Don’t worry, Google. I still like you.

I can’t deny it. I have a soft spot for Google. My Gmail has been open almost non-stop on my computer for 3 years, Google Maps is the best (true that, double true), Google News keeps me apprised of the latest shenanigans of the likes of Lindsay and Britney and Dubya, and Google Documents makes it easy to procrastinate on school assignments. So it was only a matter of time before I tried out Google Reader.

Reader is a nifty online app from Google that takes your favorite RSS feeds and compiles them in a Gmail-like inbox interface. Neat idea, really, and something I thought I might use, but after only a half day, I’m not so sure it’s for me. And I don’t necessarily think it’s Google’s fault either. I just think the basic premise of Reader takes away from one of my favorite pastimes – surfing the web.

When I go to different websites and blogs, I enjoy the diversity. I like the different fonts, layouts, and all that stuff that makes a site unique. You strip that away (like Reader does) and I’m left bored. What I was going to look at just doesn’t seem as appetizing anymore. Everything runs together. And that’s not even touching on the inbox interface. After your second or third feed, those dozens of now-bland posts stack up and can be a bit overwhelming (or underwhelming) to sort through.

To anyone who was thinking about trying out Reader, you should still go ahead. It really is neat and you’ll probably find something you like. But for now, I think I’ll stay away from one of the almighty Google’s offerings, and browse the Internet like I always have…with style(sheets).

^ Forgive the pun, mouseover for the difference.