Thanks to email, the internet and Google, we now have immediate access to more information than we
know what to do with. Of course, we have no desire or need to read all that's out there, but you'd probably agree that there are at least a handful of Web sites (and blogs!) you would like to keep up with.
What if I told you that you could easily do this - without having to manually visit these Web sites and for the cost of a few minutes each day? You can! I am able to stay on top of over 100 Web sites and blogs (60+ personal and 40+ work-related) in about 15 minutes a day. I actually click-through to read a news article or blog less than 20% of the time. Interested? If so, read on.
What is RSS?
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. All that means to you is if a Web site or blog has been "RSS-enabled," it will be Real Simple to keep up with it. You won't have to check in periodically for updates and you will be able to scan through the new content very quickly.
If a Web site or blog has been RSS-enabled, you will usually see the orange RSS icon. For Internet Explorer 7 users, this icon will be highlighted in the toolbar. This orange icon lets you know that you can add that Web site or blog's "feed" to your list of "subscriptions" in your RSS (or "feed") reader.
In my next post, I will introduce you to two popular RSS readers - Bloglines and Google Reader. I use both. They are both free and Web-based - which means you don't have to download anything and you'll be able to access your reader from anywhere. You can even keep up on your mobile devices.
But Wait! There's More
If you want to learn more about RSS and/or get a head start with a RSS reader, check out these links:
- Video. If you like videos, then visit Tim Bednar's blog and view this quick video: RSS in Plain English.
- Oprah. If you like the "Oprah way" of explaining things, then go here: How to Explain RSS the Oprah Way.
- Text. If you want the straight scoop without all the fanfare, then FeedBurner has the story for you: Feed 101.
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