
irene´s last post ..Saturday Snapshot…
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Irene – sounds like a perfect way to honor the holiday!
Twitter: Joannainbxl
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I went through something similar and changed the focus of my blog, now I write about all kinds of things. I still read a lot, but do mostly mini reviews, except for books that really do deserve their own post and about which I have loads to say about.
As for GR, I,ve been playing around with netvibes and will still check out the old reader and blog lovin, since lots of people seem to like those. I’m sure that the gap in the market will be filled by something, most people don’t want to just use social media.
Joanna´s last post ..Sunday Salon: My favorite Irish books
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Joanna – I am realizing that after reading all the posts the past couple of days. I’m glad I’m not the only one out there who feels that way!
Oh yeah, baby, whine and rant all you want to and I’ll join in. I’m not terribly happy with GR’s announcement … and I agree, following blogs via FB or Twitter is NOT going to happen for me. Ugh. I’m signed up with Feedly for now and we’ll see how it goes. The whole thing did make me delete a bunch of subscriptions today – I am going to be more selective since Feedly takes longer to get through than GR.
I think I am getting too old for all of this…
Wendy´s last post ..Google Reader Going Away – But, I Hope You’ll Stay
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Wendy – the more I hear about Feedly, the less I think it’s the one for me – I’m going to check out Bloglines and The Old Reader. I know what you mean about feeling too old – I’m still without an e-reader or smart phone!
LOL, Carrie – I don’t have an e-reader or smart phone either…and it is highly unlikely that status will change any time soon. I have a phone that I can call out on, text, and receive messages…and that’s all I need! I’m not thrilled with Feedly either…but I’m going to wait and give it a little time while I continue to see what’s out there.
Wendy´s last post ..Mailbox Monday – March 18, 2013
forgot to sign up for notification of comments…so I’m doing that now
Wendy´s last post ..Google Reader Going Away – But, I Hope You’ll Stay
If I were still blogging one day at a time, I don’t know if I would still be here. I think the only thing that saves me is the fact that I am so far ahead on reviews and posts. It helps take the pressure off of me quite a bit. Still, there are times, like now, where I see that I have five reviews to write and I dread the idea of sitting down to write them. As long as I stay ahead, i know I don’t want to give it up, but I can definitely see this becoming too much for me if I don’t.
Good luck with whatever works best for you!
Michelle´s last post ..The Sunday Salon – March 17th Edition
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Michelle – I used to be that way, too, but it’s been a long time since I’ve had a bunch of posts ready to go.
Twitter: MargReads
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I didn’t even consider the possibility of Twitter and Facebook being my GR replacement because to me they are totally two different beasts!
I was interested to read your thoughts about your future direction. I think that to continue to evolve is a good thing for your blogging and it’s healthy. If I was still writing the same blog as I was 8 years ago I would be bored to death, let alone anyone else!
I look forward to seeing what it is that you come back with at the end of your break.
Marg´s last post ..Sunday Salon: On following and the demise of Google Reader
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Thanks, Marg – so am I! lol It will probably involve a name and design change, which means some brainstorming ahead…
Twitter: BethFishReads
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I tried Feedly and now I’m in the queue for Old Reader — I need my feed reader. It’s the only way I can keep up with my blogger friends. I know I’ve gotten bad about commenting, bu I haven’t stopped reading and I don’t want to be on Twitter all the time and I have never gotten the hang of Facebook.
I hope you don’t disappear forever, but I *totally* get the need for a break and for change.
Beth F´s last post ..Review: Flowers in the Sky by Lynn Joseph
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Candace – I really can’t imagine disappearing forever – every time I think about that, I get sad.
Yeah Carrie, I agree this GR announcement is a real drag. I have no intention to follow blogs thru social media etc. I havent switched to anything yet and may continue with GR till July 1. Just want something simple and similar, perhaps Old Reader will be okay. Google really ticked people off this time …
Susan´s last post ..The Sunday Salon: March Preview
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Susan – I plan to play around with The Old Reader at some point this week and see if I like it.
I can’t imagine using Facebook or Twitter to keep up with the blogs I follow. I sometimes do follow links from both to blogs, but it isn’t often, and I’m certainly not willing to make those my main sources for following blogs. I would miss so much on both because I’m not on them 24/7.
There seems to be a trend right now of book bloggers re-evaluating their blogs and what direction they want to go. I seem to be in that state constantly these days. I will miss you while you are on your break, but I look forward to seeing what you bring us when you return.
Literary Feline´s last post ..Happy Birthday, Mouse!
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Thanks, Wendy.
I know what you mean about constant re-evaluation – that’s been my life in ALL areas these days!
I do use GR and am very sad that it is going away. I’m not sure what I will use instead. I tried Feedly but haven’t quite gotten used to it yet. I’m waiting to see who else will come forward with a solution once it gets closer to July 1st. As for your blog, I will be here whatever your content. I enjoy the stories about your family and life. My blog is changing too. I will still write about books but now that I am getting close to my 50th birthday I am feeling more like I want to write about other things too. It’s all about spending the second half of my life the way I want to instead of trying to fulfill other expectations.
Kathleen´s last post ..A New Beginning
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Kathleen – that sounds like a perfect plan.
Twitter: robnmccormack
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I had a bit of a whine myself, then decided I may go with Feedly. Although I’ve practically quite looking at my reader and since have weaned myself off it, may just going back to checking folks blogs which are listed in my sidebar. I follow a select few authors on fb, but other than that only family. I wouldn’t want to follow everyone on fb or twitter, that’s just too complicated for me.
Totally understand changing your focus. Over the years my blog focus has changed a few times, mainly with my interests. I think we all need to take a break now and then and come back refreshed. Look forward to seeing what your future brings.
Robin McCormack´s last post ..Cha cha cha changes
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Robin – thanks! I am still not sold on feedly – I think I may go with The Old Reader, because it seems very simple.