Google finally adds granularity to Reader sharing

Users have been unhappy with the sharing feature in Google Reader since it was added in December. It's about time Google realized that Reader users are tech-savvy enough to choose who they wish to share their Reader with--and who they don't. Not every contact in GoogleTalk is a friend. While Google is hands-down a search master, it still has a few things to learn as it tackles the nuances of social networking.

While automated sharing via GoogleTalk is fine for less tech-savvy users, that doesn't seem to be the demographic of Reader/GoogleTalk users. Adding a bit of granularity--and privacy--shows Google is starting to get on the right track here. They may want to take a page from Yahoo's Fire Eagle location-based service playbook: Develop a new feature, but let users control if/when they use it.

Click to read the article this is in response to.