RSS:
A "Really Simple Solution" For Sending And Receiving Content
By
Marketing
Basics Copyright © 2004
"RSS" stands for Really Simple
Syndication. RSS is a standard for publishing regular updates to web-based
content. Using this standard, web publishers provide updates, such as the
latest news headlines or weblog postings.
Consumers use RSS reader applications, or one of a growing number of online
services to collect and monitor their favorite feeds in one place. RSS content
from a publisher, viewed in one of these readers, is often called a "feed."
For consumers, RSS makes it possible to review a large number of sites in
a short amount of time.
For publishers, RSS allows instant widespread distribution of content updates
to consumers.
So, who publishes RSS feeds? Some of the biggest names on the Internet now
offer content using RSS feeds:
* Yahoo!
* CNET
* BBC News Headlines
* ABC News
* Amazon.com
* Plus...many, many more!
In addition, thousands of weblog authors publish feeds to keep themselves
better connected to their readers. Weblogs, also known as blogs, are a driving
force behind a recent surge in interest for RSS and syndicated content. Many
experts believe that in the very near future, the number of top-tier sites
not syndicating any content will be in the minority.
If you're interested in collecting and browsing feeds, you have a multitude
of choices. However there are two primary categories of feed reading
applications: installable desktop programs and online services. There are
also many desktop applications for Windows and Mac OS system users, but two
of the most popular ones are FeedDemon (Windows) and NetNewsWire (Mac OS
X).
Both require a small purchase price,
but are at the head of the class for user-friendliness. They also come pre-loaded
with dozens of feeds, so you can start exploring the syndication "universe"
immediately. Free readers are also available. Just perform a search for "RSS
Reader," using your favorite search engine.
If you would prefer to use an online service to track and manage your feeds,
you have the advantage of being able to access your feed updates anywhere
you use a web browser, and in some cases, on mobile equipment.
Also, any upgrades or new features are added automatically. There are, however,
disadvantages to going mobile, such as different and fewer features, as well
as slightly slower performance versus desktop systems. NewsGator.com,
Bloglines.com, and MyFeedster.com are probably the three best-known examples
of web-based feed reading services.
If you have a website or weblog, you can add RSS syndication as a publishing
option, in some cases automatically. How easily you can accomplish this depends
entirely on how your site is served today.
For instance, if you are using a hosted publishing tool like Blogger.com,
you may already be publishing a feed without even realizing it. Check to
see whether your provider's administration tools offer feed-related options
or controls. Other types of websites and application platforms may require
some programming skills in order to add RSS syndication capabilities.
In the world of web syndication, multiple versions of RSS and Atom are vying
for widespread adoption. FeedBurner.com offers a feature called SmartFeed
that makes sure feed readers receive the version they're most compatible
with.
SmartFeed automatically handles the syndication format details so that you
can focus your energy on creating content.
Marketing Basics specializes in writing
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techniques.
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