Mastodawn

I really love @tg's #UX observations on #PhantomObligation and #RSSReaders (it's very similar to what I've been saying about "RSS zero" not being a healthy aim!).

Fortunately, my favourite #RSSReader @freshrss supports custom CSS. Here's how I reconfigure it to suppress most of the badges and unread counts:

🔗 More: https://danq.me/phantom-obligation-vs-freshrss

Reducing Phantom Obligation in FreshRSS

Terry Godier's fantastic article last week introduced us to the term 'phantom obligation' and reiterated something I've been saying for years: that 'RSS zero', unlike 'inbox zero', is not an admirable goal. And that reminded me to share with you how I personally make my FreshRSS installation feel more like a tool that serves me, not the other way around.

Dan Q

Grégory Gutierez 🌻🎸🐧Feb 2

"An interface that shows you an unread count is making an argument: that reading is something to be counted, that progress is something to be measured, that your relationship to this content is one of obligation. We should be more conscious of which arguments we're immersing ourselves in, hour after hour, day after day."

FF @tg

#RSS #PhantomObligation #Design

https://www.terrygodier.com/phantom-obligation

Phantom Obligation

Why RSS readers look like email clients, and what that's doing to us.

Terry Godier

gittaca Jan 31

> Why do RSS readers look like email clients? […]
> You can't borrow the layout of an inbox without also borrowing some of its psychology.

A deeply insightful post about #RSSreader UI designs.

> … unread count means something specific […] social debt.

#PhantomObligation: "The guilt you feel for something no one asked you to do."

Not advertising for DHH, but Hey made in interesting design choice for newsletter emails, that likely works for #RSS readers as well: https://www.hey.com/features/the-feed/

A love letter to newsletters

Newsletters are great, but they can get in the way of more important emails. HEY has a separate, dedicated space where they can shine called The Feed. The Feed shows all of your newsletters — already open — with the newest at the top. Just scroll to read. It’s like a Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn feed, but for email.

HEY