What Are RSS Feeds (Really Simple Syndication) Good For? By Marilyn Katz At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

RSS is most commonly believed to stand for Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication. RSS formats are specified using a language called XML, a generic specification for the creation of data formats. This standardized XML format allows published content, or an RSS feed, to be viewed by various different programs. These programs are known as RSS readers, feed readers or aggregators. By entering a feeds URI or URL into a reader, or clicking on the RSS icon, a user subscribes to a feed and will be able to receive updates via the reader.

RSS feeds are good for a variety of different reasons. The website that provides the feed has the advantage of receiving free back links from other websites or feed directories. This can be good for increasing a sites popularity and can in turn result in the website making money for the owner through activities such as advertising. Web feeds also benefit publishers as they are able to syndicate content automatically. The benefit to readers of these feeds of RSS technology is that they can sign up to receive updates from favored fields without having to continuously check for updates themselves. And because RSS readers enable a user to subscribe to a number of different feeds, users are able to aggregate feeds from various sources in to one place.

The aim of all RSS modules is to extend the basic XML schema to enable a more robust form of syndication of content, which will allow for more standardized yet diverse transactions, without modifying the RSS specifications. This is done through tightly controlled vocabulary, giving names to concepts and creating relationships between each of these concepts. RSS feeds are also increasing in use through Bit Torrent based peer to peer file sharing applications. These feeds are known as Torrent/RSS-es or Torrent Casts, and allow users to download files the moment the RSS reader detects them. This is a process known as Broad Catching.

However, like any technological application, RSS feeds have their problems, particularly compatibility problems. The most serious compatibility problem is with the HTML mark-up, as some RSS readers do not filter out HTML mark-ups from feeds. As a result of this, some publishes decided to begin putting HTML mark-ups in the titles and descriptions of their RSS feeds. However, the RSS2.* specification was updated to include examples of entity encoded HTML, whilst allowing all prior plain text usages to remain valid.

Whilst RSS feeds may sound complicated to understand, they are relatively easy to use. By allowing websites to display content that is automatically and easily updated, as well as enabling subscribers to receive updates straight to their reader, RSS feeds really are taking the internet into a new era. Whether it is a celebrities blog or a world news site, by signing up to an RSS feed a user will never go with out the latest updates and information, all found in one place at the touch of a button.

By now, you may see that this is also a big advantage for webmasters too. They can produce one simple file, and make sure that internet visitors in many places get a constantly updated taste of their content.

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