On Robert‘s many glowing recommendations, I’ve switched from using Flock’s built-in RSS feed reader, to using Google Reader, and so far, I’m loving it. It’s a fast, dead simple, “river of news” format that just clicks with me. But after using the tool for a couple of weeks, I have to ask: where’s the search function?

I use Google Docs, Google Calendar, Gmail, and various other Google-based tools. Every single one has a huge search bar at the top that allows you to effortlessly search and sift through your content. Now, doesn’t an RSS feed reader seem like the perfect tool in which to include a search function? I would certainly think so, but a search bar appears to be completely absent from the design of Google Reader, which is definitely a shame. There’s been several moments in forums or talking with colleagues where I’ve wanted to refer back to a news item I had read just a few minutes or even a couple of hours ago. But I can’t remember where I read it, or when. Man, wouldn’t it be nice to just type in the search term and have my relevant news from the past hour, day, or week just pop up for me?

Just a little tip for you, Google. Just in case you’re reading.