How Google helped destroy adoption of RSS feeds (2023) (openrss.org)

Article summary

The article discusses how Google's actions have contributed to the decline of RSS feed adoption, citing examples such as the removal of the RSS button from Chrome, the acquisition and limitation of FeedBurner, and the shutdown of Google Reader. Google's behavior is seen as exploiting the open web at the expense of its users. The article argues that Google's actions have undermined user confidence in RSS feeds and have threatened the freedom and openness of the internet. The company's history of building and then removing RSS support from its products has led to a decline in RSS usage.

Main themes

• Google's impact on RSS
• Decline of open web
• User confidence
• Google's business strategy
• RSS feed adoption

What commenters say

• Google's decision to kill Google Reader was a turning point in the company's relationship with its users, marking a shift from a focus on user needs to a focus on promoting its own products.
• The removal of RSS support from Google's products was likely driven by a desire to increase ad revenue and control over user data.
• Google's failure to maintain and support its products, such as Google Reader and Google+, has led to a decline in user trust and a perception that the company is not committed to its users.
• The company's focus on creating successful products has led to a culture that prioritizes launches over long-term support and maintenance, resulting in a lack of follow-through on its commitments to users.
• Google's actions have driven users away from RSS feeds and towards social media platforms, which has had negative consequences for the open web and user autonomy.
• The company's decision to kill Google Reader and other products was a missed opportunity to create a successful social network and to provide a valuable service to its users.
• Google's culture is to blame for its failure to support and maintain its products, with a focus on launches and a lack of emphasis on nurturing and supporting existing products.
• The decline of RSS feeds has had significant consequences for the way people consume information online, with many users now relying on social media platforms and algorithms to discover new content.