Current is a RSS reader that challenges the conventional design of RSS readers by rejecting the notion that reading the internet is a task to be completed. Instead, it aims to provide a guilt-free reading experience, free from the pressure of keeping up with unread counts and the fear of falling behind.
I started building Current before I had the words for why. The impulse was simpler than a philosophy: every RSS reader I tried made me feel bad. Not because the apps were ugly or broken (most were quite good) but because they all seemed to agree on something I didn't. That reading the internet was a task. That articles were items to be processed. That falling behind was a failure state. I didn't have a name for this yet. I just knew I wanted a reader that didn't make me feel like I owed it something.
The app was nearly finished when I sat down, in January, to write about what I'd been building against. I traced the feeling back to Brent Simmons and NetNewsWire in 2002, a pragmatic design decision that calcified into convention. I named the feeling phantom obligation: the guilt you feel for something no one asked you to do. The essay was a retrospective. The thing I'd been trying to articulate in code for months, finally put into words.
This is Current.
The Problem with Traditional RSS Readers
Traditional RSS readers are designed around the idea of productivity. They treat articles as tasks to be completed, with unread counts and badges that create a sense of urgency. This approach can be overwhelming, especially for those who follow a large number of feeds. The constant pressure to keep up with the latest content can lead to burnout and a sense of failure when you inevitably fall behind.
Current's Approach
Current takes a different approach. It rejects the notion that reading the internet is a task to be completed. Instead, it provides a guilt-free reading experience, where articles are simply there to be enjoyed, not processed. The app doesn't track unread counts or badges, and it doesn't punish you for falling behind. It's designed to be a tool for discovery and enjoyment, not a source of stress.
The Design Philosophy
The design philosophy behind Current is simple: reading should be a pleasure, not a chore. The app is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, with a clean and minimalist interface that puts the focus on the content. It's designed to be a tool that helps you discover new things, not a source of stress and anxiety.
The Future of RSS Readers
Current is a step in the right direction for RSS readers. It challenges the conventional design of RSS readers and provides a guilt-free reading experience. It's a reminder that technology should be designed to enhance our lives, not to make us feel bad. As we move forward, it's important to remember that the best technology is the technology that makes our lives better, not worse.
Conclusion
Current is a RSS reader that refuses to make you feel guilty. It's a tool for discovery and enjoyment, not a source of stress and anxiety. It's a reminder that technology should be designed to enhance our lives, not to make us feel bad. As we move forward, it's important to remember that the best technology is the technology that makes our lives better, not worse.
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