What is RSS?

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Q: What does RSS stand for?
A: Really Simple Syndication (syndication is a fancy word for subscription)

Q: How does RSS work?
A: Most websites and blogs have “feeds” (most often indicated by the orange RSS link button at the top or in one of the side panels) which direct new content directly to “feed reading software” or a “web-based reader.” These applications will allow you to access content directly, “reading” from different feeds you’ve subscribed to (which is where the term “feed reader” comes from). Content can even include podcasts (audio mp3 files) for download onto an I-Pod or for listening directly from the computer. Instead of going to multiple sites to read articles of interest, you are able to sign up to receive site feeds in a feed reader, collecting all of the content in one location for your reading pleasure. RSS = efficiency.

There are two options for subscribing to the feed for College Writing 101; the first option is to copy and paste the following link into your own feed reading software: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/ CollegeWriting101. The second option is to click on the orange RSS button and select the icon for your preferred web-based reader (Bloglines, My Yahoo!, Google Reader, Pageflakes, NetVibes, or NewsGator).                                

Q: Do you use RSS?
A: Absolutely! Once I discovered RSS, it was easy for me to access a web-based reader and begin to receive content from all of my favorite sites in one place.

Q: What are the benefits of RSS?
A: Until recently, I knew what RSS was but never used it, choosing to bookmark websites, blogs, and any other online content in my favorites center. As you can imagine, that favorites center was laden with subfolders, with subfolders inside of the subfolders. I could hardly hope to access some of my “aha” finds on the web simply because they were buried and forgotten.

For further instruction, I would encourage you to watch this video which provides an example of what RSS is, as well as instructions on how to sign up for Google Reader:   What RSS Is And Why You Need It