We all have different facets of our personality – if only work and family. The things that are relevant and interesting for work are off-topic for family. It’s an national election year, so I bet a you’re tracking politics more closely than other years. Again, a separate facet or mindset. Sometimes distinct from the other two.
Last night, I spoke with someone who maintains 2 separated Google Reader accounts – each one for a different high-level topic (marketing news vs. industry news). To switch between those topics, he needs to sign out of one Google account sign into the other (or have a browser / account). Not the most reader-friendly or elegant set up, but it solved the problem of information-overload-via-mixed-interests.
I was impressed with the hack, but not surprised. Today’s feed readers break quickly once feed counts hit triple digits and the ‘single reading list per person’ amplifies the problem.
Right now, I’m actively maintaining 5 feed reading lists (“Cullections”) in Cullect.com for a total of 210 feeds:
- Technology News: Cullect.com/1
- Friends & Family: Cullect.com/5
- My Favorite Podcasts: Cullect.com/33
- Economics: Cullect.com/53
- PodcastMN: Cullect.com/66
I quickly navigate to each reading list by clicking it’s number at the top of my browser window, or using the number keyboard shortcuts. No re-signing-in or moving to a completely different browser.
While there’s a little overlap in feeds across those lists, I find it useful for ensuring I catch the really relevant things – those things overlapping my interests.
In each of those interests, there are different people I trust. For example, Ben Moore and I have similar economics perspectives. I’m interested in the economics feeds he reads and the individual posts he finds interested. So, I’ve invited him to my Economics reading list. Think of it as pair-programming for feed reading. We each get the benefit of another pair of eyes at the day’s items. With Cullect.com being open – you can read the things we’re reading and use it to start your own economics reading list – with a different slant.
All of this is to state, I no longer feel information overload and I’ve been able to dramatically cut down the time I take reading feeds all while feeling more connected.
Plus, when others ask me what blogs or podcasts I like, I can point them to one of these reading lists and they’re on their way.
Monthly subscriptions are now available for as little as $6/month (gets you 3 Cullections). Try it out and let me know what you think.
Thanks.