Following a heads-up on the heads-off for Google Reader, the search giant has now consigned Reader to the dust pile of history. Was it worth having? Will anyone miss it?  Where will people go next? KitGuru gives it due consideration.

Most companies follow a simple, predictable pattern.

Early innovation leads to a solid success with one product. The jewel in the crown carries on developing, while multiple ancillary products are kicked off by the science boffins and marketing gurus.

After a period of intense creativity, things start to settle down, revenue streams are evaluated and only the strongest survive.

That company's future is locked in – and much of the early creativity will be shed in favour of the ‘golden path'.

While a number of people still use the service (or, at least, have it available – even if it is gathering dust), companies like Facebook might integrate a similar feature – designed to entice a few more advertising dollars away from Google.

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KitGuru says: We left the last item on the headstone unfinished. It might not die, as such, but it will need a chrysalis-style rebirth if it's to eat into the fabric of Facebook's fibre.

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