In terms of structure, all RSS feed documents adapt the XML based format in spite-off the version adapted. The Extensible Markup Language (XML) is strict and uses the same convention adapted by HTML, however, there are more rules concerning format and structure . A basic RSS file would contain the following:
First element is <rss> with a mandatory version attribute.
The next element is <channel> comprising the main container for all RSS data
The <title> element is used at the top or within the item element
The <link> element indicates a URL that is what users subscribe to. It can be generic or specific to an item
The <description> tag details the RSS feed or its items
The <item> is the main part and has the headline, link, and the description described above [8]
RSS has grown very popular with its icon available nearly in every single website. The main reason why users like RSS is that there is no need to subscribe using prolonged forms providing personal information and email authentication. As a result spam is not an issue with RSS, furthermore, stopping the RSS subscription is as simple as deleting the link without the need to send emails and wait for verification. In addition, RSS is highly compatible with many devices, especially, portal PDA’s and smart phones, thus updated information is available for uses on the fly regardless of their physical location [4].
My Conclusion
RSS is a revolution that we all welcome as the web becomes more and more accessible to more people across the globe. Finding RSS is as simple as clicking the icon within any website to have the browser or any program at the user register with this site to receive feed.
RSS directories are also available such as www.rssfeeds.com. The directory offers search facilities to support digging for different categories. A nice feature in the site is the ability to validate the RSS link, this is important due to the fact that just like websites, RSS links can become inactive as their content seize to exist.
Another site that is a good resource for RSS news update is www.newsisfree.com. Visitors can subscribe to a wide selection of news feed specific to the type of news they need, it being medical, social, entertainment, or business oriented. Furthermore, popular sites like cnn.com, howstuffworks.com and many of those who provide specific information like webmd.com provide links that RSS news reader can access to get daily updates. This by far is the most single point-of-difference that makes RSS stand out as a revolutionary technology. Another point of strength is that RSS is based on an open technology that follows W3C standards. XML, RDF, and HTML all work under an infrastructure that is 100% compatible, setting the platform for RSS is simply part of what has already been established, and this is why RSS can only expand as the web continues to evolve.
Harrsch, Mary. 2003. RSS: The Next Killer App for Education. The Technology Source Archives, Articles Technologysource.org/article/rss/ (accessed May 9, 2008)
Celikbas, Zeki. 2004. What is RSS and how can it serve libraries?. E-Prints in Library and Information Science, Archive. eprints.rclis.org/archive/00002531 (accessed May 09, 2008)
Hammond, Tony. T. Hannay, and B.Lund. 2004. The Role of RSS in Science Publishing: Syndication and Annotation on the Web. D-Lib Magazine dlib.org/dlib/december04/hammond/ (accessed May 09, 2008)
W3 Consortium. 2008. Extensible Markup Language (XML). http://www.w3.org/XML/ (accessed 08 May 2007)
Kyrnin, Jennifer: 2004. What is RSS and How Do You Use It?. About.com: Computing &Technology: Web Design/HTML webdesign.about.com (accessed 9 May 2007)
10 May 2008 03:24 PM 
Sally Ahmed 
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RSS Feeds
available nearly in every single website. The main reason why users like RSS is that there is no need to subscribe using prolonged forms providing personal information and email authentication. As a result spam is not an issue with RSS, furthermore, stopping the RSS subscription is as simple as deleting the link without the need to send emails and wait for verification. In addition, RSS is highly compatible with many devices, especially, portal PDA’s and smart phones, thus updated information is available for uses on the fly regardless of their physical location [4].
