In Praise of RSS and Controlled Feeds of Information
9 hours ago
- #RSS
- #Content Consumption
- #Digital Minimalism
- RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a format that allows websites to publish updates in a standard feed, which users can subscribe to via an RSS reader.
- RSS offers full control over content consumption, presenting feeds in reverse chronological order without algorithmic interference.
- Social media platforms prioritize engagement and ad revenue over user interests, leading to a cluttered and often irrelevant feed experience.
- RSS readers provide a distraction-free reading environment, with consistent formatting and no ads or suggested content.
- Users can categorize RSS feeds to tailor their reading experience based on mood or interest, such as 'Fun' or 'Reads' folders.
- Tools like Muspy offer a better alternative to social media for tracking new music releases via RSS or email notifications.
- Starting with RSS is easy using platforms like The Old Reader or Feedly, which offer free tiers and support OPML file exports for feed portability.
- RSS readers can fetch and store content for offline reading, making them ideal for travel or spotty internet connections.
- Some websites limit free article access but may be more lenient with content accessed through RSS feeds.
- Self-hosting RSS aggregators like FreshRSS or tiny tiny RSS is an option for those who want more control over their feed experience.
- Mobile RSS apps like FeedMe provide a convenient way to consume content on the go, mimicking the novelty of social media without the drawbacks.
- Regularly curating and unsubscribing from less relevant feeds helps maintain a focused and valuable RSS experience.