How to Incorporate RSS Feeds Into Webpages
By Mohan Potukuchi
Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a simple format that can be used either to receive updated content or to send content from one’s website or blog. It’s simple to use, and various free resources are available on the Net. Simply put, RSS is just like newspapers receiving content from news agencies like AP, Reuters, UNI, etc. If you have an RSS feed on your webpage, you continue to get the latest content automatically, provided it is updated by the provider or source.
To use RSS feeds, you must use a feed reader or aggregator. One free and easy to use resource is RSS-to-JavaScript. The following steps need to be followed:
- Select the RSS feed you want to place on your webpage. You can simply type “RSS [subject]” in any search box like Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc. In place of “[subject]” enter the the topic you want. Let us say, you typed “rss news”. The search engine will display results for this keyword phrase. Select any result and look for the “red” button with the words “RSS” or “xml”. Click on any red button of your choice. A page in “xml” script will open up. Do not bother with the page — simply copy the page’s URL. That is the RSS feed. EF NOTE: Simply look for links to RSS and XML feeds; sometimes they’re red buttons as described here, or some other colored buttons, or even plain text links.
- The RSS feed has to be “read.” Go to RSS-to-JavaScript or some other feed reader and paste the feed’s URL in the appropriate place. Set you font setting preferences, etc., or choose default settings. The feed reader will generate JavaScript code.
- Copy and paste the JavaScript code where you want it to appear on your site (it’s your site, so the assumption is that you know how to do this).
- View your site and verify the feed’s content and appearance, etc.
Some more tips:
You may want to consider setting the “Link Target” specification to ”_blank” so that when the visitor clicks on any RSS feed link, the destination appears in new window.
Before using any free feed reader, ensure that the feed isn’t just for a limited period, otherwise, the feed will eventually terminate (unless you pay for continued service).
One main disadvantage of JavaScript-based feed readers is that search engine spiders or crawlers won’t read the RSS content on your pages. So, it is essential you use this feature merely as an information supplement and service to your visitors. Do not tamper with the JavaScript code.
If you have a blog on Blogger, there is usually a sidebar you can use for RSS feeds. Here are the steps for incorporating RSS feeds there:
- Go to: Posting > Create > Edit Html
- Paste the JavaScript code into the main body.
- Enter a suitable title in the “Title” box.
- Add any content, if you wish.
- Click on “Publish Post”.
- View your blog and modify settings, if you like.
CAUTION: Please do not include RSS feeds (other than those provided by the webhost) on free Web hosting pages like GeoCities, etc., since it violates the terms of service.
Mohan Potukuchi is a chemical engineer who writes on a diverse range of subjects. He helps newbies by recommending free resources for website development. Check out his As It Strikes Me blog.
