I've been trying to make a more organized effort of my web experience each day, includiing using my RSS Reader more effectively. I've used a couple different readers, but currently using Google Reader.
So what exactly is RSS and why Google Reader? I'm no expert on these things, and frankly you can probably find some pretty terrific writers here on Active Rain. But I know Northwest Indiana, and only pride myself on being the "hyper-local" expert here.
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated content such as blog entries, news headlines or podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a "feed," "web feed," or "channel," contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite
web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually.
RSS content can be read using software called an "RSS reader", "feed reader" or an "aggregator". The user subscribes to a feed by entering the feed's link into the reader or by clicking an RSS icon in a browser that initiates the subscription process. The reader checks the user's subscribed feeds regularly for new content, downloading any updates that it finds. Source: Wikipedia
If you look at the top right hand portion of this screen you're reading now, there is probably an orange RSS logo, if you hit that button, you'll find yourself on a page with a list of my most recent blog posts. This Feed page is the page that you may want your computer to check out for you. Wouldn't it be nice if your computer would check all your favorite websites and blogs and see if the author had posted anything new? If so, wouldn't it be nice to just read the headlines of your favorites, and then choose which ones you really want to dig into?
In computing, a feed aggregator, also known as a feed reader, news reader or simply as an aggregator, is client software or a Web application which aggregates syndicated web content such as news headlines, blogs, podcasts, and vlogs in a single location for easy viewing
There are software packages you can load onto your computer to do this, and there are web-based programs that you log into and then you can see a list all your favorite sites and blogs, and any recent changes or posts. I use Google Reader, which is free and web-based. Anytime I find a new site that I think I'd like to watch regularly, I hit the orange button and then copy the address from the feed page. I open google reader, hit "add subscription" and put that address into the box. Google Reader immediately goes out and grabs any new feeds and posts and I have myself a new site that I'm watching. Of course, once you hit a dozen or more sites (I watch 3,200 now) you have to start organizing them like you do in Outlook by folders.
OK, all that said, here's what I bumped into this morning on Google Reader in my Northwest Indiana folder, and I have "shared" all these feeds so if you want to see what I've "shared" you can go to my shared page. You can even subscribe to my shared feed.
Our Job Here, Ask a bunch of Questions
BP Plans to Boost Iraqi Oil Production
Why you can't be a stager for "fun"
That's enough for now I guess, although if I wait another 30 mins, there will probably be 15 more posts from great writers here in Northwest Indiana. I'm off to comment and hit some ads so we can all work together to build our community.
For a full list of the active bloggers I've found here in Northwest Indiana: Northwest Indiana Blogs
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