No hiding - I’m a huge fan of RSS.
The only problem I see with RSS right now is that not enough people know what it is and how to use it. What’s worse is so many don’t know why they should be using it.
So I’m always looking for simple explanations and tutorials that can help spread the message of RSS.
Just yesterday I found this short video on YouTube put up by the guys from Sketch Basement. While it’s no where near as entertaining or interesting as the widely spread Common Craft video that went around last year, it’s still a nice tutorial for anyone who wants to begin using RSS. Take a peak (4 mins long):
I’d love to know what blog posts, videos, manuals, free ebooks, and audio programs you’ve seen that help explain RSS. Send it forward and I’ll take a look.
And I’d love to know how RSS has changed your business…and your experience of the web.
Ooh, wait a minute. I just found this video. More interesting than the one above. And definitely useful for people who don’t know what RSS is. Thanks to MarketingProfs.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_LUVwvUcN28
As you can see, I love RSS. So I’m still wanting to hear how RSS has changed the way you’re using the web, how it’s changed your business and what materials you’ve found.
My name is Dawud Miracle and I'm a
19 responses so far ↓
I am a huge, huge fan of RSS as well - and only just started using it not long ago. I finally saw the light.
Why did it take me so long to use RSS? Because everyone talked about it (which made me feel like an idiot because I didn’t know what they were talking about) and no one was telling how to use it.
Amazing how quickly people forget that there are *NEW USERS* on the net every day who barely have a clue how to use their mouse.
Great video for the common non-techie guy. Very simply put.
I love that sketching idea and how simple he made RSS. I’ve been trying to explain it to my clients for a year - and failing at it. I linked to his video and also back to you. Thanks Dawud
James,
Yeah, I definitely think it’s easy to forget where we all came from. Yet, we need to remember to bring new folks along. That’s why I wrote a couple of posts a while back asking questions like: Bloggers, are we just blogging to the choir? and my post, Keeping the Door Open to New and Non-Bloggers - Join the Conversation.
Dining Room,
Thanks. I really appreciated the one from MarketingProfs. Have you found any other RSS resources you thought were useful for the beginner?
MichelleVan,
Sure. Have you seen the Common Craft video? It’s great.
Another big fan of RSS, here. I get a little freaked out when I visit a site and that blue RSS rectangle doesn’t pop up. YOU MEAN I HAVE TO *BOOKMARK* IT?!?
But I’ve given up evangelizing. Some people, they just like the email subscriptions. And, like most things, people will come to RSS when the time is right for them.
However, one of the things I do want to add to my site is a page of “101″ resources: stuff I use, and either my own text or links to “[Blank] 101″ tutorials. I’ve been saving ‘em up on del.icio.us for a while now.
And hey, while we’re on the topic, how do you explain social bookmarking to people?
I have not applied RSS on my site because so many people don’t know what to do. It has lots of potential but right now there is no pressing need.
communicatrix,
Bookmarking is so 2001.
I love the page of 101 resources. Sounds awesome.
As for social bookmarking…I’ll make a post on that this week, hopefully.
cameron,
But what about the people who do know how to use it?
I wrote an RSS Tutorial at http://www.wizard-creek.com/rss/tutorial/. The “What is RSS?” Lesson contains several video introductions including the Common Craft one. There are lots of references, and a large collection of RSS buttons.
Hey
Thanks for the great resources about RSS. nice videos and explanations for a beginner like myself
My only problem with RSS…
Overkill!
I just don’t know when to quit adding feeds.
To use RSS it it is very convenient. At me seldom passes day without close use with RSS
Les,
Great resource. I’ll definitely link to it with the RSS resource page I’m creating. Thanks.
Bounce Houses,
Thanks. Sounds like you find it helpful, no?
Terry,
I hear you. I’ve got way too many feeds myself. Yet, I live by my reader and I absolutely love RSS.
Alex103,
Me too. I can’t wait to see the next generation of feeds.
this is the first post I saw which trying to explain what rss is
i’m sorry dawud, I forgot to write the link
http://www.problogger.net/what-is-rss
It is so refreshing to see someone else who appreciates the use of RSS feeds! I am trying to incorporate feeds into many aspects of my site. They are great for readers to get specific material and to promote my site.
international,
Darren’s link is great. I’m such a big advocate. I’ve been thinking about offering a course on it and how to more effectively use it.
Pets for Sale,
Yeah. I see such potential. It really just depends on how technology and data standardization movements like microformats goes.
How else are you using RSS to get info other than tracking news and blogs?
I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am also a big fan of RSS. We are publishing a bunch of RSS, all mixed together, on our Intranet using a web based feed reader. I am considering to set up a web based feed reader on the Internet as well, and publish headlines/intros of my favorite dofollow blogs. Please let me know if you are interested to get your headlines/intros published, of course with links back to your original posts. Just post a reply here.
Yes - RSS is fantastic to eliminate email clutter. I have seen some of the common craft videos before and they all do a wonderful job of explaining some of the more esoteric tools out there.