What the heck is RSS?

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a useful tool for saving or retaining updated information on your favorite or frequently visited websites or blogs. RSS utilizes an XML code which continuously scans the content or subject matter of a certain website, searching for updated information, then transmitting that information to subscribers.

RSS feeds are generally utilized in blogs or news sites, though any website wanting to broadcast and publish information can use them. There is a standard format for new information being sent… it generally contains a headline, the text or multimedia content, and there may possibly be a link to click to read further, in case the article or information is very long.

To accept RSS feeds, a feed reader is needed, or an aggregator. Aggregators are widely and freely available online… with a bit of searching, you should be able to locate an interface that best suits you. Two aggregators that I’m immediately familiar with are Bloglines and Google Reader. These days, RSS feeds can even be read and retrieved from cell phones and PDAs.

When you come across a website that you want to add to your aggregator, the process can be done in a couple of ways. The standard these days is to click on an RSS button. Almost all sites offering an RSS feed displays some representation of the “RSS symbol” in their homepage (if you’re not reading this from a reader, there’s an example of an RSS symbol on the right hand side of your screen!), and with one click, it promptly adds that particular feed to one’s aggregator. Some older aggregators require the need to copy and paste the URL of the feed into the program.

Whichever method is used, the feed should be immediately accessible as soon as you’ve clicked or inserted the feed URL. Should you ever decide that you don’t want any more updates, you may simply delete the feed from the aggregator.

Some websites and blogs give you the option to receive their RSS feed by email… this relieves the user of the need for an aggregator. RSS feeds by email can be convenient in keeping up with time sensitive updates like news or weather, since they are prompt and available in an instant (especially if you have an email enabled mobile device!). RSS feeds by email are widely used by people who understand and appreciate easy accessibility of information.

Why make a feed available?

Making an RSS feed available is a convenience to your readers… when they are subscribed to your feed, they don’t have to navigate to your site to read your updates! At first, that might not seem acceptable, but in fact, it should enhance the visibility of your site… this is because users can more easily keep up with your content, since you’re allowing them to view it in a more convenient manner.

Without a feed, your visitors may grow tired of dropping by to see if you’ve posted new content… that is, if they can remember your URL and still have the time, all while they’re sitting at the computer! However, if you supply a feed for your viewers, they can simply use their aggregator to get an immediate accounting of what’s going on at your site or blog.