What is RSS?
"RSS" stands for Really Simple
Syndication. RSS is basically used for publishing regular
updates to web-based content. Using this format, Web
publishers provide updates, such as the latest news headlines or
weblog postings. Meanwhile, consumers use RSS reader applications 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").
Consumer Benefits:
RSS makes reviewing a large number of sites in a very short time
possible.
Publisher Benefits:
RSS permits instant distribution of content updates to
consumers.
Who publishes RSS feeds?
Some of the biggest names on the web
now offer content using RSS feeds:
- Yahoo!
- BBC News Headlines
- ABCNews
- CNET
- Amazon.com
- ...and many more.
In addition, thousands of weblog
authors publish feeds to keep themselves better connected to their
readers, customers and scritics. Blogs are a driving force behind a
recent surge of interest in RSS and syndicated content.
How do I read RSS Feeds?
If you want to collect and browse
feeds you have many choices, but there are two primary categories of
feed reading applications: installable desktop programs and online
services. There are many desktop applications for Windows and Mac OS
system users, but two of our favorites are Pluck (Windows) and NetNewsWire (Mac OS X).
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 devices). Also, any upgrades
or new features are added automatically. NewsGator, Bloglines, and new RSS content capabilities in My
Yahoo! are probably the three best-known examples of web-based
feed reading services.
How can I publish my own RSS
Feed?
If you have a website or weblog, you
can add RSS syndication as a publishing option. How easy this is to
accomplish depends entirely on how your site is served today.
Investigate 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.
Where is RSS headed? What's next
after text?
RSS is almost a mainstream
technology; the popular press is all over it and consumer services
are rapidly moving to integrate it into existing products. RSS will
gain a whole new level of value once it moves beyond just text and
links.
