In visual noise on blogs, Andreas argues against the excessive use of XML buttons and favicons on blogs and websites.Social Bookmark Icons: People using social bookmarking services such as Digg, del.icio.us or Furl usually know how to add items to their accounts and don't need your favicons.
XML Buttons: Potential subscribers will probably use their feed reader's "subscribe to" bookmarklet, a plugin or their reader's interface and don't need all those links to third-party services.
I like his reasons though I may not immediately follow them. What is your opinion ?
Reader Comments
I agree that this huge number of small subscribe icons distract users. I beleive it is better to add a few icons to major services. Subscribe Bookmarklets are the way I keep adding my links anyway.
Written on 4/4/06 8:13 PM
I have some at the bottom of my posts. I also have a link that goes to the post item page with a ton listed in text with no icon should someone use one that I havent placed on the main page under each post.
Written on 4/4/06 11:18 PM
Yes, the most of the users know how to add bookmarks in sites like del.icio.us and to add feeds to their favorite reader. However these icons/text links allow the visitors to add the item much faster and in much more comfortable way.
Also, by adding those links, we encourage the visitors to add our post/feed/whatever and the chances are that more users will return back to the site in the future.
Written on 5/4/06 12:13 AM
statistical improbability Amit: second time in two hours I've bumped into yr site now. Feeling digitally inspired :)
It had nothing to do with the favicons - I've bookmarked your site, because it's valuable. Good job!
Written on 1/12/06 3:15 PM