I had totally planned on writing a different post today – one of those “what I did in February” posts. That is, until my blog reader started filling up with ‘alarming’ posts saying “Google Friend Connect” is leaving!!!
I clicked onto the first blog with that title (or something similar) and realized it was a Wordpress blog. Google Friend Connect (GFC) is being retired today from Wordpress blogs, not Blogger-hosted blogs. Although I’m removing my GFC box today too.
Ok, first, if you have a Wordpress blog, don’t panic. The only thing going away is the little ‘badge of honor’ thingie. Your followers are still there and can still read your blog on Google Reader.
But that raises an important question -
But what about NEW followers?
Does this mean new followers can’t follow you on Google Reader? No! All they need to do is Subscribe to your blog on Google Reader. No biggie.
And the same holds true if you want to follow a blog. If you use Google Reader to follow blogs you love, just hit the red Subscribe button and entire the blog url (http address).
You can also categorize the blogs you follow on Google Reader too, which makes it fun and is a timesaver. At least, it is for me.
Do I have to use Google Reader to follow blogs?
Nope. You can subscribe via email. Or use another RSS reader. You can use Networked Blogs on Facebook. You can just ‘like’ their page on FB and see their posts. Or circle them on Google+, although a lot of bloggers (like me) aren’t too good yet at posting each link.
So what’s the big deal about GFC retiring?
Well, if you have, say, 2000 followers or more, visitors won’t be able to see that number in your sidebar. Truthfully? I can see where that’d be a big deal. I mean, how many times to you visit a new blog and check out how many followers they have. Or is that just me? C’mon! ‘Fess up!
I actually think it’s a good thing (speaking as a blogger with under 1000 GFC followers). Now when I visit a blog, I’ll read their content and decide for myself whether I want to come back or not. I won’t be ‘swayed’ by the little box with tiny thumbnail pics.
But maybe that’s just me.
How do you follow your favorite blogs? And, more importantly, do you offer different ways for people to follow you?
Thanks for the clarification. I don't use GFC, but I was wondering what all of the hype was about...all makes sense now. :)
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing all your knowledge Colleen! I know everyone appreciates it
ReplyDeleteI also follow blogs for content that I am interested in at the time. Like here? 8) I like to subscribe via email because its a reminder in my face. I tend to forget about google reader..hhmmmm maybe not using it right. I try to offer as many options on my site Handmade Jewelry News so people can decide for themselves.
ReplyDeleteThanx for addressing this. glad i came across it.