RSS Still Rocks!

One customized feed that I have had in my aggregator for at least 3 years is an Amazon search feed that I created from OnFocus. It’s a search for “Social Networks” as a subject and every now and then a new book gets sent my way. This feed is still one of my favorites, because it’s a no-brainer and so freakin’ cool. I’m updated with any new books that come out on the topic.

This morning, Social Networks and Social Influences in Adolescents was sent my way and, while it’s too expensive for me to buy, I’ll add it to LibraryThing and save it for later reading (maybe I’ll buy it used or ask my library to purchase it).

After 4 years of using RSS (or “feeds” if that’s what you want to call them), I’m still floored as to how cool and easy the technology is. Social software ain’t nothing without RSS and this will be the case with OPML very soon. It’s hard to make connections without using syndication.

Aside: Barbie started a MySpace account and she started subscribing to her friends blogs she reads on MySpace. “You’re using RSS”, I said to her when she showed me her page. She shrugged her shoulders and with a smile said, “alright”. Then she rolled her eyes at me.

That’s why RSS works. Because my wife can use it without caring what it is.