Readability Addon: Convert Pages to a Read-Friendly Format
Enhancing the Online Reading Experience
The internet serves as a vast repository of information, yet it doesn't consistently offer an optimal reading environment. Excessive advertising, employed by some website operators to maximize revenue, can significantly detract from a user’s reading enjoyment.
Further compounding this issue are suboptimal website designs and unfavorable pairings of fonts with background colors. Consequently, tools designed to improve web reading, such as Readable, Readability, Instapaper, and Joliprint, have become essential resources for numerous internet users.
Readability's New Version: A Focus on Both Users and Publishers
With the aim of providing a superior reading and writing experience for all web users, Readability – a leading innovator in web reading technology – has released its latest iteration.
This updated version of Readability extends its focus beyond simply assisting readers; it now also caters to the needs of web publishers.
Key Improvements and Considerations
- Improved Clarity: The new version prioritizes a cleaner, more focused reading view.
- Publisher Support: Features are now included to better support content creators.
- Enhanced Customization: Users can further personalize their reading preferences.
The developers recognize that a healthy online ecosystem requires collaboration between readers and publishers. By addressing the concerns of both groups, Readability aims to foster a more positive and productive web experience.
Ultimately, the goal is to make accessing and consuming information online a more pleasant and efficient process for everyone involved.
Evolution of Readability: From Bookmarklets to Add-ons
Web services such as Readability are designed to transform webpages into formats that are easier to read. A brief introductory video provides further insight into this concept.
https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7251228/type/dlg/sid/UUmuoUeUpU67380/https://vimeo.com/19267888
Initially, Readability’s functionality was delivered through a Javascript bookmarklet. Users would add this bookmarklet to their browser’s toolbar.
Whenever a cleaner reading experience was desired, the bookmarklet was activated. However, the current iteration of Readability employs browser add-ons for this conversion process.
To obtain the add-on compatible with your browser, simply click the "Get the Add-On" button located on Readability’s homepage [Broken URL Removed].
The website will automatically identify your browser type and provide the appropriate download link.
Following the download, the add-on installation can be initiated. During testing, the Safari add-on version necessitated a manual installation procedure.
Upon completion of a swift installation, a Readability add-on button will become visible adjacent to the URL address bar.
The add-on can be enabled or disabled through the browser’s Preferences settings.
Configuration options are accessible within the Preferences window, allowing for customization of the reading experience.
Experiencing the Add-On's Functionality
To assess the changes between the previous and current iterations of Readability, a MakeUseOf webpage was opened and the Readability button was activated. The article’s presentation was rapidly transformed into a streamlined, more easily digestible format. Initial observations suggest a degree of similarity to the earlier version, however.
A significant enhancement lies within the tool’s sidebar. Alongside the established "Reload" and "Print" functionalities, the updated version introduces tools enabling users to swiftly adjust the page’s layout to suit their individual preferences. Selecting one of the options under "Font & Color" instantly applies a pre-configured layout.
The tool also empowers users to quickly modify the text area’s width and adjust the font size. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with visual impairments.
For those who prefer uncluttered text, Readability offers the option to "convert links to footnotes". This eliminates underlined hyperlinks, directing all links to the article’s conclusion. Images within the article can also be hidden, if desired.
An additional feature integrated into the sidebar is a sharing button. Articles currently being read can now be readily shared through Twitter, Email, and Facebook. Readability further streamlines this process by generating a shortened URL for the article.
A More Sustainable Approach for Publishers
Many services, such as Readability, traditionally present challenges for publishers. Converting webpages into a streamlined, reader-friendly format often results in the removal of revenue-generating elements for the content creator.
To address this issue, Readability has implemented a paid subscription system for its user base. Subscribers determine their monthly contribution amount, with a minimum of US$ 5.00.
Readability then distributes 70% of the collected subscription fees to writers and publishers, retaining the remaining 30% for service maintenance and ongoing development.
Subscribers to the paid service gain access to enhanced features. These include the ability to save articles for later reading and convenient mobile access to those saved materials.
Writers and publishers interested in participating can integrate "Reading Buttons" onto their websites. This integration is achieved through a simple script embedding process.
Furthermore, registering your site is essential to become part of the "Readability movement".
From a reader's perspective, the updated Readability platform represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. The inclusion of rapid layout options and sharing functionalities is particularly beneficial.
As a content creator, the subscription model offered by Readability appears to be a viable solution. It aims to provide readers with an enhanced reading experience while simultaneously supporting publishers.
We are interested in your opinion regarding the New Readability. Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.
Image credit: the bbp