About RSS (Really Simple Syndication)

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“Our RSS feed delivers a summary and link to our newest publications the minute they are posted in our online database. You won’t have to wait for an e-mail or a newsletter to find out what the Bell has to say about fiscal issues and the opportunity agenda in Colorado.” — Wade Buchanan, president, the Bell Policy Center

What is RSS?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It’s a standard web feed system already in use by many news, research and advocacy organizations.

Wherever you see “RSS” or “XML,” it means you can subscribe to a feed of new items from that web site. XML is the code language used to create an RSS feed.

The RSS feed is another way to receive news. Your RSS reader (more about that below) searches the web for new documents or stories posted by the sites you subscribe to. Whenever the reader finds a new item, it’s added to the top of the list of postings under that subscription.

The RSS feed lets you know there is something new to look at. It means you don’t have to keep visiting your favorite websites to look for new content. Most new postings will include a headline, a short description and a hotlink that will take you directly to the new item.

What is an RSS reader?

Internet users commonly set up an RSS reader, also called a news aggregator, either in a browser or e-mail program. Readers can also be set up to deliver news to certain mobile phones and Blackberry-type devices.

Each RSS subscription is listed in a sidebar, and those who subscribe to many feeds often organize them into folders.

RSS readers are available on the Internet in hundreds of different formats, and most are free. They’re offered as stand-alone software programs, services that can be loaded in to a web browser such as Firefox, as a plug-in to e-mail programs or as part of the services offered on a web site, such as Yahoo!

The RSS Compendium website offers everything you need to set up a customized RSS feed, including links to RSS readers for Windows, Mac, Linux/Unix, websites, e-mail, Blackberry and mobile phones.

Another source for finding the right RSS reader system is the Google Directory.

Most reader downloads will walk you through the set-up. If you choose one that’s confusing or doesn’t work with your computer, try another.

How do I subscribe to an RSS feed?

Once you have set up your RSS reader, look for the RSS or XML symbols on your favorite websites. Click on the link, and then cut and paste the new page’s web address into the “new subscription” box on your reader. Most readers will allow you to rename the feed.

What’s the link for Bell Policy Center’s RSS feed?

http://www.thebell.org/search/rss.php

Bell Policy Center RSS feed:

http://www.thebell.org/search/rss.php

Where can I find an RSS reader?

Here are a couple of commonly used web-based readers. Click on either of these links, and Google or Yahoo! will provide instructions that walk you through the setup process:

Google RSS Reader

Yahoo! News RSS

If you want a different style of reader, consult these sources:

RSS Compendium

Everything you could ever need to set up a customized RSS feed, including links to RSS readers for Windows, Mac, Linux/Unix, web, e-mail, Blackberry and mobile phones.

Google Directory search for RSS readers

A search of many types of readers available.