What is RSS? RSS or Really Simple Syndication is an XML-based format for content distribution. Chances are on most popular "news" web portals you’ll see the familiar orange RSS or XML icon. So how do you implement RSS into your website? Read on for some useful information.
Why should I use these feeds?
Compared to other methods of content delivery such as email, RSS allows you to subscribe to a feed anonymously and be in complete control of that subscription. Via your RSS feed aggregator you can subscribe or unsubscribe at any time and not worry about receiving unwanted solicitations or giving up your private information. Likewise since RSS is a neutral data-only format served from a secure server you avoid problems such as spam or viruses.
How do I use these feeds?
Users can use a news aggregator or feed reader application to read our feeds, as well as the feeds from thousands of other web sites, directly on their computers. Webmasters can also parse these feeds to display syndicated news content and other frequently updated information on their own web sites. For example, you can use this RSS feed to add GISuser.com news headlines to your website or use this feed to add CADwire.net news to your site!
The quickest way to get started using our feeds is to download a news aggregator and subscribe to any of the feeds listed on this page (via the orange RSS buttons).
News Aggregators
• BlogExpress – A free, stand-alone feed reader for Windows
• NewsGator – Delivers feeds directly to Outlook
• Pluck – Peruse feeds in your browser
• NetNewsWire – A reader for the Mac OSX
• Lifera – An open-source Linux feed reader.
If you’re new to RSS and syndication, we also suggest visiting Lockergnome’s RSS Resource and check out their QuickStart Guide, RSS Q&A, and comprehensive listing of resources.
For some detailed information about RSS, please see this fine piece from Technology at Harvard Law.
Thanks to Rick and our friends at CADwire.net for providing GISuser.com with this fine education primer on RSS. To register for one of CADwire.net’s many RSS news feeds, please see http://www.cadwire.net/feeds/.
Get the latest news from MAPuser.com direct to your desktop using our MAPuser.com RSS news feed
