Mark All as Read

My method of reading blogs has typically consisted of using either the blogroll on the sidebar of my blog or my Google Bookmarks to visit the actual sites.  Call me old-fashioned, but I like seeing a person's blog design, getting the total effect of the layout, pictures, and words.

Since I began the love affair with my iPhone a few weeks ago, I have rarely picked up my laptop at home, using my phone for pretty much all of my social networking and internet needs.  Thus, I have had a re-introduction to Google Reader.  I don't love it, but it does provide an easy method for reading most of my favorite blogs when I'm not at my computer.

Still, as fun as it is to log in and see new, unread material waiting for me, seeing that "unread" number can be overwhelming at times.  Like, say, when you went on vacation two weeks ago, then had a very busy summer weekend and aren't really feeling caught up on anything.  Then, perhaps, you might find your Google Reader looking a little something like this:

Faced with 247 unread items that I will never have the time to tackle, I am forced to succumb to the beauty of a little button labeled Mark All as Read. 

As a self-confessed perfectionist, I must admit, using this feature bothers me a little.  I feel like it's cheating.  I didn't really read all those posts, but I am claiming that I did.

Neurotic, right?

But refreshing nonetheless.  I do like to log in and see 0 unread items, or to know that there are just two or three truly new items there waiting for me.  It's a fresh start; a chance to do it over and not cheat this time.  I instantly feel like I have reset, put myself back on the starting line to begin again.

Now, if only there were a reset button to wipe away all those baskets of unfolded laundry...