The Old Reader To Close Public Site In Two Weeks (Unless It Doesn't) 93
An anonymous reader writes "When Google first announced Google Reader would be shut down, the news kick-started a very competitive race to create the best alternative. At least one service, however, did not welcome the change, and is now planning to close up shop next month: The Old Reader. In fact, if you navigate to the service's homepage now, you'll be greeted by this sad message: "Unfortunately we had to disable user registration at The Old Reader." In two weeks, the public site will be shut down and a private one, available to a select few (accounts will be migrated automatically), will take its place." An update on the story says "We have received a number of proposals that we are discussing right now. Chances are high that public The Old Reader will live after all," so a reprieve may be possible.
Re:The what? (Score:3, Insightful)
If you're going to attempt such a blatant slashvertisement-disquised-as-a-story, at least tell us what the fuck "The Old Reader" *is*.
I presume it's yet another RSS-reader similar to Google Reader, like so many others out there??
I enjoy using The Old Reader - I also just happened to hear about them closing up shop this morning, however it wasn't communicated well unless you read their blog. I'm happy this was posted up on Slashdot as it draws attention to the issue that they were considering shutting down their servers. This is news that matters to me.
Amateur Hobbyists (Score:4, Insightful)
I have been using The Old Reader since before Google Reader went offline.
I stuck with them through month long wanting queues, ubiquitous downtime and slow servers, and extended offline time. Thinking these guys were not amateur hobbyists doing something neat for as long as it suited them.
Then one day I am told that I did not sign up early enough, and that they are closing down because it is too much work.
I don't care if it continues publicly, I will not be using it anymore.
Re:The what? (Score:3, Insightful)
If you're going to attempt such a blatant slashvertisement-disquised-as-a-story, at least tell us what the fuck "The Old Reader" *is*.
I presume it's yet another RSS-reader similar to Google Reader, like so many others out there??
No, it's a video site of septuagenarians reading novels out loud.
The summary started off by talking about Google Reader (which you clearly knew what it was) and went on to talk about The Old Reader, so it's pretty clear what it is. There are these newfangled things in writing called 'context' [merriam-webster.com] and 'inference' [merriam-webster.com] which you might want to look into. They're very handy.
Solution (Score:1, Insightful)
Someone build a good reader site, charge $5 a month for it and use the money to hire people to maintain it.
If you want a good product, pay for it you fucking cheapskates.