How to Add the Helvetireader Theme to Google Reader

Introduction
RSS is a great way to keep up with all your favorite sites. To use RSS, you need a reader. Many people have turned to Google Reader because of its ease of use, as well as syncing features. However, the interface of Google Reader leaves much to be desired. Today I am going to show you how to easily perk up Google Reader with Fluid and Helvetireader, a userscript.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Mac
• Fluid
• Helvetireader Userscript (Found in Article)

1. To begin, go and download Fluid if you don't have it already. It can be found at www.fluidapp.com

2. 

   Next we are going to get an icon for google reader. There are two good choices: The Helvetireader icon, HERE:http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshuabrewer/3064355028/
   
   The other is just meant for Google Reader Found HERE: http://csi.nfshost.com/goodies/
   
   So, take your pick.

3. 

   Launch Fluid and enter the following:
   URL: www.google.com/reader
   Icon: Select your icon here
   So now your Google Reader app should be up and running. Make sure everything works to your liking. Next we are going to install the userscript.

4. Copy the following text:
   // ==UserScript==
   // @name Helvetireader
   // @description Helvetireader style for Google Reader
   // @include https://*.google.com/reader/view/*
   // @include http://*.google.com/reader/view/*
   // @include htt*://*.google.*/reader/view*
   // @author Helvetireader by Jon Hicks (http://www.hicksdesign.co.uk) with favicon override by MkFly
   // ==/UserScript==
   
   
   var favvy = document.createElement('link');
   favvy.setAttribute('type', 'image/x-icon');
   favvy.setAttribute('rel', 'shortcut icon');
   favvy.setAttribute('href', 'http://www.helvetireader.com/favicon.png');
   var head = document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0];
   head.appendChild(favvy);
   
   var cssNode = document.createElement('link');
   cssNode.type = 'text/css';
   cssNode.rel = 'stylesheet';
   cssNode.href = 'http://www.helvetireader.com/css/helvetireader.css';
   cssNode.media = 'screen';
   cssNode.title = 'dynamicLoadedSheet';
   document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0].appendChild(cssNode);

5. 

   Click on the black scroll in the menu bar and select add userscript. Name the userscript whatever you like, and paste the code into the DashCode window that appears. Now save. Make sure the script is active (click on the black scroll and see if the script's name has a check mark next to it) and restart the app.
   
   Congrats, you just tweaked Google Reader.

Resources

• A Basic Fluid Tutorial