What is an RSS feed?
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It's symbol looks like this:
A comprehensive site on RSS feed information is found at press-feed.com.
Why are they effective?
They are able to reach new audiences because search engines interest is attracted to them. So by setting up an RSS feed you are able to get more people searching for a specific subject brought to your site.
In a world where consumers want constant information updates in the easiest manner possible, RSS feeds are a great tool.
When can RSS feeds be used?
- Sports team updates
- Bands can provide tour dates or new media
- Job postings
- Announcements of any kind
- Breaking news articles
- Just about anything else a website can be updated for
RSS feeds are a perfect example of the future of journalism. No longer can journalists rely on people coming to them for information or news updates. Journalists must go to the consumer. By providing them with news before they even have to looking for it.
The Dangers of Constant Connection
Kevin Penny, an independent-minded journalist, said, "People believe that society is moving at light-speed, and that their news should be provided to them at the same speed. But nobody steps back and asks, what happens when we move at such speeds?"
This question is valid for RSS feeds as well as Twitter, do people really need to be constantly connected like this? It's a little alarming. All journalism students should be asking themselves these questions. Yes, it is great that we are able to receive news from everyone in the world immediately, but do you want to be at work 24 hours a day, seven days a week? I don't.
Picture from press-feed.
I agree with you Jayme. What did people do 20 years ago when they didn't have access to constant news updates every minute of the day? Having this availability of the news has created such a demand for it.
ReplyDeleteBut, if people have these demands for these constant news updates, and there is no way for online news sources to provide these services and still make money, how is this demand going to be sustained?
I like your decision to do a post on RSS feeds. It is definitely changing the way the public navigates its way around all the news-related content on the Internet.
ReplyDeleteGood point on working 24-hour days, too. But unfortunately it seems journalism will inevitably become more geared towards immediacy than anything else.