feeds

I recently had a reader ask me about how to use RSS.  He had seen my post about using RSS to monitor his brand, was interested in giving it a try, but wasn’t sure how to get started. So here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a feed or RSS reader. There are many websites which provide this service – including iGoogle, Google Reader, Bloglines, and My Yahoo.  Most web browsers and some email programs also provide this functionality.  And there are also applications you can download so you can read feeds right from your desktop. You can find a list here or here. I personally like Google Reader because I can read my feeds from any computer and my phone and it stays updated with what I’ve read and haven’t read.
2. Look for feeds to subscribe to. Feeds will usually be marked with an icon: or one that says RSS, or you’ll see a link that says subscribe to this site/page.  Sometimes a feed isn’t clearly marked, but the website still has one.  If you don’t see a feed icon, try putting the URL/link to the website into your feed reader – many will detect feeds for you.
3. Read your feeds. I’m subscribed to many, many feeds.  But I find that I can easy scan what’s going on – without necessarily reading every feed.  It saves the hassle of visiting every single website for updates – but I do still visit some to bookmark a page in delicious or to comment on an article.

So, that’s it.  Pretty simple and straight-forward.  Once you’ve chosen a feed reader, most provide specific instructions on how to use them.  If you have any other questions about how to use RSS, please email me (or leave a comment below).

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