I wrote an improved web UI for Elfeed – elfeed-offline. It has a web app and a service worker written in OCaml, compiled to JS using js_of_ocaml. It lets me catch-up on my feed reading even when I’m not sitting in front of my computer.

Why RSS feeds?

I’ve “grown up” reading a lot of blog posts in Google Reader and have a soft corner for RSS.

In today’s age where “content” is being generated using generative AIs, I feel like I want to go back to RSS and be more picky and deliberate about what I read. There maybe a place for algorithms recommending interesting things to me, but I don’t think I want algorithme doing everything from ordering and filtering and choosing what I should and shouldn’t see.

Why elfeed?

Since Google killed their Reader (I know, I know, it’s been over 12 years since that happened), I’ve hopped between a bunch of different readers, but haven’t really found something that has stuck with me. Some of my friends and the people I enjoyed reading have stopped writing too, which is part of the reason I don’t care as much about it any more.

I’ve had different phases of using Elfeed and I think I like the customizability Emacs allows for, though it may not be the best UI to read things in, sometimes. Especially for skimming things and jumping to random places, like someone on reddit said?

But, I like not needing to depend on a service to keep running for my reading needs.

toread-list

Elfeed essentially

1. provides a way to maintain feeds. I use elfeed-org to be able to maintian my subscriptions in an org file.
2. runs a bunch of curl fetch the latest updates from the feeds
3. provides a nice UI on top of the entries

Why elfeed offline?

Elfeed provides a web interface too. It uses simple httpd server and has a small API to view content.

I’d like to read the posts on my mobile phone, though. I’ve realized I don’t want to spend too much time on my computer, apart from the time I spend writing and working. But, I do end-up using my phone a lot, especially when I’m outside.

There’s a problem with the server being on Emacs. I don’t want to run a server to be able to read things. It is more stuff to manage and keep safe, etc.

One of the differences from before is that I don’t get that much time to sit at my computer and read stuff. I mostly end-up reading stuff directly involved with work, when I’m at my computer. I don’t want to spend time at my computer reading more tech stuff. I’m away and doing other thigns.

Youtube and videos and other stuff have also taken up more space, I guess?

I do have time on hand when I have my phone and I’m waiting for things to happen. Cab rides, or just waiting for something, etc. I don’t have instagram on phone to scroll, but I think there are moments of time where I could be reading something instead of doom scrolling or just watching something, etc.

Podcasts or audio time is there, but I don’t think that can be replaced, yet. Maybe we can, eventually. When we add a “read aloud” feature? I dunno.

I might end-up porting the Emacs server to OCaml too, if I end up reading enough that it makes sense.

usersI might end-up porting the Emacs server to OCaml too, if I end up reading enough that it makes sense. And there is interest from other users. How do I use it?

I’m happy with soemthing local. But it does add the additional burden of making sure the local app is in sync, etc. But, eventually I think it could be somewhat automated if I’m able to get the service worker to do a background sync or something. I need to look into this. Currently, it does feel like work to make sure I have enough content to read. But, currently I think of this like carrying a book with me, when I know I’m going to be on a cab/train ride, etc.

How can you use it?

If you are an Elfeed or Emacs user and you’d like to give it a spin, you’ll need an additional OCaml setup. If you are not an Emacs user, you can setup dune using this installer. And then clone the project and run dune build && dune exec -- bin/main.exe.

If enjoy using this consider supporting me on GitHub sponsors