Why Google Reader Is Superior To Bloglines

I’m continually amazed at the level of thickheadedness off some people online. There are users who will flock to one service solely to ignore another service that is better, but bigger. It seems that some people are so averse to doing business with big that they’d rather be with an inferior service just because. Such is the case with Bloglines.

WebProNews ran a news story saying Bloglines didn’t update any of its blogs one day. Evidently, they’ve been having problems since February 12.

I use Google Reader as my web-based RSS reader because it works. Google Reader has never had a problem. It’s not the only RSS feed reader that is worth having, but it is one of the best web-based feed readers online. Bloglines is owned by Ask.com, fourth in the search engine wars. That’s why some people like it – it’s not Google. That’s fine, but if they can’t provide a useful service then it doesn’t matter that they’re not Google. That’s like driving a Ford because it isn’t a Chevy only to find that your Ford won’t start every other day. You might as well drive a Chevy.

But here’s the kicker: WebProNews writer Doug Caverly feels it necessary to point out that the Google Reader blog hasn’t been updated in 18 days, as if that’s going to make a difference. His article began by pointing out that Bloglines hasn’t issued a press release since June 2005. I want to know what either of these two facts have to do about the issue of an RSS aggregator not working properly? People don’t use the product because they’re being communicated with properly. They use the product because it delivers quality service – Google Reader does, Bloglines doesn’t. Communication is only necessary when the product doesn’t work properly – again, Google Reader does, Bloglines doesn’t. It sounds like Bloglines not only has a techical issue, but they have a PR issue as well. Google Reader has no issues. Why bring up the non-existent?