Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a tool useful for saving or retaining new information on websites that you visit a lot or websites that are your favourite. RSS utilizes an XML code which scans continuously the content or subject matter of a certain website in search of new information then transmits the updates by way of feeding the information to your subscribers.
RSS feeds are generally being used in blogs or news sites, though any website wanting to broadcast and publish information can utilize them. Once new information is sent, it will contain a headline, a summary, and either a rundown or a brief review of the news or story. The user will need to click the RSS feed link to read further.
To accept RSS feeds, a feed reader is reuired. This is called a feed aggregator. Aggregators are widely available online, and all that is needed is a bit of searching. You should be able to find a certain interface that best interests you. What’s more, RSS feeds can also be read and retrieved from mobile phones and on PDAs.
Once you encounter a website that you want to insert into the aggregator, the process can be done in two ways. Almost all sites offering an RSS feed will display an “RSS” or “XML” button in their pages and with one click, it promptly adds that particular feed to one’s aggregator. Some aggregators however, need you to copy and then paste the URL of the feed into the program.
Whichever the method used, you can be certain that the feed will be available as soon as you have added it, likewise, in a matter of seconds, the next update may arrive. If you no longer want to read updates from a particular web site, you may simply delete the RSS feed from the aggregator.
Through e-mail subscriptions, you can read newsletters. RSS feeds on the other hand, can be more convenient in keeping up with newsletter updates since they are prompt and available immediately; you no longer have to wait for a particular time to obtain a news summary. Plus, the news is never detained by a spam blocker.
RSS feeds are used every day by individuals that understand and appreciate the accessibility of fast reports and news that can be readily read and they generally only read updates that they find interesting.
Aggregators
Aggregators are popular in the use of feeds, and come in having several kinds. Web aggregators or portals as they are commonly called, create this view which is made available in a web page. Nowadays, aggregators have been incorporated into e-mail programs, and other forms of standalone software.
Aggregators offer a whole host of special features, such as combining more related feeds in just a single view, hiding certain entries or statements that have already been viewed, and classifying entries and feeds, into specific folders.
Why make a RSS feed available?
Your site visitors can read your content without even having to visit your web pages. While at first, it may seem corrupt, it will in fact enhance the visibility of your web site. This is because users can easily keep track with your site, allowing them to view it any time they want to, whether on the bus, in the dentists waiting room or at the office. Also, RSS feeds keeps your site in the mind of your readers, as they get updates each time you update your web site.
For instance, every week your site broadcasts a new feature. Without a feed, your subscribers will have to keep in mind to visit your web site to see if you have updated with something new. That is, if they remember to and they can spare the time. However, if you supply a RSS feed for your subscribers, they can just open their aggregator and it will instantly provide them with a link and a description of updates at your web site.
Which format is best?
Syndication can be very confusing as it utilizes a variety of formats. However, this can be easily remedied as in general, syndicated libraries are used by aggregators which conceptualize a certain format that a feed is in, in order that they can use a certain syndication feed.
With this knowledge, the format is just a matter of personal preference. RSS 1.0 is wide spread, and practical should it be integrated into Semantic Web Systems. RSS 2.0 is simple to create by hand and Atom is an IETF Standard, which brings consistency, stability and a natural community to support its usage.
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