In keeping with the theme of Web 2.0 technologies and how they affect our lives. I am going to review a very important technology called RSS (Really Simple Syndication). Is it really that simple??? These "web feeds" keep our new portals and favorite sports websites up to date with information "as it happens". News journalist can keep us all inundated with a wealth of information in real time or as close to real time as you can absorb it. Stock information, news highlights, or your favorite sports teams transactions (D*** Broncos Fired Shanahan!!!! Sorry) but all of these news items can be updated easily through RSS.
The idea of RSS was first established by Netscape (what ever happened to those guys). The idea was innovative but never fulfilled its promise under Netscape. By the time 2003 rolled around, two companies came in to fill the lack of success of Netscape; Winer and UserLand Software both came up with a RSS 2.0 specification.
The primary goal of RSS as stated on the all knowing Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS_(file_format)) is " to extend the basic XML schema established for more robust syndication of content. This inherently allows for more diverse, yet standardized, transactions without modifying the core RSS specification." In very simple terms, XML is a commonly known format and using the a simple "schema" (template) users can easily update information with out having to format their information for multiple sources.
So why should developers choose to use this XML variant???
Well www.webreference.com (http://www.webreference.com/authoring/languages/xml/rss/intro/) goes on to explain that "RSS solves myriad problems webmasters commonly face, such as increasing traffic, and gathering and distributing news. RSS can also be the basis for additional content distribution services."
Why should users who host their own web portal use RSS feeds????
www.whatisrss.com states that "RSS solves a problem for people who regularly use the web. It allows you to easily stay informed by retrieving the latest content from the sites you are interested in. You save time by not needing to visit each site individually. You ensure your privacy, by not needing to join each site's email newsletter. The number of sites offering RSS feeds is growing rapidly and includes big names like Yahoo News."
Well I've had enough of this soapbox today. Hope you learned something. Ohh and for the SuperBowl GO CARDINALS!!!!!
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