DEPARTMENT OF FIRE RESCUE
RSS, XML FEEDS & PODCASTING
|
What is it?
RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, is a convenient way to keep up with news. Subscribing to an RSS feed is simple, but first, you need to get an RSS "reader" (or "aggregator"). There are several different types, some are web-based and some install directly on your computer. There are many out there, mostly free, and a web search should reveal many to choose from. Recent versions of most e-mail applications (Microsoft Outlook) and web browsers (Internet Explorer and Firefox) are capable of managing your RSS feeds as well. Some of the most popular RSS "readers" include:
After getting your "reader", it's time to get some news to read. Most sites that offer RSS feeds should display a button similar to the one shown to the reader's right or elsewhere on this page. Buttons like these are your link to subscribe to the feed. The "reader" that you choose should give you detailed information on how to proceed from here.
For those who choose not to download software, there are numerous services that will send any RSS feed via e-mail. SendMeRSS (http://www.sendmerss.com) and FeedBlitz (http://www.feedblitz.com) are two of the most popular free web-based tools.
Once you subscribe to a feed using a "reader", information will be delivered to your computer automatically. You will be able to download text, documents, audio, video, and other file formats to your hard drive or portable device for listening or viewing at your convenience. |
 |
How do I subscribe to an RSS feed?
There are several common ways to add a feed to your "reader." However, in general, these are the steps to follow:
1. Copy the feed address (using Edit>Copy or Ctrl+C).
2. Open your "reader" and select Add Feed, New Channel, Subscribe, etc. The specific terminology will vary according to which "reader" you use.
3. Paste the feed address into the dialog box that asks for the address of the feed (using Edit>Paste or Ctrl+V).
4. Follow the program's prompts as directed.
Once subscribed, you should immediately begin getting news items. When a new item is added, your "reader" will automatically update to reflect it.
Feeds:
RSS Benefits
RSS streamlines communication between information providers and interested parties. RSS has had a huge popularity surge, and webmasters have been experimenting and using RSS feeds to deliver content in new and innovative ways.
Typically, RSS feeds contain news headlines and content summaries. The content summaries contain just enough information without overwhelming the reader with superfluous details. If the reader is interested and wants additional information they can click on the item in the feed, accessing a link which contains additional details. RSS readers aggregate multiple feeds, making it easy for individuals to quickly scan information contained within each feed. Feeds are generally themed, allowing users to opt-in to feeds that are of interest.
The big benefit to RSS is that individuals opt-in to content of interest, totally controlling the flow of information that they receive. If the quality of the content in the feed declines, users simply remove the feed from their RSS reader and they will not receive any additional updates from that source. The RSS reader acts as an aggregator, allowing users to view and scan multiple content streams in a timely fashion.
RSS is a great supplemental communication method that does not burden the publisher with maintaining e-mail distribution lists or following strict privacy guidelines. RSS feeds are compiled according to the user's choices, removing any burden that is placed on publishers of email newsletters.
Publishers using RSS as a communication vehicle are able to create keyword-rich, themed content, establishing trust, reputation, and ongoing communication with current and prospective customers (internal and external).
Avoiding Information Overload
RSS and other tools help us manage where we do and do not focus our attention. Yes, there is information overload; yes, it takes time and energy; yes, some of it is shallow and meaningless; and yes, it can be hard to figure out where to invest your time. Follow a few simple guidelines in order to avoid information overload:
-
Don't be overzealous in your subscription to RSS Feeds. Be selective. Your time is valuable, and you should choose your RSS information just like you choose recipes to try, books to read, or travel plans to make.
-
Use an RSS "reader" that empower you to organize topics by tab and information, organized by how important and/or credible the information is. Prioritize your information from most important to least important.
-
You can also consider using an RSS "reader" that can aggregate information from multiple feeds and filter it by keywords and other items to create very specific targeted feeds.
-
While technology and information can be manic, we can't let this stop us from exploring new technologies and new ideas. The solution is not to avoid these new tools. Our focus should be on finding ways to better manage this stream of information in a way that increases, not decreases, our productivity.
Terms of Use
RSS service is a means by which the Albemarle County Department of Fire Rescue offers feeds of story headlines in XML format ("RSS Content") to interested parties who use RSS "readers" or "aggregators." These Terms of Use govern your use of the RSS service. These Terms of Use may be changed by Albemarle County at any time with or without notice.
Use of RSS Feeds:
RSS is a free service offered by the Albemarle County Department of Fire Rescue, hereafter referred to as ACFR, for non-commercial use. Any other uses, including without limitation the incorporation of advertising into or the placement of advertising associated with or targeted towards the RSS Content, are strictly prohibited. You must use the RSS feeds as provided by ACFR, and you may not edit or modify the text, content or links supplied by ACFR. For web posting, reprint, transcript, or licensing requests for material, please send your request to info@ACFireRescue.org.
Ownership/Attribution:
ACFR retains all ownership and other rights in the RSS Content, and any and all ACFR logos, seals, and trademarks used in connection with the RSS Service. You must provide attribution to the appropriate ACFR website in connection with your use of the RSS feeds. If you provide this attribution using a graphic, you must use the appropriate ACFR website's logo that we have incorporated into the RSS feed.
Right to Discontinue Feeds:
ACFR reserves the right to discontinue providing any or all of the RSS feeds at any time and to require you to cease displaying, distributing, or otherwise using any or all of the RSS feeds for any reason including, without limitation, your violation of any provision of these Terms of Use. ACFR assumes no liability for any of your activities in connection with the RSS feeds or for your use of the RSS feeds in connection with your website.
