RSS basic

What is RSS?
You probably have seen these three letters acronym in the course of your Internet surfing. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary; syndicate means republishing an article that comes from another source, such as a website. A

RSS is a way of publishing updates on websites. It may or may not be a summary and photos of the last places. But those summaries (thus Rich Site Summary) makes it possible for users to space through the article, so that later they can decide when they want access to the website source. The RSS feed usually the title of the update submitted by the website. It is also usually the link to the website source.

What are the advantages of RSS?
RSS offers benefits to both readers (users) and web publishers.
1. It gives you the latest updates.
Whether it is about the weather, new music, software upgrade, local news, or a new appointment of a rarely-updates site learn about the latest when it comes.

2. It saves on surfing.
Since an RSS feed gives an overview of the accompanying article, it saves the user� �� � �� � �� n times to help he / she decide where to give priority to read or browse the net.

3. It indicates the strength of the subscription for the user.
Users get the free hand on which websites to subscribe in their RSS aggregators, they can be amended at any time they decide otherwise.

4. It reduces the clutter in your inbox.
While your e-mail address will be needed to enjoy the services of online RSS aggregators, RSS does not use your e-mail address to send the updates.

5. It is spam.
Unlike e-mail subscriptions, RSS does not use your e-mail address to send updates thus your privacy is kept safe from spam mails.

6. Withdrawal is very simple.
Unlike e-mail subscriptions where the user questions about why he / she is logout and then the user would be asked to confirm opt-out, the only thing you have to do is delete the RSS feed your aggregator.

7. It can be used as an advertising and marketing tool.
Users who subscribe or syndicate product websites receive the latest news on the products and services without the website sending spam mail. This is advantageous for both the user and owner of the site, because the advertising is targeted; those who are genuinely interested in their products are kept posted.

What are the disadvantages of RSS?
The disadvantages of RSS to stand by her is a new technology and some user-preference.
1. Some users prefer receiving e-mail updates on an RSS feed.

2. Graphics and photos do not appear in all RSS feeds.
For the brevity and the ease of publication, RSS feeds are not the photographs of the original site in announcing the update, with the exception of a number of web-based aggregators

3. The identity of the source website can be confusing.
Since RSS feeds are not the actual URL or the name of the website, can sometimes confusing on what feed a user is actually reading.

4. Publishers can not determine how many users are logged into their feed and the frequency of visits. Moreover, they would not know the reasons why users unsubscribe which could be important in improving their advertising.

5. RSS feeds of traffic and the higher demands on the server.
Most readers still prefer the whole update over a brief summary of the text, they still access the site.

6. As a new technology, many sites still do not support RSS.

How do I get started using RSS?
There are two things needed: an RSS feed and an RSS reader or aggregator. The RSS feed comes from an RSS-supported website. There are also websites that a list of RSS feeds from various websites. An RSS aggregator is used for reading the RSS feed from the source website. It scans and collects data on the latest RSS feeds from the worldwide web.

An aggregator comes in two forms: a downloadable program also known as desktop aggregator and an online or web-based aggregator. Downloadable aggregators may require the payment before they can be acquired, while Internet-based aggregators are usually free. The only thing you have to do is to register an account then you are ready to use their services. Both versions that could decide whether the choice of RSS feeds to enter. Paid aggregators are usually chosen by the more experienced users and usually gives them more freedom in customizing feeds.

1. Choose an RSS aggregator to use. For beginners, web-based aggregators are recommended because they are usually easy to use

2. Scan the front page of your website for the RSS or XML button. It contains the RSS code you should have in the aggregator. Copy this code. Syndic8 provides a directory of websites that RSS.


3. Paste the code (which the site URL) in your aggregator. There is a space for pasting the code.

After you've done these three simple steps you can begin to read RSS feeds from the website. New messages appear as they are published in real time on the website of the source.

RSS and Internet Marketing

The original idea of RSS came from Netscape, where their intention to be a means for users for their personal home page contains links to sites that interest them, similar to bookmarking sites.

The application of RSS to internet marketing was an unforeseen development to RSS technology developers. Since users are given the freedom to RSS feeds to their aggregators, those who are interested in certain products and services available on the Internet, can now be notified real time. Marketing is more specific to people who are interested and not a hit-and-miss.

Those who intend to use for RSS marketing of their products and services should consider e-mail account (such as Yahoo, MSN, Google mail); networking sites (such as Friendster, Multiply, My Space, hi5); Web sites of newspapers and television network of websites (eg New York Times, CNN) for medium to large businesses. Small-time industries can also look at a network of web sites as well as personal blog websites (eg Blogspot) and the websites of clubs and organizations that would probably make use of their products or services such as a fishing supplies store can look for website of the local fishing club for possible RSS marketing.


It goes without saying that RSS is an innovation in the management of data on the worldwide web and online marketing. We can expect better RSS technology in the not so distant future, as the rising popularity among users and website owners together.