Blogs & Blog Readers

Decisions, Decisions...

As I was reading the article, The 12 Best RSS Reader Apps to Follow Your Favorite Blogs, Sites, and Feeds, it was clear to me that the best RSS Reader App for me was Feedly.


I really liked how I could turn the feeds into graphics and how the sidebar gave me options in what I wanted to view (which I know is a feature provided on all Readers).  However, just the fact that I can view the images, is what really made me choose Feedly as my designated RSS Reader App since I'm such a visual person.


One thing that turned me away from a handful of the RSS Reader Apps is that many of them did not appear visually appealing or user friendly.  I love graphics that are eye-catching and visually appealing, especially since that's usually the first thing that catches my attention.  I'm the type of person that sees the image first before the text.  Also, in my personal opinion, everyone needs a little color in their life.

ReadKit

Unfortunately, not everyone will have those graphics in apps like NewsBlur and ReadKit, which seem to have homepages that look very much to be like the home page of your e-mail, listing all of the news feed coming in with graphics possibly appearing only after you click on the feeder link.  This e-mail appearance-like feature is especially seen in RSSOwl.


And though some Readers appear to be able to do it all, such as FlowReader, the page appears too busy with the eyes not really knowing where to go because there's just so much text all over the homepage.

FlowReader

FlowReader is able to provide you with feeds from not only your favorite blogs, but also feeds from your Facebook page and provide you with a sidebar specifically meant for your Twitter account.  My Twitter account does not mess with my Facebook page (and vice versa), but that's probably because I'm not that savvy when it comes to social media applications.  Lastly, there are just some RSS Reader Apps that come with a price (why pay when you can get a similar product for free) and/or are just not meant for a Windows.

As of now, I really do think that Feedly is the perfect fit for me especially since I'm the type of person that likes to keep things separate - at least for now.  Possibly once I get the hang of using all these different types of social media applications, my perspective may change and I'll be ready to use an RSS Reader App like FlowReader (even if it doesn't provide the feeds in the form of graphics like Feedly does).

This blog was created by Buffy Hamilton, who was a teacher turned librarian turned teacher.  Many things that Hamilton has on her blog are meant for the teacher than the student.  She provides activities that have helped her in the classroom (specifically research templates and the process of how she used them).  Hamilton also has a few posts about some professional developments that she has attended at her campus and discusses how she modifies them to be in the classroom.  The best thing that I have to say about this blog though is that she provides many resources for writing activities.

Nikki D. Robertson is the creator of this blog, and it is such a wonderful reference guide for both the new and veteran librarian.  Robertson provides guidance in her posts, reminding the librarian to be themselves and what the most important aspects are of being one.  She provides a step by step process on how to be acclimated with using technology and social media sites.  Lastly, one of the best things about this particular blog is that Robertson appears to be very active for her followers.

Created in 2009, this book/media review blog is literally meant for those that are die-hard fans of young adult material - whether it be literature or media (though the media items presented in the blog are mostly derived from literature, such as the creation of the TV show "Shadowhunters" being a possibility thanks to Cassie Clare's The Mortal Instruments series).  Though this blog may not appear to be much use to a teacher or librarian, it can definitely help spark interest in those Reluctant Young Adult Readers (RYAR).  Plus, can you imagine the types of conversations (crossing fingers for book talks) that could take place once RYARs realize that some of their favorite TV shows are books?

This Tumblr blog does not seem to be very active at the moment; however, don't let that prevent you from visiting.  The creator of this blog provides many different ideas for displays, many of which will bring a chuckle or giggle from the patrons.  The blog is perfect for assisting the new librarian with garnering interest, especially in those reluctant readers.  And as for you veteran librarians, don't fret - some of these displays are definitely meant to spark creativity.

Mystery Display

One of my favorite displays from this particular blog.

Another blog found on Tumblr, the creator posts her own reviews of various books that she has within her collection, and she's definitely not afraid to be honest.  She discusses new released books and books that she remembers reading when she was younger, stating how some are so memorable to her and how Jessica Sorensen's The Fallen Star series is the main reason why she has become such an avid reader.  This blog can be a great tool for readers looking for something new to read while possibly providing the librrian inspiration for the next book club book.

To see the other types of blogs I follow on my Tumblr page, just click on the link: https://smirkingcheshirecat.tumblr.com/