Color me Bloglines
Now there's a web app!
When it comes to user interfaces, I'll take using and writing native Windows applications over web apps any day. There are simply too many poorly done web apps, particularly those that are written by people that are trying to emulate a fat/smart/whatever client. It just doesn't work well.
Bloglines has that something special that makes it a pleasure to use. I think I'll call it the "click BOOM click BOOM" effect.
I have two requirements when using a web app:
- Present everything I need to complete a task in front of me, whether it's input or links to other pages. No context menus or other Windows-like things that are rarely, if ever, done correctly. Not only is the implementation usually off, but it's just not intuitive in a browser.
- Speed. When I click something, deliver the next page before my mouse button is back in the upright position.
"Click BOOM click BOOM" Everything I need is right in front of me, I can click it, get the next page instantly, click something else, get the next page instantly, etc. Unfortunately, most web sites lack this very "feature", thus my preference for Windows apps.
Anyway, back to Bloglines. I've used SharpReader, NewsGator (don't get me started on that one), FeedDemon, RssBandit, and probably some others. All are fine and each add value in their own way, but none of the value-adds are significant enough to make them essential. I just want to see the latest blog postings and maybe read the comments if I have time (which I rarely do). Bloglines does exactly that, not much more, and does it
fast. The fact that I can access it anywhere is a bonus; I'd still use it if it was tied to a single machine.
Well done, Bloglines. Add me to your list of happy customers. (At least until I switch to the Next Great Thing.)