News
Trying out publishing this page through Apple News.
You sign up via iCloud! I was not expecting that.
Squarespace makes the process straightforward with a post including a recommendation for the API over RSS. Using this as a time to re-up the obvious: I miss Google Reader and RSS feels like an old-internet tool that is less used because nobody can brand it.
As part of signing up your content goes to Apple for moderation approval before you’re allowed in, and I’m currently pending.
You get two emails receipts of what you sign up for, and I really appreciate how Apple makes you agree to terms of use and then gives you a receipt by email; it feels intentional and user-focused:
Apple News Publisher End User License Agreement
Apple News Content Agreement
I took a preview of how my posts will appear on the native News app on a Mac because I don’t keep the News mobile app on my phone. I have an issue with the mobile app and its link sharing because if you share an article with someone that has an iPhone and that person doesn’t have the News app, the link won’t work! It will tell you that you have to download the News app in order to read the article. I think that’s a tactical strategy and it’s trash; it favors a closed internet and I am against it.
Logo
I wanted to revisit the brand and icon I use when sharing to build a consistency with the posts and different than what I was previously using which was self-made but equivalent to 8-bit art. I went with a royalty-free license from Noun Project and I found the experience straightforward satisfactory towards addressing my desire to feel like I am supporting creators online. Similarly, the transaction comes with a nice receipt. In a logo I’ve tried to play on “Track” without being too obvious and I think this is a nice balance of image, purpose, and simplicity.
