Why should I use RSS ?

If you currently check one or more websites to find out if there is updated information, then you should know there is an easier way!

There is lots of info (1) (2) about RSS feeds, but here is what you need to know:

1. Using RSS feeds will allow you to see new info on a website without visiting the website.
2. You can see multiple RSS feeds on one page.
3. The information “comes to you” instead of you having to go look at the information.

Q: Alright, so I need RSS right, what do I do?

A: There are several paths, pick one: (starts with easiest)

1. Build your own web-based front page and add little squares for each RSS feed you want to keep track of. (this is possible with igoogle.com, my.yahoo.com, or even at start.gallimorefamily.net – the last choice is already pre-configured with the RSS feed from my blog)
2. Use an online (web-based) RSS reader. My favorite is google reader. Just pick out your favorite subjects, or add the web addresses of websites you want to track. The nice thing with this is that it has lots of feeds categorized for you, you can search by your interest.
3. Install google desktop, add the RSS feed gadget, then add each of the websites you want to keep track of. This is my favorite method, since I can keep an eye on new stories that come across in real time.
4. Use a real RSS feed reader application.

Q: OK, I’m convinced that I need this great technology, what else do I need?

A: Just the feed-address of the websites you want to keep an eye on.  Most news or blog website will have a feed available, look for the orange square with 3 arcs… looks like a loudspeaker symbol.

I recommend these:

1. http://blog.briangallimore.com/?feed=rss2
2. http://brysontate.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
3. http://rss.slashdot.org/Slashdot/slashdot
4. http://feeds.gawker.com/lifehacker/full
5. http://feeds.gawker.com/jalopnik/full
6. http://www.npr.org/rss/rss.php?id=1001
7. http://feeds.feedburner.com/NprProgramsATC?id=2

Please comment if you have more suggestions.