Hot Issues - RSS

What is RSS?

RSS, which stands for "Really Simple Syndication," "Rich Site Summary" or "RDF Site Summary" is a simple XML-based data exchange format. The RSS format can be used to export almost any sort of data, although it is most commonly used to export data from news sites,  weblogs and calendars. This data is provided in an XML file, which is called a RSS feed, RSS stream or RSS channel.

How Are RSS Feeds Accessed?

The RSS format is currently not supported by most web browsers. (A notable exception is Mozilla's Firefox web browser.) In order to properly access RSS feeds, users must install a special piece of software called a RSS reader or aggregator. Another option for users: Accessing feeds through an online RSS aggregator, such as Bloglines.com. There are many RSS readers available to suit various operating systems.

After a user has "subscribed" to a RSS feed by copying the RSS feed's URL into their RSS reader, the aggregator will automatically check the RSS feed and pull any updated content into the aggregator, where the user may peruse it at their leisure.

How Can RSS help your organization?

• Instantaneous delivery of structured content to RSS readers/aggregators. 
• RSS feeds entice users of the feeds to visit the the wwebsites mentioned in the feed, much like the links in an eNewsletter.
• RSS feeds complement eNewsletters by delivering content directly to readers, without having to bypass SPAM filters, etc. Content, if formatted correctly, will always be delivered to the RSS reader.
• RSS content does not have to compete with email and SPAM for the users' attention. It's more likely that your message delivered via RSS will get through to the users.
• RSS feeds work well for search engine positioning, since feeds help get inbound links from other websites. Feeds are also an excellent way to let the search engines know that there is new content to be indexed.
• Setting up a basic RSS feed is simple and cost-effective.
• Advertising can be included in RSS feeds, which could be used to generate a new profit stream.
• RSS feeds can be used to syndicate content to other websites, thereby expanding the original site's readership and reach.
• RSS is becoming more well known as a content delivery method, especially with Yahoo's! implementation of RSS aggregation in their MyYahoo! Service.
• Many RSS readers allow the users to forward the items in RSS feeds  to their friends, family and co-workers, much like the viral marketing "forward this message" feature  in eNewsletters.

Questions about RSS? Contact USDM.net.