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What is RSS? - A concise guide to RSS feeds
1.
2. 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>
RSS has been around for more than a decade, but only recently the standard has been
embraced by bloggers, webmasters and large news portals as a means of distributing
Information, in a standardized format.
3. 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
4. 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
• Traffic – increased exposure and traffic for web sites
5.
6.
7. Possibilities of RSS?
RSS isn't limited to just bringing blog posts to your feed reader. In fact, almost any type of web
content can be syndicated using RSS. Think of it like a tube for sending information from one place
to another - it doesn't mind what that data is, so long as it has an RSS feed.
RSS will happily transmit video, audio and even documents by placing them in what's called
an "enclosure", which acts in a similar way to an email attachment. But while an attachment actually
contains the full file, an enclosure simply provides a link to the content so that it can be downloaded
by your feed reading software.
8. How do I read RSS feeds?
RSS feeds can be read two different ways.
1. Desktop RSS feed reader or news aggregator
2. Web based RSS feed reader.
Since RSS is an XML-Technology, it`s reader can be built for any platform using any technology one
wish for. It can be viewed even using a primitive text editor like Notepad.
We have built a web based RSS feed reader using cutting edge jQuery and CSS 3. With a backend
of PHP and MySQL. Live project can be viewed on internet, via a modern browser, by visiting
“FeedDesk.co.cc”
9. How do I create an RSS feed?
RSS feeds can be created using :
• A text editor.
• Using desktop software.
• Using web tools.
If fact our RSS system will have its own multi-user, CMS based RSS Creation tool in near future.
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:
http://www.rss-specifications.com
http://www.make-rss-feeds.com
11. When RSS Feeds is 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
These graphics can be used to tell users that you have a RSS channel they can subscribe to.
12. What is unique about our website.
To name a few…
It uses bleeding edge technology like jQuery and CSS 3.
Cross-Platform, can be viewed on mobile phone if it is a modern one.
Fast and efficient. Uses AJAX.
We have used latest server side technology with advance security benefits.
Above all, Free because of the use of Open-Source tools used in development
It is online and ready to use.
13. Future Enhancements ..
These features will be added in near future.
o Addition of a Blog.
o Addition of feature to create your own RSS Channel.
o CMS for Creating Feeds.
o Better look and feels.
o Failback mode for antique browsers.
Technology Shift towards NoSQL.
More social connectivity features.
14. References
1. http://www.rss-specifications.com/rss-submission.htm
2. http://www.rss-specifications.com
3. http://www.make-rss-feeds.com
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/RSS
5. http:// rssboard.org/news/164/video-rss-plain-english.
6. Ever helpful GOOGLE searches and GOOGLE IMAGE SEARCHES.
