Reading RSS Feeds With An RSS Aggregator
RSS or Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary is the
latest information management tool that is gradually earning
popularity among web users and website owners. With RSS
technology, it is possible to get the latest postings from your
favorite websites. But clicking on the RSS or XML button in a
homepage is not enough to give you the service you need. An RSS
feed or code displayed in the pop-up screen if not on the main
page is composed of symbols and words that would only make sense
to advanced RSS users and computer programmers and software
enthusiasts. Another software tool called an RSS aggregator or
reader is needed.
An aggregator works by scanning the worldwide web with latest
postings based on the RSS code (containing the website's URL)
provided or added by the user. When it finds a new posting,
news, or update, it will publish the RSS feed on your home page
containing the title of the posting, which also serves as a
clickable link to the website source. This RSS feed may or may
not contain the whole article, a summary, and photos, depending
on what RSS aggregator you are using.
Aggregators come in two types: the downloadable program or
desktop-type and the online or web-based type. The desktop
aggregator usually charges a certain amount for its services;
this would include regular updating in the form of upgrades or
patches to the original version. This type of RSS reader allows
more customization of RSS feeds as well as page format or design
over its on-line counterparts. But of course, price can be a
drawback.
On-line or web-based aggregators are free of charge. All you
need to do is register an account with them then you can start
enjoying their services. Depending on the "brand" of the
aggregator, customization is more limited. Some even do not
allow you to customize at all.
Product and service advertisers are realizing the potential of
RSS aggregators in internet marketing. In fact, several submit
RSS codes to several popular web-based aggregators to reach the
growing technophile and internet-based market. My Yahoo has been
instrumental in popularizing RSS technology to both users and
website owners and advertisers.
At present, there are many aggregators to choose from and newer
versions of the same aggregator are constantly developed by its
programmers.
Below are some of these desktop and online aggregators: Desktop
Aggregators 1.AmphetaDesk Advantages: -free -supports Linux,
Mac, and Windows -easy addition of RSS feeds
Disadvantages: -not maximized use of screen display -few options
for customizing
2.FeedDemon Advantages: -user friendly -free trial version
-contains prepared popular feeds -allows filtering of RSS feeds
-configurable "watch list" to manage junk RSS feeds -search
channel feature that incorporates other RSS services e.g.
Feedster -allows feed storage for future use -tabbed browsers
for channel navigation -built-in podcast receiver
Disadvantages: -supports only Internet Explorer (embedded) -paid
software (`$29.95)
Online Aggregators 1.Bloglines Advantages: -all major browsers
supported (e.g. Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, Firefox)
-user-friendly especially for beginners -free, web-based
aggregator -easy registration -no advertisements -contains its
own directory of RSS feeds of thousands of websites -personal
email account for subscribing to newsletter emails (optional)
-allows privacy adjustments for personal blogs -allows saved
searches -mobile version available -10 languages supported
-Additional add-on tools for automated blogrolls and
subscription buttons
2.NewsGator Advantages: -free (consumer-standard version)
-provides personalized news channel -allows translation of RSS
articles into email format -synchronization of feeds in several
devices possible -browse and search feed capabilities save time
on surfing -allows keyword filtering -blog headlines
-button-click automatic subscription to news feeds
Disadvantage: -Outlook-based thus limited to Windows
3.My Yahoo Advantages: -Free web-based aggregator -user-friendly
-customizable home page design -button-click subscription to RSS
feeds -built-in directory and search tool for feeds -wide
variety of feeds e.g. news (science, technology, local), weather
-connects to all Yahoo features and services
Disadvantage -banner advertisements
There are also lightweight RSS aggregator extensions which are
actually plug-ins to existing internet browsers. An example of
which is Sage aggregator.
Advantages: -free of charge -beginner-friendly -reeds both RSS
and Atom feeds -allows feed discovery -can be assimilated to
Firefox bookmark (storage and live) -allows OPML feed lists
imports and exports -customizable style sheets -supports a wide
range of locales e.g. Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Spanish,
Korean, Polish, Slovenian, etc. -easy installation
Disadvantages: -good for about 12 RSS feeds -limited use to
Mozilla-Firefox and Mozilla-Firefox supported browsers
RSS developers promise better features in future versions of
their aggregators. Microsoft is planning to include a built-in
aggregator in their next Windows version. These developments are
definitely something to look forward to by all internet
aficionados.