RSS is an acronymn for Really Simple Syndication
or Rich Site Summary.
RSS Feeds
RSS Feeds
This presentation will answer the following questions:
What is RSS?
Why use RSS?
What is RSS used for?
What is RSS?
What is RSS?
RSS is a defined standard for syndicating headlines and other content.
RSS is created using XML or eXtensible Markup Language, which is a markup language similar to HTML. All fields are defined. Tags are used to denote the field’s classification. Like HTML, proper construction requires that tags are both opened and closed.
Example: <title> Title of Item in Feed </title>
Why use RSS?
Why use RSS?
RSS as a means of communicating:
Email is burdened with:
• SPAM - messages are often deleted or are filtered because of cluttered mailboxes • Viruses – more and more legitimate messages are not reaching their destination due to the proliferation of viruses.
Benefits to RSS:
• Opt-In – users elect which feeds which they subscribe to.
• Syndication – RSS is a defined standard for syndicating content, feeds extend reach • Content – steady stream of fresh web content
• Aggregation – users can quickly scan multiple content streams and click on items of interest saving time
Why Use RSS?
Why Use RSS?
This Alexa graph represents traffic increase on Software Marketing Resource.
What is RSS used for?
What is RSS used for?
Initially RSS was restricted to News Headlines. As RSS’ popularity has increased the uses
For RSS have expanded. Common uses for RSS include:
• Blogs – summaries of daily blog posts
• Newsletters – synopses of newsletters alerting users that a new newsletter is available • Weather Alerts – notification of severe weather
• Press Announcements – new product announcements
• Specials or Discounts – weekly deals or discount offers for customers • Calendars – listings of upcoming events, deadlines or holidays
Common Industry specific uses for RSS include:
• Service Industry – notification of viruses or security alerts
• Real Estate – listings of open houses or new homes on the market • Schools – homework listings
• Restaurants – lunch or dinner specials
• Law Enforcement – announce sexual predators in area
How do I create an RSS feed?
How do I create an RSS feed?
RSS feeds can be created using :
• a text editor
• using desktop software
In order to use a text editor you must be familiar with all of the fields and
accepted formats. The following sites can be used as resources:
How do I create an RSS feed?
How do I create an RSS feed?
To create feeds using desktop software, you may want to consider
FeedForAll . FeedForAll allows users to quickly and easily, create, edit and publish RSS feeds that conform to specifications.
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
Feed Title –
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
Feed Description –
Enter the description of your RSS feed.
This is a summary of theme that the RSS feed will follow.
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
Feed Link –
Enter the link of your RSS feed.
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
Item Title –
Within each feed is a number of items. Each item contains
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
Item Description –
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
Item Link –
Include exact url to item on web page, its best for each item to have a unique link.
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
FeedForAll’s Feed Creation Wizard
RSS Feeds Created
RSS Feeds Created
Once a Feed is created, you have a number of options.
1. The feed can be posted on the website with a graphic signifying
that a feed exists.
2. Feeds can be exported to HTML or HTML tables and included in the
website as a server side include.
3. RSS feeds can be submitted to RSS search engines. There is a
large list at: http://www.rss-specifications.com/rss-submission.htm
Graphics Indicating Feed
How do I read RSS feeds?
How do I read RSS feeds?
RSS feeds can be read two different ways.
1. Desktop RSS feed reader or news aggregator
Desktop Feed Readers
Desktop Feed Readers
There are a number of desktop RSS Readers available like FeedDemon
http://www.feeddemon.com
A large list of RSS feed readers is available at:
http://www.rss-specifications.com/rss-software.htm
Desktop Feed Readers
Desktop Feed Readers
FeedDemon RSS Reader
Desktop Feed Readers
Desktop Feed Readers
Once feeds are added they will appear in the list. In the left hand column feeds are listed, they
are bolded when a feed is updated. The right hand side displays the actual contents of the feed.
Web Based Readers
Web Based Readers
Web based readers work similar to desktop clients, they are often designed to be start pages.
Simply enter the urls of the feeds you wish to monitor, often they will allow you to determine the number of items that you want to see for each feed. Each time feeds are updated new items will Appear in your web browser.
Popular web based readers include:
FeedScout – http://www.feedscout.com
Active Web Reader – http://www.deskshare.com/awr.aspx
RSS in Summary
RSS in Summary
The bottom line is that RSS makes surfers more productive and saves time it is not burdened with the problems commonly associated with e-mail and offers a great communication venue.
Presentation
Presentation
This presentation by NotePage, Inc. developers of FeedForAll
FeedForAll – http://www.feedforall.com
Additional Resources:
RSS Specifications – http://www.rss-specifications.com Blog Connection – http://www.blog-connection.com
