RSS: Really Sounds Stupid

Well, without sounding too cynical, that title is meant to show the frustration that can accompany learning about RSS feeds - one which I have felt recently. But RSS feeds have their place.

RSS Feeds - What are they?
For those who don't know, RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. But if you're like me, and have trouble even posting a blog like this, then that statement becomes an oxymoron. An RSS feed is difficult to explain in basic terms, but I will try. Basically, instead of going one or more times daily to your favourite blogs or websites, you let the feeds, or articles come to you. For example, you have subscribed to my blog here. So now, if you go to your Dashboard in blogger, this blog is now posted there, to let you know I have updated. RSS feeds are what allows you to receive emails from your favourite band's website, letting you know they have a new CD coming out, or they are going on tour in your area. The link above will explain it better than I can; as I said, I'm not exactly tech-savvy.

What do you think?
I think that RSS feeds have their place, but I also know myself well enough to know that I probably won't use it at all, unless I have to. I have a stubborn personality, and if something seems to difficult for me at face value, I'll wait until I absolutely have to before I use it. I also don't have a lot of sites that I wish to subscribe to; anything I subscribe to, I get emails for, and therefore RSS feeds, such as they are on websites like blogger, do not have a place for my web surfing just yet.

RSS Feeds in Libraries
Nevertheless, from what I find with RSS feeds, they can provide a very beneficial, quick and easy way to share information over the internet, and make that sharing more easily accessible to the public. In terms of a library, some ways an RSS feed could be used are:

1. To alert patrons to news and upcoming events
2. To connect library staff and share information
3. To advertise for the library (which is something librarians aren't really known for being terribly good at)

While someone like myself may have trouble adjusting to something like an RSS feed, and using them in day-to-day life, like anything, once you get used to it, you won't be able to imagine your life without it, and the benefits it can provide. But if you are like me, and only subscribe to a few websites, like maybe Twitter, Facebook or deviantART, then you may not want to use RSS feeds just yet, and wait until your browser is completely bogged down from all the websites you follow.

Still, I would like to know what you guys think, so leave a comment, and tell me, what is your opinion of RSS feeds? Do you use them, and if so, do you like them?