« NewsGator Online, now free | Main | Slide Rules are Fascinating »

October 18, 2004

NewsGator Online v. Bloglines

I've been trying out NewsGator Online and comparing it to Bloglines.

First, the good:

1. It looks better...
2. It loads faster...
3. It seems to be updated more frequently...

than Bloglines.

The bad:

1. No favicon makes it hard to locate when using tabbed browsers.
2. Organizing subscriptions into folders is much easier using Bloglines (select subscriptions, click on Move to folder...). In NewsGator you must move each feed individually.
3. When reading a feed within a folder, marking all items as read will close the containing folder. To read the next feed inside the folder you must click on the folder to open it and select the feed. Awkward at best.
4. When clicked, posts open in the same window. They should open in a new window/tab so you can continue to check your subscriptions.
5. No Firefox integration. Bloglines' Firefox integration is as good as it gets.
6. Folders containing subscriptions/feeds will close when you click on any feed. Why can't folders stay open for easy access to their contents?

The I don't know yet whether it's good or bad:

1. When reading a feed you must either individually delete all posts or click on "Delete All Posts on This Page". Otherwise the posts will stay there. Bloglines will consider all posts as read once you close the feed, only displaying new posts when you return to the feed. Bloglines lets you display all posts within your login session, 12 hours ago, a day ago, etc... in case you wish to see something old.

In bloglines you can click on a post to make it "sticky" so it won't go away once you close the feed. I like this approach better because it requires the least amount of work from the user. You normally look at all new posts in a feed, open those that interest you in a new tab, once in a while keep a post you find interesting, and then move on to a new feed.

I suppose I could get used to clipping whatever interests me and deleting all posts before moving on to the next feed. But it's a lot of unnecessary user input if you ask me.

All in all, NewsGator Online has lots of potential. In speed and looks it wins easily. Now if they would just address some minor UI issues... it'd rock.

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83421356f53ef00e550336df18834

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference NewsGator Online v. Bloglines:

» NewsGator Online - the web-based aggregator for everyone from Greg Reinacker's Weblog
You've probably heard by now that we've re-launched NewsGator Online, our web-based aggregator, and we've made much of... [Read More]

Comments

Thank you very much for the information I really appreciate it!!

i really like the info at this page.. thanks!

i really like the info at this page.. thanks!

Hi guys, you should to know that many companies noted that Tadalafil,an oral medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction,so please try to use it,maybe it would be your best solution to ED

When you order generic viagra you will never fail at getting an erection so you will loose the fear which holds you back from engaging in sexual intercourse.

I will continue to order generic viagra and I hope that all men who suffer from impotence will do so as well, since to order generic Viagra online is the best idea to save up a couple of dollars.

Health and fitness is always a person's prime concern today's hectic lifestyle and fast-paced society.

comment,


When you order generic viagra you will never fail at getting an erection so you will loose the fear which holds you back from engaging in sexual intercourse.

thanks for sharing it.

Verify your Comment

Previewing your Comment

This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.

Working...
Your comment could not be posted. Error type:
Your comment has been posted. Post another comment

The letters and numbers you entered did not match the image. Please try again.

As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.

Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.

Working...

Post a comment