Going to Websites is a Waste of Time

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a way to get articles, blog posts and almost anything else delivered as it hits the internet. This stuff has been around for a bunch of years now, and it's only getting more useful and easier to use. Plus, as non-MSM (mainstream media) becomes more commonplace as a source of news and entertainment RSS feeds could replace your newspaper and become as indispensable as email. If you already have a personalized iGoogle or other start page, you're already subscribing to RSS feeds.

Very few people around me actually use an RSS reader, mostly because they have no idea what it is. They prefer to check their favorite sites several times a day, manually! In this day and age! Can you believe that people wouldn't automate the process?! Ladies, TMZ can be delivered to you. Imagine all the Lindsay, Paris and Britney you can stand, and all from the luxurious comfort of your very own feed reader.

Plus, RSS feeds can be used for more than just reading news on the internet, but we'll get to that later.

Your web browser probably has a built in feed reader function, but you don't need to mess with it. I'm enamored with web services in general, and feed readers are a perfect match. I like that I can check my email or read my feeds from any computer with an internet connection. Plus, now that I have a smartphone, I can check my email and read RSS feeds from anywhere.

I use Google Reader. I feel like it has the functionality that I need, though I haven't really experimented with others because I can't think of much more that I want to do with my feeds. You can share, tag and star posts to organize them and it has keyboard shortcuts. Probably the biggest reason I went with Google Reader is that I already have a google account, so I use all of their online products from Gmail to Google Docs to Blogger to Grand Central. It's not that I think they are the best, but they at least copy everyone else fast enough that I don't notice. Plus, it's free.

Other free options include Bloglines, which I hear good things about, and News Gator, which I've heard less about. There are a million others out there that I don't feel like searching out, but if one of my (three?) readers uses a different one, I'd be very grateful if you would tell me in the comments why you chose and love it.

For step by step help: Getting Started with RSS.

You don't have to feel limited by the idea of a single aggregator website. If that's not how you roll, check out these 14 other slick ways ways to get your feeds (e.g., through email or IM).

Compounding the coolness, RSS feeds can be used for purposes other than staying up on current events and gossip:

• Simple Tracking let's you create an RSS feed to track your packages (Bloglines has this feature built-in)--so you can be updated on the status of your most recent Amazon order.
• Some websites let you create RSS feeds of your particular search criteria, like this job search website. And others like it
• Lifehacker has a ton more RSS tips and tricks
  

The bottom line is that RSS feeds are fantastic and I highly recommend everyone get set up. And, if you choose Google Reader, let's be friends and share some posts.

Oh, an once you get a reader set up, make sure to sign up for my feed.