The Basics of RSS

RSS is a three-letter acronym for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary; a type of republishing an article that comes from another source such as a website. RSS assists in the publicizing of updates about websites and can include a summary and photos of the latest posting. Those that provide summaries allow users to browse the article and decide if they want to read the original content by accessing the link to the source.
What are the benefits of RSS?
1.         Constantly Fresh Content.
Whether it is about the weather, new music, software upgrade, local news, or a new posting from a rarely-updated site, you will know about it instantaneously.
2.         Save Surfing Time.
With RSS feed summaries you can save time by scanning the summary and deciding if you would actually like to view the original content.
3.         Subscription Power.
Users can choose to subscribe to RSS aggregators and have the freedom to cancel at any time.
4.         Less Clutter In Your Inbox.
You need to have an email address to enjoy the services of an RSS aggregators. But by using RSS your email will be handpicked by you.
5.         No Spam.
Unlike email subscriptions, RSS respects your privacy and safeguards against spam.
6.         Hassle-free Unsubscribing.
Unlike email subscriptions, unsubscribing from an RSS requires you to simply delete the feed from your aggregator.
7.         An Advertising and Marketing Tool.
Users can receive notice of products and services without spam. This is an advantage to both the web user and the website owner. Advertising is more targeted.
Some RSS drawbacks are:
1.         Some users prefer email updates over an RSS feed.
2.         All RSS feeds do not provide graphics and photos.
3.         Sometimes the identity of the source website is confusing. RSS feeds do not display the actual URL or name of the source. This can easily confuse the user.
4.         It is difficult for publishers to determine how many users are subscribed to their feed. Also there is difficulty in determining the frequency of the user's visits. And when users unsubscribe, they have no way of knowing why. Thus, losing out on valuable information for future improvements in advertising.
5.         RSS feeds result in higher traffic and demands on the server.
6.         RSS technology is fairly new and many site do not support RSS feeds.
To get started there are two things you will need. An RSS feed and an RSS aggregator or reader. RSS feeds are found on RSS-supported websites. Some websites provide a list of RSS feeds for various other websites.
An RSS aggregator is used to read the feed from the source website by scanning and collecting data on the latest feeds worldwide. There are two kinds of aggregators. One is a downloadable program known as a desktop aggregator. The other is an online or web-based aggregator. Downloadable aggregators usually require payment before they can be acquired. Internet-based aggregators are usually free with registration for an account. Both offer the same customization features. The paid aggregators are more likely used by the more experienced user allow much more refined customization features.
1.         Choose an RSS aggregator. If your are a beginner us a web-based aggregator since they are usually more user-friendly.
2.         Locate the homepage of your target website and find the RSS or XML button to access the RSS code you will need to enter in the aggregator. Copy the code.
3.         Paste the code in your aggregator. There is a space provided for pasting the code.
Now new postings will appear as they are published in real time at the source website.
RSS and Internet Marketing
The original idea of RSS came from Netscape. Netscapes' intention was to provide users a way to customize their personal homepage so that it would contain links to websites of interest, somewhat like bookmarking. An unforeseen development was when RSS was used for Internet marketing. Users realized the freedom to add RSS feeds to their aggregators to target a particular market.
If you intend to use RSS for marketing purposes, consider linking to email account providers, (e.g. Yahoo, MSN, Google mail); networking websites (e.g. Friendster, Multiply, My Space, Hi5); websites of newspapers and television network websites (e.g. New York Times, CNN) for medium to big-scale companies. Also networking to personal blog websites (e.g. Blogspot) and websites of clubs and organizations is helpful.
Clearly, RSS is an innovation in information management that will result in better technology and as its popularity increases among users and website owners alike.
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Good Luck!
Jeff Spires