Today we talk in class about feeds.
A web feed is a data format used for providing users with frequently updated content. Such web feeds include formats like RSS, Atom and Json. An RSS feed looks something like this (select view>view source to see the code). When you see this icon 
you should expect to find a link to some sort of a feed.
Obviously a feed is no fun unless there’s a convenient way to read it. One way we are already reading feeds is here on our blog, where we’re using a built in RSS reader to present a feed from delicious.com/tags/tdmccc. The big deal about feeds though is not only the fact you can present them across sites, but the fact you can arrange and customize your own feed aggregator. Feed aggregators can come in different shapes and colors, some are built in to your email software, others are standalone apps, and others can be totally web-based. My favorite is Netvibes – a very flexible and customizable web-based aggregator. Safari & Firefox have built in feed aggregators, other popular ones are FeedDemon, Bloglines, Thunderbird e-mail client, Newsvine, You can get some more recommendations everywhere around the web like here, here and here.
Basically iTunes is a feed aggregator for feeds in the format of a podcast where the items include a link to an MP3 file. iTunes can use this feed to sync your iPod and download podcasts into it.
Feeds are also used to create mash-ups – take information from different sources and mash them together. The classic example for a mash-up is HousingMaps – a mashup that takes a feed from Craigslist’s apartment search and mashes it into Google Maps – which allows to display rss data as information on the map.
The use of web feeds is a revolution, as we should understand that information on the web functions as a public database – it does not necessarily stay on one page, but can travel a long way and be used in different contexts.
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- All about the hype…where’d it go? (1) | Craig Donahue
- I CAN HAZ POLLZ (0) | Mushon
