12 · 08

RSS Feeds Are Like a Shopping Mall:All Of Your Sites in One Place

Media_httpgalsguidetypepadcoma6a00d8341d3b4753ef0105364dc256970c120wi_xixclsrfogtluns
I've given a bevy of Web 101s and always include the full list of social media tools that are available for a new user to explore.  One of these tools is Really Simple Syndication, aka RSS.


It still baffles me that the typical Web user doesn't understand how RSS feeds can not only make their web browsing more efficient, but minimize the clutter of multiple tabs being open, forgotten, lost, etc.

After a few tries of explaining RSS feeds, I began using the following analogy: RSS Feeds are Like Shopping Malls

Multiple stores exist under the ceiling of one shopping mall. Oh sure, there are outdoor shopping malls, strip malls, etc, but the concept is the same: multiple stores housed in one place. This is the same idea behind RSS Feeds - all of your favorite SITES in one place. The difference is, the user dictates which feeds exist in their mall. Bonus. 

RSS Readers to consider (as supplied by fellow Twitter users)

So, the next time you are attempting to explain RSS to someone, try the Mall Analogy. The clarity that you'll see from your pupil will make your day:).