What are RSS feeds?
“RSS” stands for “Real Simple Syndication.” RSS feeds are a way for websites to distribute their content to people automatically. With an RSS feed, you can subscribe to a particular website, just like you would subscribe to a newspaper, and you will be notified when that site has new content.
Why would I use an RSS feed?
Once you subscribe to an RSS feed, you will receive updates via email, a “news reader,” or a web browser when your favorite sites have new information. You do not have to keep checking back to find out if a particular site has been updated.
Who uses RSS feeds?
- RSS feed users tend to be male, longtime users of the Internet, and college-educated, and
- RSS feed users visit three times as many news sites as non-users. 1
How are people using RSS feeds to respond to HIV?
- To receive updates on breaking news about HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, and research or to provide reminders of HIV/AIDS related-events and activities.
- To notify their community about their organizations’ events and updates.
What technology do I need to use an RSS feed?
To receive RSS feeds, you need email, an RSS-enabled browser, or a “news reader” that allows you to subscribe to a feed. Some common RSS readers include GoogleReader, NetVibes, and Bloglines. Tools that will allow you to receive RSS feeds via email include Feedblitz, ZapTXT, and SendMeRSS.
Where can I learn more about RSS feeds?
Examples of RSS feed resources include:
- Common Craft’s Video “RSS in Plain English”
- SeachEngineWatch.com’s “How to Make an RSS Feed”
- Why RSS?’s “The Really Simple Guide to RSS”
- Feedburner’s “Feeds 101”
Examples of RSS feeds addressing HIV/AIDS include:
- AIDS.gov’s Updates
- The CDC’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Resources
- National Institutes of Health’s AIDSinfo
- National Prevention Information Network’s Daily News Updates
- Medscape’s HIV/AIDS
- 1 Crain Communications, Inc.,“Interactive Marketing & Media, A Supplement to Advertising Age,” Available at: http://adage.com/images/random/Interactivefactpack06.pdf . Accessed on 8/29/08.
Information and resources taken from the AIDS.gov blog.
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