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What the heck is RSS?

RSS is a tool for getting and reading (usually) dynamic information from remote websites on your website or desktop. There are differing schools of thought, but the majority consider RSS to stand for Really Simple Syndication. RSS uses a code called XML, which is a simple way of formatting data, and which is how data is transmitted to subscribers.

Any website wanting to broadcast and publish information can use RSS. Once new information is sent, it will contain a headline, a little bit of text, and either a rundown or a brief overview of the news or story. A link is included in order to read the complete article/news item ect on the originating website.

To accept RSS feeds, a feed reader, called an aggregator, is needed. Aggregators are widely and freely available online. You can also find javascript solutions that will convert a feed URL to a bit of javascript you insert in your webpage. This will show the feed where you insert the code. What’s more, RSS feeds can likewise be read and retrieved from cell phones and on PDAs.

Adding a feed to your favorite RSS aggregator can be done in two ways. On almost every site, you can find an RSS or XML graphic button on the homepage, and by clicking on the graphic, the feed will be added to your feed reader. In some cases, you will have to add the sites RSS URL manually.

Whatever the method used, you can be certain that the feed will be accessible soon as you have inserted it, and, in just seconds, the next update can arrive. In the event that you do not want to accept the feed or update, you may simply delete or erase the feed from the aggregator.

Through e-mail subscriptions, you can receive newsletters. RSS feeds on the other hand, can be more convenient in keeping up with newsletter updates since they are prompt and available in an instant. You no longer have to wait for a scheduled time or day to obtain a news summary, plus, the news will never be stopped by a spam filter.

RSS feeds are widely used everyday by individuals who understand and appreciate the accessibility of fast reports and news that can be easily grabbed and they only need read certain updates that appeals to them.


Why make an RSS feed available?

You will have more viewers, since now, your sites RSS viewers can conveniently see your updates and information without even going to your site! While at first, it may seem self-defeating, it will in fact enhance the visibility of your site. This is true because users can easily keep up and track changes on your site, to allow them to view in a way that they want to. It’s more probable that guests are aware should something that is in their interest become available or accessible on your site.

For instance, every month your website broadcasts a new feature. Having no feed, your viewers will always have to remember to go to your site periodically to see if you have added something new. That is, if they can remember, and if they still have the time. However, if you supply a feed for your viewers, they can just point to their aggregator and it will instantly provide them a link along with a description of happenings or events at your site immediately.

What format should you choose?

Syndication is very confusing as it uses a lot of formats that can quickly become generally confusing. However, this can easily be solved as general, syndicated libraries are used by aggregators which can detect which format is being used and serve the content correctly!

With this in mind, whatever format you pick is just a matter of personal preference. RSS 1.0 is far reaching, and it can be integrated into nearly all Web systems. RSS 2.0 is very easy and simple to create by hand. And atom is an IETF Standard, which brings constancy, stability and a large and accepted community to support its usage.
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By : Jan Michaels    Five stars rating
Submitted 2007-03-17 13:39:03

Author Resource

Jan Michaels is the creator of Article Friendly Article Publishing Script for php & mysql, and can be found at: Article Friendly or Article Friendly Topsites

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