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Really simple syndication or
rich site summary is
a format for easily distributing and aggregating web. (such as a
news headline)
Users determine their favourite websites and a properly configured
aggregator will syndicate selected lists of hyperlinks and
headlines, along with other information about the website, then
display the contents on the users desktop at regular intervals.
Using a simple program called a RSS reader you can subscribe to
different news feeds and rapidly sift through condensed news. When
you find an item you like, you click the headline to open the web
page containing the full story.
Feeds can deliver everything from web logs (blogs) and weather
reports as well as new software updates to your favourite programs.
Benefits of RSS
- Fast updating by auto retrieving summaries of the latest
content. Easy distribution of online content.
- Less time spent surfing. Content comes to the user rather
than the user having to go to the content.
- It can not be used as a spam channel as the source of each
news item received is known.
- For marketers it provides another channel to build brand
awareness and improve and build the relationship between the
webmaster and his customers.
The Disadvantages of RSS
- It stretches resources to provide another avenue of
information.
- Whilst RSS can make marketing messages more relevant , they
can be more easily filtered. Thereby potentially reducing the
reach of marketing communications.
What started as a technique enabling bloggers to share links,
comments and original content is now being embraced by information
providers and entrepreneurs.
As RSS goes mainstream publishers will be looking for ways to make
their feeds pay for themselves. As a net savvy marketer you need to
stay up to date with such developments. |
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