Google Reader is my primary feed reader. In fact, I’ve only used 2 blog readers before, one is Google Reader and another one is Bloglines. But I just find Bloglines too complicated, or messy and just turn to Google Reader after a few days using it. While Google Reader has done a good job as a feed reader, its interface looks way too simple – just like other Google products like Gmail. Maybe they would prefer hiring more programmer than designer.

There is a way to have a fresher look of Google Reader if you’re using either one of these browsers (sorry, no Internet Explorer):

• Mozilla Firefox
• Opera
• Omniweb
• Camino
• Safari

Getting a fresher look of Google Reader in Mozilla Firefox

1. Install the Stylish addon for Firefox
2. Go to Google Reader in your Firefox browser
3. Click on your stylish icon in your Firefox browser. The icon is sitting at the bottom right corner of your browser
4. Write Style > For this URL
5. Enter the description (any will do) and copy everything from this text file and paste it into the space provided
6. Click on Preview and reload your Google Reader page. If you see a new look of it and it’s what you want, click Save. Otherwise, click cancel and forget about it.

For other browsers listed above other than Firefox, you can refer to this page for complete tutorial. You will be required to download a zip file that contain the CSS. For some lazy people like me, instead of downloading, you can just view the text files below and copy the content.

For Firefox and Camino: css-firefox-camino.txt
Fore Safari, Opera & Omniweb: css-safari-opera-omniweb.txt

Screenshots

Before

After

Now that Google Reader do look better, but I still prefer the old style. I guess I’m too used to the box style where the content sit. What about you? For the CSS file of Opera, Omniweb and Safari, please do inform me if there’s any problem with it – I’ve only tested the Firefox and Camino one.

hicksdesign via LyteByte

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