The Rise of Email Subscriptions for Blogs

The author of this blog post is transitioning away from RSS feeds and adopting email subscriptions as the primary way for readers to stay updated. The author explains that this decision is partly driven by the decline in the popularity of RSS feeds, exemplified by the discontinuation of services like Google Reader and Feedburner.

• The author notes that the decline of RSS feeds has negatively impacted the reach of blogs that update infrequently, as these blogs rely heavily on RSS subscriptions to maintain a consistent audience.
• Conversely, the author believes that blogs that publish frequently, such as those focused on tech news and updates, will benefit from the shift away from RSS, as they can leverage other platforms like social media and aggregators to reach their audience.

The Impact of RSS Decline on Infrequent Blogs

The author argues that the demise of RSS has created a significant disadvantage for blogs that update less frequently, often run by individuals or small teams who are busy with other pursuits. These blogs, often providing insightful and high-quality content, are losing visibility and traffic as readers move away from RSS.

• The author cites examples of well-respected blogs, such as Steve Blank's blog, which have seen their audience decrease due to the decline of RSS.
• The author suggests that RSS feeds are particularly valuable for these infrequent blogs, as they allow readers to stay informed without having to constantly check the blog for new content.

The Advantages of Frequent Blogs in a Post-RSS World

In contrast to infrequent blogs, the author predicts that blogs that publish frequent updates, such as tech news aggregators like Business Insider and Techcrunch, will benefit from the shift away from RSS.

• These blogs already leverage various platforms, including social media, aggregators, and their own app ecosystems, to reach a large audience. The decline of RSS is unlikely to have a significant impact on their traffic.
• The author believes that platforms like Flipboard, Techmeme, and Hacker News will become even more prominent in the absence of RSS, further solidifying their position as key channels for consuming tech news and updates.

Moving Forward: Email as the New RSS

The author recognizes the need for a new system to connect readers with quality content in a post-RSS world. The author sees email subscriptions as a promising alternative, providing a direct and reliable way to reach a targeted audience.

• The author encourages readers to switch from RSS to email subscriptions, emphasizing the personalized nature of email and its ability to deliver content directly to readers' inboxes.
• The author acknowledges that this move is a shift away from the traditional model of RSS but believes it is a necessary evolution for blogs to continue thriving.

Email Subscriptions: Connecting With Readers in a Changing Tech Landscape

The author argues that email subscriptions are a valuable tool for engaging with readers in a changing tech landscape. Email allows blogs to build a more direct relationship with their audience, fostering a sense of community and delivering tailored content.

• The author believes that email subscriptions are particularly well-suited for blogs focused on tech, Silicon Valley, marketing, and startups, as these topics often require in-depth analysis and personalized insights.
• The author emphasizes that email subscriptions can be a more effective way to reach readers than RSS, especially for those interested in niche topics and high-quality content.

The Author's Experience: Lessons Learned from RSS and Email

The author shares their own experience with RSS and email subscriptions, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches.

• The author acknowledges that they have a large following on their RSS feed but wishes they had focused on building an email list earlier. The author believes that email subscriptions are more reliable and provide a closer connection with readers.
• The author encourages other bloggers to consider the shift to email, emphasizing the long-term benefits of direct communication with their audience.

The Future of Content Consumption: Blogs, Email, and Aggregators

The author concludes by offering insights into the future of content consumption in a post-RSS world. The author believes that blogs will need to adapt to the changing landscape, embracing email subscriptions, social media, and aggregators to reach their audience.

• The author suggests that blogs can leverage email subscriptions to deliver high-quality content to their readers and build a loyal following.
• The author also acknowledges the importance of aggregators, such as Flipboard and Hacker News, in driving traffic to blogs and providing a platform for discovering new content.

The Author's Call to Action: Embracing the Shift to Email

The author ends the blog post by encouraging readers to subscribe to their email newsletter, providing a link to sign up. The author emphasizes the value of their newsletter, highlighting its focus on tech, Silicon Valley, marketing, and startups.

• The author invites readers to join their community of subscribers and receive regular updates on the latest trends and insights.
• The author emphasizes the importance of staying informed in the ever-evolving world of tech, marketing, and startups, and positions their email newsletter as a valuable resource for doing so.