Why I want YOU to use Google Reader...

Use Google Reader. It's that simple. If you read any news, headlines, blogs, or listen to podcasts... you need to use it! And if you use it properly, it will benefit both of us! Here are a few reasons why:

1.  Reader uses RSS feeds to automatically collect and organize news sources, blogs, and podcasts. You don't have to jump all over the internet to see what new is happening in the world, sports headlines, or coupons. You can combine them all to one reader.
2. Easily subscribe to any RSS feed - Just click on the feed icon and Google is usually an option.
   
3. Browse other existing blogs - Maybe you'll find something interesting you never knew existed... like LifeHacker, Seth Godin, or Boing Boing.
4. Share items with friends - While you are using Reader and you find an interesting story, you can simply push a button to share with other Reader users. It's essentially like showing people newspaper clipping or using digg. It also stores your shared feeds on a separate site, which has its own RSS feed. Or you can display your shared feeds on a widget, as I have in my sidebar. So add me as a friend and share what you think is cool!
5. Add notes to shared items - As I do on this site occasionally, it is common for bloggers to have a list of links with some comments. Google Reader lets you add comments to items you want to share, so you can explain their relevance. Perhaps even more excellent, they have a note tool that you can store in your bookmark toolbar, which lets you share and add notes as you browse the web.
   
6. Reader trends - If you want to track your Reader stats, there are also some options for that... this is very helpful in addressing your addiction to Reader and taking steps to control your urges. I'm a recovering GReadaholic too... you're not alone.
   
7. Embed in you iGoogle homepage - I personally don't use Reader in iGoogle because it doesn't have all of the features and it isn't efficient enough... but if you want to do it, you can.
   
8. Friends' blogs - I know asking everyone to create a blog is a stretch too, but I really would enjoy that. I'm willing to bet that more people than you realize care about your opinions, hobbies, or observations. Subscribe to mine and I want to subscribe to yours!
   

It should be noted that other feed reader sites exist, such as Bloglines. But I am just infatuated with Google products and I prefer it to Bloglines, so I suggest GReader.
Getting back to why I want YOU to use Google Reader... mainly it's because I can't read everything on the web everyday. It's just not possible. And I would rather take the time to read a few select items from people I know, rather than whatever jackholes are out there on digg. If you want any suggestions on good blogs that I already read, just ask! I really would like you to subscribe to my shared items and then we can exchange interesting things we read. I value all of my friends' opinions, so I would greatly value everyone using the share function on Google Reader. I mean it.
You really really need to try Google Reader...it's so wonderful, it's worthy of singing about!