This is my RSS list.  It contains all of the websites that I subscribe to and so it is made up of sites that I value and make a point of reading.  Before I wrote this list, I was able to delete another 5 or so sites from my reader because I couldn’t think of any good reason to keep them there.  Interestingly, a few of these were big name superstars.  The sites that remain on my list are excellent - they had to be -  because I was very picky.  If a site doesn’t provide me with exceptional reading then it doesn’t survive on my RSS list for long. 

As for the sites that are left in my reader, they are all top class for one reason or another.  They are there because of their quality, regardless of their size, age or reputation.  If they are your site (or you contribute to them) this is my way of saying thank you - I love your work.  If they aren’t yours, then please take the time to check them out.  You may find something that you like as much as I do.

My list is presented in alphabetical order not in order of importance. 

So here we go…this is Tom O’Leary’s freshly pruned RSS list as of 12 October 2007: 

Aim for Awesome  Because Vern lives a life that is totally different from most bloggers, doing exactly what he wants in the way that he wants.  I don’t always agree with what he writes but he always makes me think.

Another Day Begets Another Thought  Because Nelson has such a compelling story and a way of writing about life.  Although he doesn’t post often enough for my liking, I will take what I can get.

Blogging Tips Because I know that Blogging Tips wades through all of the useless information out there and only shows me what I need to become a better blogger, without the hype.

Copy Blogger Because I believe that they are THE source of copy writing information in the Blog world (sorry… I almost wrote “Blogosphere”…something that I promised that I would never do)

Daily Blog Tips   Because they provide exactly what they promise and more

Dosh Dosh  Because even though they are a “Make Money Online” site, they actually publish valuable, comprehensive articles about building a readership.

Dumb Little Man  Because as they say Dumb Little man provides Tips For Life.  I have found their Tips to be useful and usually quite different from the mass of useless “life tips and hacks” that are published every day on the internet.

Life Optimizer Because I find a lot of motivating and useful articles there, not just about keeping up, but about getting ahead and making the most of your life.

Noodles and Rice Because that is where I write about my half baked adventures with Japanese food (and I like to keep an eye on the feed to check that any pre-posted articles are coming out right)

NxE Because they post quality, not quantity, articles about blogging, so we are able to learn and act without drowning.  However I think they have just sold the site so I will have to keep an eye on what happens next.

Pick the Brain Because this is one of the few personal development sites that manages to combine rational thinking, logical action and high performance living.

 Pro Blogger Because everybody knows that Darren is the Grandfather (Or should that be the God Father?) of professional blogging.

Project Armannd Because the site is beautiful and the writing is spot on.  What else need I say?

Shine With Grace Because Shine manages to write about an amazing blend of personal development, art, business and life, and do it in a way that is pure pleasure to read.

Skellie Wag  Because although this site has only made it onto my RSS list this last week I’ve been very impressed by the way that the articles seem to run against the fashionable grain of blogging.  And on top of this the blog is written by a fellow Australian.

Sui Generis Because I think reading Derrick Kwa is like the cool change that we all need…something unexpected and refreshing.

The Rule of 5 Because the blog is written from the perspective of someone who is taking action to build the life they want, while living in Japan and struggling with the language…I wonder if Takuin Minamoto is actually me?

Win Your Mind Because I never know what I will find when I look there.  Quint has a great way of communicating the journey from the past to the future.

Zen Habits Because Leo writes articles that help me to live in a productive, efficient, economical and healthy way, without causing chaos in other peoples lives.

Please check out any of the sites that interest you and subscribe to them if you like them.  Then why not Show Us Your RSS.  Check out the original post yesterday and see how it works.

Thanks

Tom

Here’s how it works.  Over the next week or so, take a few minutes to Show Us Your RSS list, either on your site or anywhere else you can publish it.  Let me know you have published it and where it can be found and I will link to your list from LifeGoalAction so we can all check it out.   

The important thing is that you don’t just post a screen shot of your RSS list but a list of live links that are click-able so we can all follow them easily.  Better still, why not plant a one sentence description or review of the site with each link so that we all know why you read that site.  I will show you my RSS list tomorrow, so check it out if you are unsure what to do.

If your RSS list is trim and taught like mine, this should take a couple of minutes to do, if it is big and overgrown maybe you should sit down in the comfy chair to get it done.  Either way it will be your way of showing the world what is on your reading list and spreading the word.

Why would you do this? 

1. Everyone that you read regularly is contributing to your life.  You are benefiting from their work and so I believe that they would appreciate a little thanks from you.  This is one very easy way to say Thank You.
2. On top of this you will be able to help all of the other LifeGoalAction readers by pointing them to sites that you think are great.  If it is good enough for you to subscribe to, then maybe we all need to hear about it.
3. Lastly, the quick ones amongst you will realise that if you show us your RSS, you get a link from my site which may introduce new readers to yours. 

 If you like, you can drop a link to this Show Us Your RSS post with your list so that who ever reads your list can write their own and notify me.   Then I can link to their list as well and so the cycle goes on.

Note: If you are not sure what RSS is all about or if you don’t have an RSS list or anywhere to publish it, that is OK, just send me a list of links to the sites that you always read, via my comment form, and I’ll see what I can do.

Show us your RSS

Thanks

Tom

This is the first time I have done a Linkorama post here and I will only be doing them when I find posts that I really want to share with you.  How about sharing some of your favourites with us here as well.

Drop a comment in here if you have found an article recently that you think we should all read (even if you wrote it yourself)

Thanks

Tom