RSS Basics 1: What is RSS?

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What does RSS mean?

“RSS” stands for “Really Simple Syndication.” If you read a lot of blogs, you probably already know about it. If you don’t, and I know many of the people reading my blog don’t read any others, this information might be new to you. RSS is still fairly new, and not widely seen outside of the blogosphere and news websites. But just about every web publisher in the world is looking for a way to use RSS to give you the information you want. I’m predicting that, three years from now, you will consider your RSS feeds to be just as vital as e-mail.

Whenever you see the RSS icon, you can click the icon to subscribe. Subscribe in a reader

Why use RSS?

RSS is, by far, the easiest way to retrieve the information you want to see on a regular basis. An RSS reader (see RSS Basics 2) will gather this information for you and, depending on how you configure the reader, show you everything you’ve asked for, everything from one site or search result, or specifically filtered articles.

What does RSS do?

RSS allows you to subscribe to ongoing information streams. It allows you to receive all information flowing through specific channels online. RSS is like a good friend who knows what interests you, and sends you articles on those subjects, but without clogging your e-mail box.

Do you want to monitor major news sites for all news related to the company you work for? Perform a Google News search and subscribe to the results.

Planning a trip to Jamaica and want to keep an eye on special offers? Subscribe to all kinds of travel agency mailing lists, travel blogs, and discount finder websites.

Want to read 500 blogs without visiting 500 web sites, and you only want to read them on weekends? Subscribe to each one of those blogs, then Saturday morning check your list of thousands of articles.