Google Reader - Because Sharing Is Caring
From Shifted Learning
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What is all this new interest in Google Shared Items, Google Reader, and Google Chat? It requires a bit on configuration on the front end, but is well worth what you will get.
Contents |
[edit] Google Mail & Google Chat
Log into Google Mail.
Take a gander at "Chat" in your left sidebar. Begin entering a friend's Gmail address. Start with ijohnpederson@gmail.com. I don't bite.
Image:Google Invite to Chat.jpg
See the little menu over there on the right? It will say "Invite to Chat". You want to click that.
An "acceptance request" message shows up for the other person. He/she clicks "Yes/No" and you are joined.
[edit] Google Reader
Head on over to Google Reader. Woot! You have friends!
Image:Google Friends Shared.jpg
Once you have established a Google Chat relationship with a person, they show up as a "Friend" in Google Reader.
Before we get all crazy with the sharing and caring, please click "Manage Friends"
Google is working on a profile system that crosses products. Pretty please, take the time to enter your information. Full names as display names, k? It helps the cause.
[edit] Marking Things Shared in Google Reader
I'm not going to explain using Google Reader. Google does a much better job of that. I was once a Bloglines evangelist. I spent significant time as a NetNewsWire snob. Google Reader now trumps both.
When you come across something in Google Reader that you want to share with your friends, you have two options.
- Shift + S on the keyboard. (Love those keyboard shortcuts in Google Reader.)
- Mouse click on the "Share" as shown below.
[edit] Advanced Tips
- You now have yet another instant messaging platform. Google's IM interface isn't the best. I'm a fan of Adium (Mac). I hear people like Trillian (PC) as well.
