Most of you know that I use Bloglines as my preferred feed reader (or “feed reading service”). I like Bloglines because it’s easy to use and 99% hassle-free. Most of all, I like Bloglines because it’s web-based. That means that I can read my Blogroll from any computer at any time, and that I can keep my read/unread status in sync between home and work. But, sometimes Bloglines just doesn’t cut it, and I find myself in need of an actual feed reader (Podz, I’m looking at you. ^_- ). When I find myself in that situation, I use RSSOwl. Why? Because it’s free, open-source, and cross-platform. More to the point, I use RSSOwl because it works. Was this entire post just a plug for RSSOwl? That’s for me to know, and you to find out.
Warning! This Feed may Contain RSS!
In
10 responses
What he said!
I was using NewsFire as my RSS Reader until it went the paid route recently so I looked around for a free alternative and found RSSOwl.
I have to say, I am surprised at how good it is – not quite Aqua so the interface takes a bit of getting used to but otherwise, I’m a fan.
Tom
Thanks for adding your input, Tom. I have to say, I was quite depressed to see NewsFire go the route of shareware, but the developer does have the right to request payment.
BTW, congratulations on posting the 100th comment!
Meeeeeeee? why ?
RSSOwl – Bryan put me onto that and I have played, inc the new version:
– I cannot assign the update interval by folder.
– It does not seem to cache properly
– I have yet to work out history keeping with it.
It does look very promising, and I like the tabbed display but for now Abilon rules. (Having around 120+ feeds doesn’t help I guess)
Heh, I only mentioned you because whenever I try to add your feed to Bloglines, I get this big message, “The user has requested to be removed from the Bloglines service.” So, I can’t use Bloglines to read your feed.
Really ? I got fed up with being nagged so I told them to put it back.
Just checked and I am there.
And Bloglines ? UGGGLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 🙂
Thanks! Glad to know you’re back! Bloglines may be ugly, but it’s functional.
That’s like pointing to a woman with a face like the underside of a tram and saying “Yea, but she’s functional”
😛
100th comment?
Cool, what’s the prize? What do I win? 🙂
I hate bloglines too, I’m afraid. I can see how it would be useful if you are going from machine to machine, but I bring my PowerBook everywhere and use my RSS reader of choice on that.
My biggest issue with bloglines is not aesthetics (sorry Podz) – rather it is speed. I find it terribly slow waiting for the pages to refresh compared to an RSS reader.
Must look into Abilon.
Cheers,
Tom
Hmmmm I found this when I looked for Abilon:
Platform: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP
Well, after I just complaining about the speed of Bloglines, there’s no way I’m installing this on VirtualPC – RSSReader it is.
Tom
I’m sure Abilon is a great RSS reader, but it’s not cross-platform and it’s not for Macs.
As for the 100th comment, I’ll have to think about a prize. Given my situation as of late, it my be nothing more than my eternal friendship, but I hope that’s good enough for something. ^_-