I guess most of my readers actually already know what RSS and feeds is, so this is not an explanation of that, really. If you don’t know a thing about feeds or RSS, go check out Wikipedia. Basically, feeds just summarize web pages and get “sent” to your aggregator, i.e. the program or web site you use to read it.
I’ve used the online feed reader Google Reader ever since I started using feeds. The good thing is that it’s reachable from any computer, no matter where I am, in the same way as I read my email with Gmail.
In the beginning, I didn’t understand the feeds. What is the difference between bookmarking a site and visiting it now and then, to getting updates sent to a feed reader? Well, according to my experience, bookmarks are almost never used. You bookmark, and then you forget. With a feed reader, you just add the address, and then you get updates sent wether you remembers it or not. In the end, you almost only need to use one program / one website to access the web. And if you get bored with a feed – i.e. you find yourself not bothering to click on it – just delete it and forget it.
So now I’m at the point where I try to convince you who haven’t started using feeds. It simplifies the web, not complicates it. If you use the web seldom, or can’t be bother keeping track on all sites and URL:s and blogs, use feeds. Just go to them once, plug in the address, and forget it. You will be reminded when needed by your feed reader. Go ahead and register with Google Reader if not already!
To keep up to date with this blog, just plug in the address: http://blog.ripperdoc.net/feed.