Google Reader Impact on RSS
Google announced the discontinuation of its RSS aggregator, Google Reader, in March 2013, and it was officially shut down on July 1, 2013. Google cited a decline in usage as one of the reasons for discontinuing the product.
The discontinuation of Google Reader did have a significant impact on the RSS ecosystem. Here's a brief overview:
Immediate Reaction: The announcement sparked a considerable outcry from a dedicated user base and brought about a renewed discussion about the importance of RSS and its future in the age of social media.
Migration to Other Services: Post-announcement, many users scrambled to find alternatives. This led to a surge in interest in other RSS readers, with some like Feedly gaining millions of new users within a short span. Other services like Old Reader and Inoreader also saw increased usage.
Discussion on Centralization vs. Decentralization: Google Reader's discontinuation sparked a discussion about the dangers of relying too heavily on centralized services. Many in the tech community argued for the importance of decentralized platforms and services that aren't dependent on the whims of large companies.
Impact on RSS Popularity: While the exact impact of Google Reader's shutdown on the overall popularity of RSS is hard to measure, it's safe to say that the demise of such a prominent service did contribute to a perception that RSS was on the decline, especially in the eyes of the general public. However, among tech-savvy individuals and certain professionals, RSS remains a valuable tool.
Innovation in the Space: The vacuum left by Google Reader prompted new and existing services to innovate and improve. This led to the development of new features, improved user interfaces, and better integration with other platforms among the surviving RSS aggregators.
In conclusion, while Google Reader's discontinuation did have a negative short-term impact on the perception and use of RSS, it also gave a chance for other platforms to thrive and innovate. RSS remains an essential tool for many, especially those who want a more curated and direct way of accessing content without the interference of algorithms that dictate content delivery on platforms like Facebook or Twitter.