Nothings more heartbreaking than when one of your favorite servicesone you rely on every dayannounces its shutting down.
Its a pain, but you dont have to just accept it.
Heres how you’re able to find a replacement that doesnt suck.
This week, in honor ofGrooveshark shutting down, were looking for something new.
(Keep an eye out forthis weeks Hive Five, too!)
I understandthe reasons behind it, but that doesnt make it suck less.
Many of youfelt the same waywhen Google announced they were shutting down iGoogle.
For every app you use, theres an alternative out there that would love your business.
In this post, were going to show you how to find them.
Some companies do a good job at making your data portable to you at all times, likeGoogleorFacebook.
If you could export your data, do it sooner rather than later.
Of course, you dont have to wait for the powers that be to grab your data and go.
Next time, find out if a service allows you to export your data before you get invested.
Also, keep an eye out in case your service dies and comes back to life.
Visiting theirGet Satisfaction pagerevealed that many users have become frustrated, too.
you might even sort by platform if youre looking for desktop apps.
Its iOS only, though.
Its an easy way to navigate the app store without resorting to the much less useful related apps section.
Lifehacker App Directory: Wed be remiss if we didnt mention our own directory of apps and services.
Dont overlook forums, or your friends on Facebook or Twitter!
It might be time to take matters into your own hands and build your own replacement.
If theres nothing out there that meets your fancy directly, roll up your DIY sleeves.Photo byMichal Hadassah.
One of our readers evenused Tasker to build a custom to-do app.
Plus, if we havent covered a DIY option for you, ask us!
We may be able to figure it out for you.
Best of all, youll have a service thatll never shut down and leave you out in the cold.
This post was illustrated by Dominick Rabrun.
you’re able to find his illustrations on hispersonal web site, or works in progresson his blog.
