Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is an XML-based format for content distribution. ThirdAge offers RSS feeds that include headlines, summaries and links back to ThirdAge.com for the full article. RSS feeds are free and ThirdAge currently uses RSS 2.0.
2. What Are RSS Readers?
RSS news readers are software programs that gather together RSS feeds and display the story information. They allow you to scan headlines from hundreds of news sources in a central location.
3. Where Do I Get an RSS Reader?
A wide range of RSS readers can be easily downloaded from the Web. Some readers are Web-based, while others require you to download a small software program onto your desktop. Most are free to use. (Several readers require Microsoft's .NET framework on your computer. They may be slightly more complicated to install if you do not have .NET.)
Yahoo! and Google both offer comprehensive lists of RSS readers. A few sample readers are also mentioned below for your evaluation:
• Amphetadesk: Windows, Mac, Linux (open source); free
• Awasu: Windows; free for personal use
• Blogline: Web-based news aggregator; free
• FeedDemon: Windows; commercial software, trial available
• NetNewsWire: Mac OS X; commercial software, trial available
• NewsFire: Mac OS X; free
• Rocket RSS Reader: Web-based RSS reader; free
• RSS Reader: Windows; freeware
4. How Do I Add ThirdAge RSS Feeds?
First, choose an RSS reader. Each reader has a slightly different way of adding a new feed (also called a "channel"). In most cases, here's how it works:
a.
Click on the small XML button to the left of the newsletter channel you want (ThirdAge Health & Wellness, for example, or The Lighter Side). A new browser window will open displaying XML code. This is to be expected.
b.
Copy the URL that appears in the address bar of the new browser window. For example, the URL you would copy for Best of ThirdAge articles is: ...
Paste that URL into the "Add New Channel" section of the reader. Voila! The RSS feed will start to display and will regularly update the headlines for you.
If you use My Yahoo!, simply click the links below to add ThirdAge to your news collection:
6. Where Can I Get Help With an Individual Reader?
ThirdAge does not support individual readers, nor do we provide technical assistance for them. Please check the Web site for your reader or contact the reader's customer service department if you need help.
7. How Often Are the ThirdAge RSS Feeds Updated?
ThirdAge RSS feeds update constantly throughout the week. Every time a news story is added to our Web site, it will also be added to the RSS feed.
