1. What is RSS?
A set of commands. ATOM is much the same. Both are tools like subscription forms, and both use XML to organize the content you can subscribe to.
2. What’s XML?
A code like Java or HTML. But it doesn’t work the same way. Java/HTML is in the foreground like an author – it writes and creates the content. XML is in the background like a storyteller – it reads the content and describes it to RSS. After a quick techie moment, RSS translates the description into clickable feeds or streams which you bookmark or plug into a reader.
3. What’s a Reader?
An aggregator or a tool box that displays RSS feeds in compact form – news stories as quick headlines, photographs and videos as thumbnails etc. Most readers can display hundreds of feeds at a glance – depending on your layout, and the display is dynamic – it updates automatically or whenever you refresh the page. I use Netvibes to handle my feeds, and various widgets (widgets explained).
4. Types of Reader
Desktop, web based or mobile with sub-groups to suit all platforms. The list below is from Open Directory. It has over 200 readers to choose from. There’s a price tag on some choices but most are free of charge.
- Windows, Mac
- Linux, Java
- Firefox
- Web based
- Email based
- Mobile
5. Recommends
Opinions vary as to which reader is best. Bloglines, My Yahoo! and Google Reader get plenty of plaudits but other readers are just as good. It all depends on how you want your feeds presented and the range of extras – toys/widgets you want to play with. For ideas see the the Life Rocks! Top 10
6. Common Craft
A group of down-to-earth developers. They’re great at translating techie-speak into plain English. Take a look at their excellent vid on RSS.
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- Check your reader on Top 100 Tools
- Mac readers
- More Mac readers
- Bloggers
- RSS explained: Search Engine Watch
