"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.
About the Author
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