What is an RSS Feed?

RSS Feeds allow you to see when websites have added new content, RSS stands for 'Really Simple Syndication'.

In Mediplacements case they allow you to see when new jobs and news in your profession are added to the website. You get the latest information as soon as its published, without having to keep checking the site to see if anything new has been added.

You can add feeds to a feed reader, which means you only have to check one webpage or application to see the updates from all your favourite websites.

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How do I use RSS Feeds?

Feeds are made to be read by a Feed Reader. There are two types of feed reader, you can use an application on your computer or you can use an online version you view in your browser.

Browser versions need an internet connection to work (like Google Mail or Hotmail), where as applications on your computer will save the feeds so they can be viewed offline (much like Outlook with emails).

At Mediplacements we use Google Reader to follow our feeds, and we recommend it. There are many other options if you search online. Once you have chosen a feed reader you're ready to start adding feeds.

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How do I find RSS Feeds?

If a website offers a feed there are two ways you'll be able to tell. Either you'll see a feed button (usually something that looks like this: ), or your browser will of found the feed and offer it to you next to the url at the top of the page like this:

If you click on the RSS button (the blue icon on the right in the above image) your browser will display the feed for you, and offer you the option of following it. You can also copy the url of the feed and paste it into your feed reader. For a more in depth guide on how to use Google Reader please click here.

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