What the Heck is RSS?

RSS (currently an abbreviation for "really simple syndication") is a format for making Internet content easier to share. RSS "feeds" are XML text files used to announce content changes for web sites such as blogs or podcasts. Some programs such as iTunes are designed primarily for reading podcast feeds while others will aggregate a variety of feeds. Net News Wire is one popular "feed reader" for Mac OS X, but some web browsers such as Safari and FireFox can also interpret and display RSS feeds for sites such as the MacRory.com weblog.

Usually a web site which includes a feed will announce this fact with a small graphic "badge" such as those below. Many portal sites such as Yahoo or Google have customizable user pages which incorporate RSS, effectively making those pages feed readers for those who do not have one. Clicking on one of the graphic badges below will add the MacRory.com blog to your portal or news reader (assuming you have one).

• Subscribe to Atom feed. (either .atom or .xml)
• Subscribe to RSS feed. (either .rss or .xml)
• Subscribe to XML feed. (usually works for both)

• Add to My Yahoo
• Add to My AOL
• Add to Google

• Add to Bloglines
• Add to Newsgator
• Add to Newsburst
• Add to Rojo

There are many others, of course, but this gives an idea. For more information on RSS you may wish to visit one of the following sites

• Wikipedia article on RSS file format
• Wikipedia article on Atom standard
• Six Apart explanation of feeds
• The NewsGator family of RSS software and web products
• Yahoo RSS Help Page
• O'Reilly XML.com Article on RSS