XML Feeds
What's a Feed?
And why do you have these links scattered throughout your site?
News feeds (such as the files linked to above) are XML files containing chunks of new content produced automatically by many web sites every time those sites are updated. Those feeds can be checked periodically by feed readers. Feed readers provide an easy way to stay updated whenever your favorite sites post new content, without you needing to use a browser to check every single one of those web sites for updated content.
Stopdesign provides two XML feeds. One that includes full posts for the 10 most recent Log Entries. Another that contains the 15 most recent Links.
More and more feed readers are being introduced every month, so there are plenty of choices available. My favorite readers, depending on your platform, and whether you like to read feeds in a browser or not, include:
- NetNewsWire (Mac)
- Incredibly easy-to-use and very Mac-feeling RSS/Atom feed reader from Brent Simmons of Ranchero Software. Lots of features, and hands-down the best choice for Mac users. My current choice of feed reader.
- Feed Demon (Win)
- Highly powerful feed reader from Nick Bradbury of Bradbury Software. I began using this one when it was in beta, just a few months before I switched from Windows back to the Mac platform. I was impressed every time I used it. Everything Nick produces is top-notch, and Feed Demon is no exception.
- Bloglines (any web browser)
- Easy-to-use web-based feed reader. Means you can use any modern browser on any computer to check for updated content. Create an account, and access your feeds from any connected computer anywhere in the world.
Frequented Sites
Worthwhile websites, weblogs, journals, news pubs, and the like