Ravi's Gadgets

RSS is extendable, which allows users to extend the functionality of the basic specification, essentially allowing users to increase the kinds of information contained in the feed. Many users do not really understand how RSS can be extended, this RSS Namespace Primer goes a long way in explaining the basics of RSS extensions.

RSS Namespaces and Extensions

My name is Kirk Biglione and I have a problem. I’m addicted to RSS.

Like most addictions my problem started as innocent experimentation. I began dabbling in RSS years ago when it was still a relatively new technology. I told myself that it was a better way to keep up with the news. I rationalized that I’d save hours every day by using RSS to take a more focused approach to online reading and research. A few minutes with my feed reader was supposed to be like an hour or more of surfing the hundreds of the websites that I try to keep up with on a regular basis.

RSS Addiction

RSS Does Not Equal Blogs
Many assume that RSS is only for syndicating the contents of blogs, nothing could be further from the truth. Blogs and online journals have rocketed to popularity in the last few years, and many bloggers use RSS as a means to distribute and syndicate their blog posts. Subscribers receive information each time the blog is updated. However this is NOT the only use for RSS. RSS can deliver any kind of content, including forum posts, discount coupons, newsletters or press releases. Blogs are just one type of information syndicated by RSS feeds.

Blogs may be syndicated using RSS, but do not assume that content found in an RSS feed is from a blog.

RSS Does Not Equal Blogs

General Motors’ auto business hasn’t been great of late, but its blogging strategy is paying off handsomely.

In 2006, the company’s FastLane blog delivered an estimated $410,470 worth of customer insight and marketing at an approximate cost of $255,675 — a return on investment of 67% — according to a newly released report from Forrester Research.

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