We got this from The Google People via the Google Buzz:
"Over time, we’ve seen that most people sign into Friend Connect with a Google Account. So, in an effort to streamline, in the next few weeks we’ll be making some changes that will eventually require readers to have a Google Account to sign into Friend Connect and follow blogs."
"As part of this plan, starting the week of January 11, we’ll remove the ability for people with Twitter, Yahoo, Orkut or other OpenId providers to sign in to Google Friend Connect and follow blogs. At the same time, we’ll remove non-Google Account profiles so you may see a decrease in your blog follower count."
"We encourage you to tell affected readers (perhaps via a blog post), that if they use a non-Google Account to follow your blog, they need to sign up for a Google Account, and re-follow your blog. With a Google Account, they’ll get blogs added to their Reading List, making it easier for them to see the latest posts and activity of the blogs they follow."
"We know how important followers are to all bloggers, but we believe this change will improve the experience for both you and your readers."
So, we hope this does improve things...we're a little skeptical, but of course don't have any say in it. We'd love to keep you all around and we enjoy your comments. This community is fun!! So, if you have a non-Google account but want to still be able to comment on the blog and officially follow it, you might want to head over and get a google account set up!
WHEW, I'm already Googled
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about this, because my GFC count went down 30+ already! Not sure how I feel about this, as a lot of people might get on, miss the memo, and it be too late. I'd hate to see some have to start from scratch to find all of the blogs they were following. At the same time, thank goodness for Bloglovin'!
ReplyDeleteWendy | Fashionable Heart
This is so strange. They got rid of Google Reader, so most people jumped ship from Google Friends Connect. I have a Google account and a follow on BLoglovin so I *think* I'll be o.k.... oh Google...
ReplyDeleteI don't even know what Friend Connect is. I follow all blogs I want to read through Blogger. I have a blog too, how do I find out if anyone uses Friend Connect to follow me?
ReplyDeleteThe whole thing sounds fishy.
ReplyDelete