RSS Aggregator Definitions

RSS Aggregator = Really Simple Syndication + Aggregator

Definition 1 -

“Software that pulls RSS feeds (URL locations) from the web to the user or a users designated destination (a webpage, browser, mobile device or desktop application).

Definition 2 -

“A feed aggregator…is client software or a Web application which aggregates syndicated web content such as news headlines, blogs, podcasts, and vlogs in a single location for easy viewing…aggregators reduce the time and effort needed to regularly check websites for updates, creating a unique information space or “personal newspaper.” Once subscribed to a feed, an aggregator is able to check for new content at user-determined intervals and retrieve the update.” source

Definition 3 -

“A news aggregator is software that periodically reads a set of news sources, in one of several XML-based formats, finds the new bits, and displays them in reverse-chronological order on a single page.” source

Synonyms –

• Readers
• Feed Readers
• News Readers
• Mobile Readers
• Aggregators or “Gators”
• RSS Aggregators
• Content Aggregator

4 Types of RSS Aggregators

1. Web Based - resides on a website or webpage, the classic example of this is Google Reader. You know that it is web based if you must be online & go to a specific URL or webpage in order to see all of the content from websites that you are subscribed to
2. Browser Based - resides on or is integrated with you actual web browser (in your Firefox, IE, Chrome, Safari, Flock).
3. Desktop Based - a (client) program which resides on your physical computer like other applications you must download & install it locally (on your Windows, Mac, Linex.). For example new email desktop softwar have RSS readers integrated or built in.
4. Mobile Based – resides on your cellphone or hand held device & updates instantly via wireless phone networks.

What Do RSS Aggregators Look Like?

1. Web Based (Google Reader)

2. Browser Based (Mozilla FireFox – Sage Too RSS Plugin)

3. Desktop Based (RSS Owl)

For some examples & suggestion of RSS Aggregators by type check out Zero’s Quadfecta List of RSS Aggregator Software.

Google Reader in Plain English

Sachi & Lee of Common Craft have crafted the following video to help you understand how to use Google Reader. This will also give you a sense of how and why people use RSS Aggregators, the

Be sure to stop by Common Craft.com, check out the Common Craft Show and use your RSS reader subscribe to their RSS feed.

Updated 3/17/2009