Ok. Here’s the deal. I’ve decided it’s high time I completely rebuild my RSS feeds to improve my sources for information, and I’d love some help. I used to follow a number of older, formerly reliable sites for tech and other news, but I’ve noted the steep increase in promoted goods, advertorials, listicles, and other junk gumming up my NetNewsWire feed. As such, l’ve become less interested in scanning for interesting tidbits of late.

The goal is not only to update my feeds and improve the quality of my incoming information, but to share it with whomever has like interests or would like a pre-curated base to start from. The first version is linked at the bottom of this post, and I’ll be posting updates periodically as I make suggested changes.

To facilitate this I’ve setup a new file to build out this new collection of sources, imported my current OPML, and have trimmed out what I think are the biggest contributors to fluff in my current file. Sadly, this culling has left certain categories a tad light. I’m attaching my XML export to this post (see the last line) and asking for ideas. The following is a list of my existing categories:

• Animation (with a particular focus on anime, but I’m into all animation)
• Apple (current and retro, which is pretty much all of it, I guess…)
• Automotive (mostly petrol vehicles, rally, touring car, but all is good)
• Bloggers (preferably in the categories listed here)
• Film & TV (I love scifi, but I’m good with most everything except drama and mobster)
• Linux it seems harder to find good sources that are regularly updated)
• News & Politics (I’m a progressive humanist, but need unbiased sources. I know, big ask)
• Technology (mostly computers, but I’m wide open. I adore small gadgets, though)
• Video Games (I’m a handheld emulator gamer, Steam user of nigh 20 years, and Nintendo head)
• Vintage Computing (mostly Apple and ThinkPads, but I’m interested in all retro gear)
• Writing (I am, after all, a writer…)

Below is a recent screenshot of my Feedbin Unread page:

I have a framework that I am applying to myself and ask those pitching in to consider:

• No Al or crypto centric content. I recognize that technology news covers Al and that crypto is “popular” which is fine, but I don’t want any sources that focus on them.
• The source needs to either have direct support for RSS or, if not, l’d like it if you provided a scraper source. If I can’t import it into my reader, I’ll be a lot less inclined to read it.
• I’m not a programmer so nothing programming specific, but I love technical stuff about chips, architectures, and other like frameworks.
• I’m open to taking suggestions for new categories, so feel free to drop your ideas on me.
• I’m also open to debating everything and I have an open mind so will consider the removal or inclusion of just about anything. So, don’t be shy or presume I’ll not like something. I may be judgmental about things, but not people.
• Avoid duplication of stories. I know that this is nigh impossible with certain categories, but I’m going to at least try.
• This a going to be a public OPML, so I won’t be including anything that would be on your typical list of “things not allowed”. I don’t think I need to list them out for you to get what I mean.

I think that’s pretty much it. I’ll likely edit this post over time as internet reality shifts like the sands of a desert, but this is a good place to start. Then someone recently told me something that struck me…

Ignore what you hate and direct your energy toward celebrating the things you love.

While they were speaking about my media-related posting, I think it applies to life in general. I am not willing to give up on the news that is important and I need to be a part of redirecting America towards a better future for all human life, but maybe I also need to start being positive and talk about the things I like, love, and appreciate.

As for participating, you can comment here, on the Mastodon post, or on the Bluesky post, to which I will add links for after I’ve published this first post. I’ll do my best to keep track of it all and be responsive.

Download the XML file for import into a feed reader here. This is version 0.1 from April 14th, 2025.