So, there are only a few days left (March 1st) before Google yanks Google Friend Connect from non-blogger hosted blogs.

I did a post on it here, but have since found a couple of new tools I’m liking better.

Addition No. 1 – Linky Followers

Everyone seems to like this new blog following tool, so I’m going to give the people what they want.

Pros:  Similar look and feel to our beloved GFC, can categorize the blogs you follow, can still use it to follow blogs without Linky, and it’s not attached to Google, Facebook, etc.

Cons:  Bloggers must manually go into Linky and update their blog posts (I often forget) so you may not be getting updated content, and I’m currently finding it a little difficult to use but I understand it is brand spanking new and it takes time to work out kinks.

Addition No. 2 – Bloglovin’

I’m a little late to this dance, but so far I’m lovin’ it.

Pros:  Blogs can be categorized, you can use it to follow any blog, the dashboard is clean and super simple to use and view your favorite blogs, it automatically updates when a blogger posts new content so you don’t miss out on anything, it’s not connected to Google, Facebook, etc., and you can even set up your account to send you a daily email of the blogs you follow.

Cons:  You have to go to another site to view the blogs you follow.  But, remember you can have it emailed to you!

Here’s What I’m Thinking

There are several non-blogger blogs I adore and follow through GCF. I DO NOT want to lose track of them after March 1st! 

So, I decided to add ALL the blogs I follow, even Blogger hosted because I’m totally living in fear that Google will take it away from us the in future too, to Bloglovin’ (Linky Followers is totally another great option).  If miracle of miracles happens and the non-blogger blogs I follow still show up on my Google dashboard after March 1st, awesome.  If not, I’ve got them all set up somewhere else and am ready to roll without missing a beat.

I had added Networked Blogs a while back to my sidebar, but due to a lack of interest, I’m planning on taking it down in a week.  I just wanted to make sure my two Networked Blog followers Maury and Katey (hey guys!) know about it first.  

So now you’ve got Linky Followers and Bloglovin’ as additional following options found under Friends on the right sidebar.

Of course you can still follow through a feed or sign up for an email subscription.  Those options can be found at the top right hand corner of my sidebar.

Hows about them apples for options 😉

Don’t forget, the last day to enter in for a chance to win the RAMSIGN giveaway is tomorrow, February 26th!