SearchFox is an RSS Reader which I was part of the Beta group and blogged about previously on here for its use of unique machine learning technology. News came today that SearchFox is shutting down so I wanted wanted to make sure start-ups make note of this event. If your company is thinking about creating yet another RSS Reader you should first be able to answer the following question with ease:
What would make a loyal user switch from their existing RSS reader to your new RSS reader?
If you can, you might have a shot though I felt SearchFox had slight differentiating factors and look what is happening to them. Michael Arrington has characterized the market by saying:
"The RSS Reader space is becoming hyper competitive, with dozens of different choices for readers."
Chris Rossini brings to light what might add more grit to an already competitive market in saying:
"...the population at large really doesn't know what RSS is, and I can see how the situation could become challenging."
I support new ideas, product development and new RSS Readers however, I could not agree with Michael and Chris more on the competitive state of the RSS market so I caution start-ups with dreams of RSS Reader supremacy.
