Read It Later Support

2.0, Syncing, and Bookmarks

• Tururu

  The new Read It Later for Firefox really stinks. I have lost a long time trying to figure out how it works. When I installed any previous release, I understood them inmediately. And the new features... they are completely unnecessary for me. And when I try to sync with my account, the extension requires the firefox master password!! (Wh???).
  
  I rather prefer a simple (and more functional) version. This version is time-consuming, ram-consuming and useless for me. How can I reinstall the previous version? The point in previous versions was: "I don't want to read this now, so I tick it". Where is this point in the new version?

  Posted Dec 16 09 reply
  • Nate

    Hey Tururu
    
    Regarding the master password issue, please see:
    http://ideashower.com/support/read-it-later/compulsary-firefox-master-password/
    
    The one click button in the toolbar is still there, it's just a new icon, it's the one circled in this image:
    http://readitlaterlist.com/i/ff/iconInBar.png
    
    If you wish to downgrade to 0.9, instructions are provided above.
    
    Thanks!

    Posted Dec 16 09 reply
  • nicenemarks

    Tururu,
    
    Chill dude. Show a little gratitude for a free tool and a guy who is working his ass off to bring a product to market.
    
    

    Posted Dec 18 09 reply
    • TheMan

      Maybe Tururus' stupidity requires you being tortured. Let 's see. Think 50 lashes with a wet noodle will suffice? Yeah! Some people would squawk, curse, rant and/or rave, moan, if you hung them with a bright, brand new rope. I appreciate your dedication & empathy with your accomplishments. Keep it up.    Private comment hidden

      Posted Dec 31 09 Version: Home Edition, SP#3 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Alberto

  I simply uninstalled it. The previous version was simpler and much more efficient.

  Posted Dec 16 09 reply
• Brian

  Thanks for fixing the bug w/ syncing. That was somewhat problematic for me.
  
  For the record, I do like the new version.

  Posted Dec 16 09 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• jn

  If people who are complaining are among those who have donated funds, perhaps their concerns are more justified.

  Posted Dec 16 09 reply
  • MikeA

    Whether they have donated or not a concern is justified when it is valid. I do understand weighting concern based on donation, but the concern is no less justified.

    Posted Dec 19 09 reply
• JB

  Question:
  
  'reading list is no longer stored in Firefox's bookmarks.'
  
  
  Does this mean I should manually delete the 'read it late' folder in my bookmarks, since it is still present?

  Posted Dec 16 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
  • Mark

    Ditto, I have the same question.

    Posted Dec 18 09 reply
• JB

  Why are the view, edit, and mark buttons in the drop-down menu now white (invisible) until I mouseover them? (default theme in Ff 3.5.6

  Posted Dec 16 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
  • Lauren

    I like the update, but I second this question. I like to be able to quickly uncheck a bunch of websites, and its much harder to do with the mouse-over function.
    
    Otherwise, keep up the great work!

    Posted Jan 5 10 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Zack Mark

  So far I'm liking 2.0. It's much faster and more responsive, and I like the interface changes you've made. Read it Later is awesome, and thank you for providing all of us with such a great service!

  Posted Dec 16 09 Version: 2.0.1 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Karl Aune

  I think RIL was a brilliant idea. I had more bookmarks than I actually used regularly, so RIL actually helped me to organize by separating out the bits I only need to read once or twice. I'm more than willing to be patient while RIL evolves.    Private comment hidden

  Posted Dec 16 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Grant

  Like it. (Although I did like having a book in the icon, I can see why you changed it.) Lots more options. Cool

  Posted Dec 16 09 reply
• Tom

  I think you're dead on with all the changes made in 2.0, I really like the new version and appreciate your hard work. I appreciate even more the effort made to address all the changes and how they can be dealt with by those who want to utilize the older methods of doing things, or have a need for the older methods due to other integration issues. Nicely done and documented.
  
  I've been using every level of application for the last 30 years, and rarely does a for-profit vendor/application developer take this much time/effort to address regression issues with their users, let alone one who is doing it for free. If you don't like the new version, stick with the old. If you're on the fence, give it a chance, especially with FF 3.6, I think you'll see real benefits. Be constructive, not destructive, in your comments, people. You can't influence and antagonize at the same time!
  
  Well done Nate!    Private comment hidden

  Posted Dec 16 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Other reply
• Matt

  Wow... this is horrible. Thanks for the removal directions.

  Posted Dec 16 09 Version: 2.crap Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• TB

  This version seems like a vast improvement to me. I'm very happy RIL no longer uses the Firefox bookmarks as storage. This plugin has finally become useful to me.
  
  Good work!

  Posted Dec 16 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Wow

  Great! RIL forgot my username and password, now I'm totally screwed! Thanks for the update RIL!

  Posted Dec 16 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Kev

  'reading list is no longer stored in Firefox's bookmarks.' WHY??
  i better look for an alternative extension

  Posted Dec 16 09 reply
• Sawant Shah

  Wow! The new enhancements are amazing! And the look and feel of the extension makes it so much more usable.
  
  Thank you Nate for this superb extension and for continuing to work on it. RIL rocks!    Private comment hidden

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Federico Guardia

  Hi! I just wanted to put some positive feedback here.
  I have been using version 2 now for a while, and I really like the updates. Specially the improvement on the sync area. That is a big plus for me!
  Thank you for the good work!

  Posted Dec 17 09 reply
• Rudi

  I can understand why the FF bookmarks connection might have caused problems for people trying to sync across multiple platforms, but all I wanted was a quick way to save pages I come across in research, and store them for future reading. The old version did that for me quickly and easily. I do not need a separate folder on my computer to find these things in, and I certainly do not need an increase in RAM use. My reaction to the new version is that it is no better for my needs than setting up a new bookmark folder in FF, naming it "Read Later" and saving pages there. What I love(d) about RIL was the one click bookmark option. I do not pay for RIL, and you are contributing a product that many people clearly need, but I am "upgrading" to the old version - fast, simple, efficient.

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: RIL 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Andrew

  New version looks very polished; thanks, Nate, for your hard work.
  
  To answer the question above, yes, it looks like you can simply delete the Read It Later folder in your Firefox bookmarks.
  
  With the Read It Later storage outside the bookmarks, the pages are no longer indexed for the awesome bar. Not sure if I like this yet or not.
  
  Is it true that memory usage has increased? Is it significant?
  
  Suggestion: Clicking the Options button will open a new Options popup, even if one is already open. Better to bring the open popup to the foreground, perhaps?
  
  Great extension, thanks again.

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Freespoken

  Absolutely intend to go back to the previous version because the reason I used this app was due to it's simplicity. I do not need to sync bookmarks with other programs as of yet, so fixing that issue was moot point for me. Only wish I'd have been warned in advance of this major change so I could have avoided the hassle of reverting.
  
  All the same it is a great app and the author has done a great job with it. Shame the problem with syncing couldn't have been resolved without ruffling so many feathers over a single bug. Headaches to support was no doubt a huge consideration, but now that burden is shifted to end users who must revert to have the app as they always liked it. It's little wonder some are upset. Generally we've come to expect apps will be adjusted to serve those using it, not those creating or their support team.
  
  That being said, all the same I'm grateful for the original app and can't complain in the slightest about it's expense! :-)
  
  So for that, Many Thanks!

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: RIL 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• stan

  The previous version was great. Thanks.
  And thanks for providing downgrading instructions ! :) (too bad Firefox doesn't show changelogs *before* installation of new addons...)
  
  To be more constructive, I miss the syncing via Xmarks (didn't need to setup a second account for that before), and some options seem to have disappeared including setting the number of items shown (in popup/scrollable mode) and what happens to tabs when you click on the button (though it seems to behave as I had it configured before - not sure.)

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Nick

  So I haven't used xmarks for bookmark syncing since I discovered Weave. I've used weave in conjunction with RIL for quite a long time now and have never experienced any kind of problem syncing everything together. (across three different machines, both Mac and Windows)you
  
  I'm not inclined to be inflammatory and deride you for your great work by saying I will now simply uninstall the add-on, but at the same time I don't see how my having to sign up for and manage an additional login for syncing just this add-on is a thorough solution.
  
  Everything else about the update is pretty great though.

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: 2.0.1 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Wladia Viviani

  'Save All Tabs for Later':
  that's a great idea! I was doing it manually, and it was quite tedious.
  
  So far, the new version looks to be a huge improvements list. Thank you for the great work!    Private comment hidden

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Shaun

  I like the improvements in the new version and the separate sync/bookmark issue isn't a showstopper for me. I agree with Wladia, the Save All Tabs for Later is a killer enhancement that will save me a lot of time.
  
  I would like ONE small enhancement though... I use the compact view and I would like to see the URL below the title in the mouse-over tool-tip (same behavior as FF bookmarks). Other than that, GREAT WORK! Thanks.

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: 2.01 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Dan

  The value I saw in using Firefox native bookmark folder was the ability to "Open All in Tabs" - I would open them all and then dispense with them one-by-one.
  
  In version 2.0 I saw no way to open all my "readitlater" bookmarks. So I'm back to 0.9
  
  This is a *great* extension. The changes have negatively impacted my workflow, though.
  
  

  Posted Dec 17 09 reply
• Ben

  Don't get me wrong, I'm very sure everyone who uses RIL really appreciates the work you do, and really love RIL.!
  I personally feel the upgrade is possibly a step backwards. I know you have your own milestones set, but sometimes stuff is just good as it is, and doesn't need to be changed, just bug fixed.
  I like the old GUI better. Any chance of including an option for people to use the old style GUI?
  Regarding to using the inbuilt bookmarks, not a major issue as you have provided syncing, but I like being able to type in the address bar to find search through the list.
  I have to admit, I will be reverting to the old version. I wouldn't use the word downgrade though.
  
  I personally thank you very much for your hard work on RIL. Keep it up!
  I could never have started my software review site without it!    Private comment hidden

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Dave

  I am not a fan of the new version; it doesn't seem significantly faster on my computer and I don't like the new interface - it seems smaller now for no reason, with most of my page titles running off the side. I can live with that though, what I dislike is the new syncing system. I have been using Xmarks for a long time, long before even the name change from Foxmarks. It syncs my bookmarks perfectly, and I can easily access them from any web browser. I don't need yet another account for yet another piece of software, one more thing to sync up between all the computers I use.
  
  Futhermore, I realize this is more the fault of the users than yours, but it should not be difficult to make Xmarks and RIL work together - the solution is to simply don't use RIL's syncing if you have both. Xmarks syncs RIL's bookmarks just fine, there's no reason to have both systems in place.
  
  Perhaps a better solution would be to detect the presences of Xmarks and place a notice on RIL's syncing page: "It seems you already have Xmarks installed, which will automatically sync RIL's bookmarks for you. Enabling RIL's syncing system is redundant and may cause conflicts and undesired behavior with your RIL list. If you still wish to enable RIL's syncing, click here to enable these options. Use them at your own risk."
  
  I appreciate the work you've put into this, but I will be downgrading to 0.9.

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
  • Dave

    Ah, now that I have good ole' 0.9 reinstalled, I see there is a notice similar to what I suggested. IMO most of your support problems would disappear if you made it more prominent, made it clear you don't need RIL's syncing if you have Xmarks, and force the user to click a confirmation button before allowing him to set up RIL's syncing alongside Xmarks.

    Posted Dec 17 09 Version: 0.9 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• André

  Thanks for the new version.
  It didn't look more difficult than the older versions for me.
  I don't like the fact that RIL no longer uses the Firefox bookmarks but I don't think it is a great problem.
  Thanks again.

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Walter J Kirsch III

  All I want to do is transfer my Firefox bookmarks from RIL0.9 to the RIL 2 database. I don't understand the "Create an Account" stuff. How's about a simple example - one computer, Firefox "Read-it-later" folder to RIL 2 database? If this requires an "Account" somewhere, tell me why, where, and how-to.    Private comment hidden

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.9.1.5) Gecko/20091102 Firefox/3.5.5 GTB6 (.NET CLR 3.5.30729) Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
  • Walter J Kirsch III

    I did find these instructions in http://www.ideashower.com/support/read-it-later/solving-20-migration-problems/:
    If your list is completely missing:
    ------
    
    1. Open Firefox's bookmarks (Bookmarks menu -> Organize bookmarks)
    2. Find the folder that contains your RIL items (normally named 'Read It Later'.
    3. Right click the folder and select 'Save All to Read Later'
    4. Open your reading list to confirm they are showing, if not, please leave a note below.
    
    But the option "Save All to Read Later" isn't in the context menu.
    

    Posted Dec 17 09 Version: Ril 2.01 reply
• Andrew

  I let RIL upgrade, then I saw the first line saying it no longer stores bookmarks in my bookmarks. I then immediately went to uninstall 2.0 .
  
  I've never had a problem with RIL and xmarks syncing, and I don't want to have to worry about two different sync accounts to manage. xmarks was doing it fine. Nor do I want to have two different places that my bookmarks are stored. Thanks, but no. I'll wait for a future update where we have a choice.
  
  Also I just uninstalled 2.0 and then reinstalled .999 that worked pretty well without all those extra steps.

  Posted Dec 17 09 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Debbie

  Like others I dont need a bookmark file.I used this because it had the drop down list.so I could quickly read stored items. I dont use the other options.Just wanted a fast drop down list.
  Thanks for the option to downgrade..will do that next!    Private comment hidden

  Posted Dec 17 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Greg

  Like so many others, I use the list for what the original title described. "Read it Later" provides a good way for me to do research and browsing and although I installed the latest RIL a short time ago, I am settling into comfort with the familiar options as well as venturing into the new with high expectations. I have been enjoying the free and open relationship with this and other add-ons however; I will be in serious thought about donating to the efforts. BTW, my migration was, for all intents and purposes, flawless. Great job and keep up the great work!

  Posted Dec 17 09 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• John

  Thanks for the new version - seems very good to me because I just love RIL - one of my absolute favs for FF. As far as I am concerned if you think it needed upgrading because of support issues that is fine with me. You are the expert and one who does the work so thanks very much.
  
  You mention the information is now stored in SQLite. I have found some references but they are also such names with other applications like AudialsOne and Adobe. Could you possibly indicate which directory/folder (s) I need to make sure I am backing up. Thanks.

  Posted Dec 18 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Luis

  Hi Nate,
  
  Thank you for the upgrade. Some suggestions for future releases:
  
  Allow the user to choose between bookmark-based and separate storage in the Options (I miss being able to type a RIL URL in the awesome bar).
  
  I use the reading list without pagination (scrollable), but I'd like to decide hoy many items it shows, or to manually resize the "pop up".
  
  I didn't liked the book icon but I don't fully understand the new one (it's some kind of marker?). Maybe an unfilled checkmark would be more consistent.... you know, like an on/off.
  
  Keep on the great work!

  Posted Dec 18 09 Version: 2.0.1 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Mark

  Bravo on the update! The improvements you have made are definitely worth your effort and I applaud you! I love this app and is probably the single greatest Firefox extension I have! I'm especially excited about the ability to be able to save all my tabs to the read it later list. The only additional feature that I think would make this even better is the ability to tag all those tabs you are saving at that time. So like I could tag them all with a date or topic I was researching.

  Posted Dec 18 09 reply
• mch

  I only read the first comment above, and I just want to say I completely disagree with that guy/girl. I really like the new release a lot -- I think it's a big improvement over the previous one. And the previous one was awesome. iPhone/web sync, killer. Keep up the good work.

  Posted Dec 18 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Carol

  Thank you so much :D The upgrade was totally seamless for me. I really admire you for making the bold design decisions and REWRITING THE WHOLE CODEBASE!!! And I upgraded on my ipod and now it's totally clear which things are downloaded and which things I haven't-- and I'm excited to try out the position sync.
  
  No sneaky feature requests after the praise here-- just keep up the great work and I'm looking forward to The Next Step you alluded to on the blog.

  Posted Dec 18 09 Version: 2.0! woo! Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Andrey

  At first, big thanx for developing of RIL. I love it.
  
  And please, please, please - warn us next time about such big changes.
  All I wanted - sync of FF bookmarks between my 4 PCs, drop down list, easy way to edit it and ONE place where all bookmarks to be found.
  And, off course, it should stay slim - FF is just a one tool out of many on my PC. I don't want it to bring suddenly additional (SQL) engine in RAM just to manage PART of bookmarks.
  Ver 0.9 is an useful addition to FF for me, 2.0 is almost soft on it's own and much too thick.
  Sorry... And thank you for downgrade instructions.

  Posted Dec 19 09 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• karim

  At first thank you verrry much for this fantastic ver of RIL except the "Read it later bookmark Stored folder"
  
  please do what you said "I'm going to look into building an add-on you can install alongside RIL (or someone can build one themselves and I'd be happy to host it). This add-on would just keep a selected bookmark folder in sync with your reading list. This way, I can keep the core product clean while anyone who absolutely requires bookmark storage can still get it."
  
  please and please and please I need this option verrrrrrry , so keep work on it as hard as you can
  
  First time I want to be developer to make this option work
  
  Please let me know the progress of this issue
  
  finally thanks for develop this great addon RIL

  Posted Dec 19 09 Version: 2 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• drozzy

  Thanks for heads up about Version 2.0.
  It certainly does not look like a good version for me to use.
  
  I am going to stick with 0.9

  Posted Dec 19 09 Version: 0.9 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• step21

  I like the new version I think. Thanks for not relying on bookmarks anymore.
  To people above: sometimes, to make something more future-proof/stable, structural changes are required, and as a result everything working before might not immediately work or in a different way. But i will most likely get better than it was before. That's not only in regard to this extension, but also to software in general, and it would be good to get used to it.

  Posted Dec 20 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Rebbecca

  People need to chill-I'm not tech savvy but I love Read It Later and yes I started to freak after I first read about the changes. He did say you could uninstall it if you don't like it so don't complain. I had thought about uninstalling it but I'm trying it out first and so far I think it's great. Thanks I really appreciate all your work. Happy Holidays!

  Posted Dec 20 09 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Erik

  I'd like to see some intergration with Mozilla Weave. RIL was completely compatible until this major new version..

  Posted Dec 21 09 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• Bruno

  Can I Safely delete the Read It Later folder on my bookmarks now? Hope I can. I liked this new version much better, It seems to be more independent and simpler. I liked it. I guess there will be no more problems with Xmarks now.
  
  Please answer the question about deleting the bookmarks folder. Thanks

  Posted Dec 22 09 Version: the latest Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
  • Bruno

    somebody please reply!

    Posted Dec 22 09 reply
  • Andrew

    > Yes.
    
    I mentioned this above already, but yes, you can safely delete that folder. If you're nervous about something going wrong, go into Bookmarks/Organize Bookmarks... and hit the Import and Backup button to backup your bookmarks and/or export them to an html file.

    Posted Dec 22 09 Version: 2.0 Browser: Firefox 3.5 reply
• david

  Just want to give support to the weave integration idea...I think it really makes sense for oh-so-many already stated reasons.

  Posted Dec 24 09 reply

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