certainly not a pure experiment, but it definitely proves the point that changing a single word can have an amazing impact. I love posts like this, that just make you stop and think. Take a look at your blog from a fresh angle and realize, your readers maybe confused by the terminology being used. I've always thought 'RSS' sounded to techie for most internet users, but over looked the use of the word 'subscribe'. Will have to think of a snappy alternative which will encourage instead of scare my readers! Hi Willy, this is a great point, especially for those of us who aren't blogging about tech topics. It's funny because the biggest tip I learned from Copyblogger was to provide an email option to subscribe to my blog -- still one of the best tips I've ever received. Now I'll be looking at changing my subscription wording, thanks! I don't think it has much to do with people confusing free and paid subscription. Your new text told potential subscribers what they would get by signing up. saying "subscribe" doesn't sell the benefit or tell them why they should bother. and for the record, I am in my email all day long. I never go to my RSS reader unless i'm desperate. I would rather have posts come to me via email. Call me old-fashioned, lazy or rooted in my habits. I just prefer email. Thanks for this useful post. I have just edited the text on my blog so