Q: What is an RSS Feed?
A: Since I hate it when the geeks get to the keyboard and
type up a bunch of techno-garble that goes over my head, I'll
dumb it down so people like us can understand. An RSS (Real
"Simple" (my ass) Syndication) feed is for people who use
these doohickeys called aggregators, which, in a nutshell, check
websites of your choosing to see if they've been updated without
making you visit them. Doesn't that sound awesome? Too bad more
sites don't use it. I think the reason is because the feed's
document ends with XML, which, I have no idea what that means...
something like... extreme... markup language... or something
stupid. I just look at it as another three letters that go over
my head.
Q: Where do I get an alligator... err... aggravator...
whatever they are? I want one because they sound pretty
cool!
A: Some websites like My Yahoo! use it, but I hate those on
account they're chuck full of ads. I use TrillianPro, but that
will cost you money ($25 - seriously, that's half the
price of a new video game), and that program isn't dedicated to
RSS feeds. Here are a couple basic aggregators for you to use:
- SharpReader.net
- BlogLines Q:
Can I get one for my site?
A: If your hoster-guy-person has Python, Perl, or UNIX
installed, the answer is maybe. If you have no idea what those
programs are or what they do (I hardly do), just ask him. If
you're using Geocities or a freebee page hoster you're screwed.
Fat chance they've got it installed. Q: Where did you learn
about this?
A: From here.
Don't be surprised if you droned off or your ADHD kicks in -
mine did like mad trying to read that thing. Q:
Alright, I think I've got my feed running, how do I know if it
checks out?
A: FeedValidator
- They give you a nifty little badge when you've passed their
test. Kupo! I mean... Bravo!
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