Note: <\/strong>It is important to select a reputable reader or aggregator, as it is indeed possible for those programmes to contain spyware or other malicious code.<\/p>\n

When should RSS be used?<\/h3>\n

It makes sense for users to subscribe for RSS feeds for websites they should (or would like to) visit on regularly. The ultimate point of RSS is to receive timely updates and to save the user from having to do the search-and-collate-work. Further, depending on the reader or aggregator used (particularly desktop, as opposed to online readers) all feed items will be listed, stored and available for viewing at time convenient to the user.<\/p>\n

So what\u2019s in it for me?<\/h3>\n

For the user, RSS offered a number of advantages:<\/p>\n

\n
• Saves time.<\/strong> One of the most distinct benefits of using an RSS reader or aggregator is that it regularly checks all subscribed feeds and collates all updates. As a result, the user does not have to visit each website of interest and manually search for new content.<\/li>\n
• Provides spam-free content. <\/strong>RSS does not support spam, and neither can it carry viruses or trojans. It therefore is a safer option than newsletters or emails for receiving updates. Additionally, the user does not have to provide any personal information \u2013 not even an email address \u2013 to subscribe for a particular feed.<\/li>\n
• Increases productivity.<\/strong> This benefit is a natural consequence of not having to manually visit a site and search for updates. Additionally, depending on the reader or aggregator that is used, it may be possible to apply filters to the content collected, which further optimises the search and improves productivity.<\/li>\n
• Easy to subscribe and unsubscribe.<\/strong> Regardless of the reader or aggregator, subscribing for an RSS feed is straightforward. Similarly, it is easy to unsubscribe from receiving a particular feed.<\/li>\n
• Provides timely updates. <\/strong>RSS readers and aggregators regularly check for new posts on the subscribed feeds and automatically update themselves. As a result, subscribers receive information in a more timely fashion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  Possible disadvantages?<\/h3>\n

  For the user, there are not necessarily many drawbacks from using RSS to collate information online. The most significant concern might be the fact that not all websites include an RSS facility, so it might still be necessary for users to visit those sites and conduct a manual search for new information, especially if other acceptable forms of notification are unavailable.<\/p>\n

  Additionally, since RSS feeds facilitate syndication, their contents can be easily copied or reproduced. Hence for persons who might need to provide references or citations for information used, e.g. in reports or other documentation, it can be difficult to discern the original source of an item delivered by RSS feed.<\/p>\n

  Final remarks<\/h3>\n

  It is highlighted that through social media applications, such as Facebook and Twitter, users can receive real-time updates from their favourite websites. However, with both facilities (e.g.), there are no guarantees that all updates will be included in the user’s Facebook or Twitter newsfeed, where they can readily be seen. More importantly, since those feeds are constantly being updated, unless they are being checked frequently throughout the day (and night), it is possible that some notifications will be missed.<\/p>\n

  Finally, it is important to note that although RSS is indeed a time saving and extremely helpful resource, the user still has to read and\/or sift through all of the information delivered by all of the feeds to which he\/she is subscribed. As a result, a considerable amount of time can be spent reading updates. However, RSS does brings a wealth of information to the user\u2019s fingertips, which in this day and age \u2013 in our information-driven business, societies and lives \u2013 can be a good thing.<\/p>\n

  ___________<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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