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Knowledge is Power, Convenience is Weakness

There’s been some interesting reactions to my previous post on Google/FeedBurner problems and my announcement that I’m “de-Google-fying” my life. I have the more extended story, what I’m doing, and what I’m going to do, on the audio below. If you’re reading this in your email or in a reader and you don’t see the audio player below, please come visit Remarkablogger to listen.

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6 Responses to Knowledge is Power, Convenience is Weakness
  1. Dana Lookadoo
    February 6, 2009 | 12:07 am

    Thanks for the Utter, Michael!

    So WITH you! I’ve been concerned about the draw of Google’s wonderful tools for too long. I’ve been slowing weaning myself from the comfortable, easy-to-use monolith for a while. Oh, the departure and letting go is so slow.

    I switched to Netvibes a few months ago and love it!

    I’ve been looking at alternative Analytics:

    Woopra – http://www.woopra.com
    CrazyEgg – http://crazyegg.com

    Working away from Gmail and Google Apps dependence – getting the shakes.

    Now, what to do about RSS feeds?

    P.S. to Twitter
    Please do not sell out to Google!

  2. Adriana
    February 6, 2009 | 7:32 am

    This was excellent. I felt fully informed. I hadn’t heard about this situation and I appreciate your opening my eyest to it.

  3. Joe
    February 6, 2009 | 8:45 pm

    Hey Michael,
    I hear ya. Never used Google Reader, or Analytics (until the FB fiasco) and don’t forget about YouTube.
    If “G” decides you don’t fit, neither will any of your online info.
    It all boils down to the whole Cloud thing. If a business or an individual depends on an online service for their services they are doomed if that service ceases to exist (or is bought out by Google).
    Just my $.02
    Joe

  4. Terry Heath
    February 7, 2009 | 5:04 pm

    Great points and something worth considering. I’m wondering what you have planned for your RSS feed though?

  5. Post Office Sunday | Linkers Blog
    February 8, 2009 | 1:03 am

    [...] Martine discusses how knowledge is power and convenience is weakness.  If you want some empowerment, I would recommend you listen to this [...]

  6. Karen Goodman
    February 8, 2009 | 3:16 am

    I am SO glad that I listed to your podcast. I’ve been feeling a bit like I wasn’t on the cutting edge. I’ve been using my domain email for the past few years and signed up for RSS to start with bloglines. I’ve thought about switching to Google Reader a few times since that’s the one that everyone talks about, but it just seemed like too much trouble to make the switch.

    As far as analytics, my web designer set me up with Clicky and I’ve been happy with it. I do occasionally check Google analytics and website tools for added info.

    Anyway, now I don’t feel so behind the curve and feel more in control of my destiny. Thanks.

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