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WTF is a feed? How do I subscribe?

For the non-cyberdorks (i.e. mostly my east coast friends (zing) and my family) out there, a very quick and easy way to get access to instant updates from all your favorite sites is using an RSS reader or feed aggregator.

BUT WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?!?!?

Most content-driven sites today are built as feeds. From news sites like NYTimes.com, to media sites like YouTube.com, to social sites like Facebook.com, everything uses a feed to deliver and syndicate information across the internet.

RSS readers or feed aggregators make it easier for people to consume information from multiple sources. They act as inboxes for quick consumption of content. So rather than have to go to every site to gather my information, I just have to go to my reader to pull it all in.

Well-known RSS readers include Google Reader, Bloglines, NewsGator, and Thunderbird.

RAD! How do I get started?

I personally prefer Google Reader and I think you will too (this sounds like an infomercial). It's easy to use and has a wealth of simple features for sharing all the stuff you read with the people you care about. Here is a great, easy tutorial from the Google dorks themselves on Google Reader:

How do I subscribe to feeds in Google Reader?

After you've set up your Google Reader account, think about all the sites you're frequently going to for your information and entertainment, then go to them. When you're there, look for an RSS link. It usually looks something like this button below. Click it and it either copy the link and paste it into Google Reader or follow the instructions. Most sites give the user a very easy subscribe experience:

You can also search for feeds directly within Google Reader. Google Reader will also provide you with recommendations based on the feeds you're currently subscribed to.

Some of my favorite sites to which I subscribe, include:

• NYTimes (RSS Links)
• /Film (RSS)
• Mashable (RSS)
• Slow Food USA (RSS)
• Tuk Tuk Goose (RSS)

Why are you telling me this?

Using a reader is like watching the news in the morning. You have instant information at your fingertips and everything you need to know in minutes.

Also recently, I've been moving my blog around a lot and optimizing it and stuff, so if you use any RSS reader, make sure you're pointed to the correct free rommy feed so you can get all the updates about my mindless musings in real-time. Or just click on the big orange button at the top right. If you don't use one, I highly recommend it. It can save you a world of time.