RSS is web technology that allows you to feed information from a site or weblog to subscribers. This means if you’re following Joe’s weblog and want to know about his latest posts without having to continually check his blog, you can become a subscriber and be automatically notified when Joe posts new material. For websites this means being able to import content into your pages from other sites.

Using RSS, PlusLine can easily create and disseminate feeds of data that include, for example, devotionals, church ministry news, reports, images, audio presentations, articles, etc. Church websites can benefit from this by having some of their site pages automatically refreshed. Other sites using RSS to deliver content to a wider audience include Christian Science Monitor and CNET News.com (Yahoo News).

In order to access the information RSS is sending you need an RSS Reader that is either web-based, or on your desktop. Click here for a more detailed explanation.

The evolution of web technologies continues to introduce new applications and opportunities for publishing content. RSS makes automated text broadcasting a reality for websites that are challenged by budget and personnel restrictions. For free, or for minimal costs, organizations can subscribe to services that automatically refresh their web pages.

PlusLine is working toward utilizing this technology to broadcast specific links and content to its members. If you are not already a member, sign up today and get the latest information on this and other resource developments. Sign-up now. 

For a more in-depth explanation of RSS read RSS Tutitorial.

Rich DuBose is Director of Church Support Services for the Pacific Union Conference and a producer of Christian web content.