My Quest for the Perfect News Reader

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not dissing RSS. Nor am I nattering about the RSS vs Atom controversy. But I am in the mood to rant and I want to discuss my growing frustration with all of the News Readers (aggregators) out there.

RSS Feeds are only as Good as your News Reader

First of all there are just so too many to chose from. And the frustrating thing is despite the large numbers I have yet to find my perfect interface for reading and blogging newsfeeds. Sooner or later, (no matter which software I use), eventually I find too many annoying weaknesses that I can’t live with and end up going back to old school bookmarks and tabbed browsing.

So what am I looking for in newsfeed software?

I want a news reader and front end blogging client that will work seamlessly together. I don’t want to have to use two or three separate programs. I want it all in one package.

I want to be able to be browse posts quickly so that I can efficiently cut through all the noise and find the one that interests me, and then view the full webpage with as little fuss as possible.

Despite the fact that most readers offer a built-in browser, I find that loading it in my default browser is still the best method for reading. Besides, a good browser just offers so much more flexibility and control.

There is way too much clutter in news readers with so many windows that need to be opened simultaneously, and then all the hassle of having to collapse the windows for a larger view, etc. Whew, I’m tired just talking about it. It’s a complete pain in the buttocks.

I also want to be able to blog posts directly from my news reader with a built-in client. I want to be able to add del.icio.us or technorati bookmarks (or any other of my own choosing) with the ability to mix and match and customize it to my heart’s content. And when I post I want it to automatically ping sites of my own choosing.

And I Want if to be fast (I mean really fast). Especially when channels are being updated/synchronized. My time is important and the last thing that I need is to have my ‘puter ground to a standstill just because I have a few thousand or so subscriptions. (Well, maybe not quite that many but you know what I mean).

The Holy Grail of News Readers/Blogging Clients

I suppose what I’m really looking for is the Holy Grail of news readers. It would be flexible and fully customizable so that I can work the way I want to and not lock me into someone else’s preconceived notions. I want a news reader, browser and blogging client all wrapped into one with all the bells and whistles. Is that too much to ask for?

Listen up software developers

Web 2.0 is all the rage right now and RSS is at its very core. News readers are the weakest link in the chain and need to get their act together — and fast. Software like Lektora seem to be on the right track but I haven’t yet tried it because it still lacks the flexibility and maturity that I’m looking for.

Will I ever find my perfect news reader/blogging client? At this stage I’m not feeling all that optimistic so I guess old school will continue to be my credo (at least for now).

I don’t want much do I?

All that I am asking for is simplicity, flexibility and speed. If I were a software developer, (and given that the information is already web-based), it would make more sense to me to create a web-based client or a browser add-on, rather than doing it backwards and building a browser into a desktop interface. That would also make sense from a mobility point of view for those who move around a lot and need to use several computers at different locations.

Tell me your story

Anyhow, that’s my two cents worth. I gotta admit this ranting stuff is really theraputic. If you think you’ve already found that perfect news reader/blogging client then please let me know. I would love to hear from you. Anything that makes my life easier and more efficient… I’m all ears.

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UPDATE 04-12-06: I tried Lektora and let’s just say they still have some work to do. It’s a little buggy for my liking but keep at it guys because I think you’re on the right track.

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