How do I use RSS readers & Widgets?
What is RSS & Why should I use It?
RSS, (Real Simple Subscriptions) allows web users to keep track of many different websites, without visiting each of them individually.
Users can quickly see all of their favorite websites, and which of them has NEW CONTENT since they last visited.
RSS feeds are essentially "broadcasting" the website content, to be updated by search engines and other services (like widgets) that reproduce that content thoughout the web. MCCGSL and the Hope and Help Center have content available via RSS readers.
What is a Feed?
A feed is esentially a website "Broadcasting" throughout the internet. Not all websites use a feed, but most blogs automatically create a "feed". It "shouts out" to subscribers of the feed, by either emial updates, or by using an RSS reader. (most web browsers have one built in next to "Favorites")
What's a widget?
A widget is a piece of digital information that automatically updates content to a website.
(usually within 10 minutes of the original post) A wiget "tunes in" to a particular RSS feed, and reproduces it in another location. In some cases you can actually download a "widget" to your desktop, and receive automated updates from your favorite website, or blog.
The Hope and Help Center takes full advantage of this technoloy allowing us the ability to effectively communicate with our visitors, and resources in our community.
How Do I use them?
Its as simple as a "click" when you see the RSS icon. You will be directed to that websites "Feed".
Email Subscibers:
If you choose "Email", (when available) you would recieve an email if that website has updated that day. (1 email per day max) In most cases you are notified by email within 24hours of the original post.
RSS Readers: (Suggested XML)
You will find RSS readers are built into most web browsers, and search engine services. Depending on your own comfort, they all work about the same. (much like a FAVORITES tab)
They do not NOTIFY you, however when you click your own RSS tab in your browser, it will show you what sites have "new content" to share with you. XML is the generic feed itself, and will likely default to your INTERNET EXPLORER web browser. You may also choose popular readers from yahoo, google, or others.
For the HOPE AND HELP CENTER, this means you can quickly view only what has been posted within the past 24hrs, keeping you up to date on events, needs, and opportunites in our community.
Join the GrapeVine of Hope and Help! (what is this??)
"It all began with a casual conversation.."
www.hopeandhelp(center.org The Hope and Help Center is not responsible for the content of the links and blogs listed on this site. Please inform us of offensive information by emailing webmaster@hopeandhelpcenter.org.
The Hope and Help Center is a ministry of Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis. Funding for this project was provided in part by the Missouri Foundation for Health. The Missouri Foundation for Health is a philanthropic organization whose vision is to improve the health of the people in the communities it serves.