Google’s Blogger ‘follows’ Twitter’s lead

11 Sep 2008

They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery and messaging site Twitter must be very flattered since search giant Google has decided to add a ‘follower’ mode to its Blogger blogging tool.

The search company has introduced a new gadget that allows readers to follow their favourite blogs.

To follow a blog with the Followers’ Gadget on Blogger, users click the ‘Follow This Blog’ link. They can also show support for the blog by following it right from their Blogger Dashboard or in Google Reader.

“Following isn’t just for bloggers, it’s also designed to make it easier for readers to keep tabs on their favourite blogs,” wrote Mendel Chuang, product marketing manager with Google. “Maybe you’re following a wedding blog for wedding tips or have a thing for plush toys, or perhaps you want to keep track of Google’s university bus tour.”

The feature allows readers to easily check out what blogs other fans are writing and following.

The gadget also allows readers to follow any blog, even if it isn’t hosted on Blogger or doesn’t have the Followers gadget.

The new feature is currently only available in English but Google plans to make it available in other languages.

The company said it’s also in the process of integrating with Google Friend Connect to add even more engaging social features to Blogger.

By John Kennedy

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com