RSS, XML, RSS Syndication Feed...these terms mean essentially the same thing. RSS stands for Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication, and uses XML (eXtensible Markup Language), which is simply a programming standard that web programmers are using to create a data format that can be shared across the World Wide Web.

RSS is really in its infancy, but its popularity is growing every day. Haven't heard much about it? You will, as most internet pundits have coined RSS as the "next big thing."

Website operators use RSS Feeds to announce news, website updates, and events (or any other newsworthy announcements).

Internet surfers use RSS Feeds to quickly check current headlines, weather, or new articles on their favorite sites. This new style of acquiring information from the internet saves the surfer time - in comparison to visiting a search engine, surfing through pages of irrelevant results, or even accessing websites through their browser’s Favorites menu.

But why use it?

• It's 100% opt-in, meaning you only receive content you want and can easily remove the feed at any time.
• It does not require that you give an email address. The feed is not emailed to you but instead is delivered to a free software program that resides on your computer called an RSS Reader (more on this below).
• You are notified immediately when an article is posted to the newsfeed.
• Since an RSS feed is not email, there are no filters to deal with and, more importantly, no spam or questionable content, and no viruses, trojans, or worms.

How can I start using RSS? It's easy. Newsfeeds are available through browser-based services, such as Bloglines, or through a software program (mentioned above) called an RSS reader (or RSS aggregator). There are many different readers to choose from, but our favorite is a free reader called RSS Reader. You can download it at their website by clicking here and can get complete instructions while you're there as well, but adding a newsfeed to your reader is simple: wherever you see a small graphic that says 'RSS' or 'XML', or a text link that says something along the lines of 'RSS Newsfeed' simply right-click on the link and select 'Copy Shortcut'. The only other step necessary is to go to your RSS Reader and click the 'Add Feed' button (or any variation of the term) and follow the prompts. You'll be RSS-ing in no time!

For example, to add the Hot-Tub-Information.com RSS newsfeed to your feed reader, simply right-click this link, select 'Copy Shortcut' and add it to your reader.

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