RSS - Really Simple Syndication

Poll

RSS: Really Simple Syndication, a possible alternative to email lists [122 votes total] Never heard of it (98) 80% Heard of it, but never used it (12) 10% Occasional user of RSS (3) 2% Active user of RSS (9) 7%

Comments

Jeroen Meij, RSS
I use RSS in two ways:
- To integrate relevant headlines from other sites in our intranet site
- To compose my own headlines page with amphetadesk (an open source headlines aggregator)

I am quite satisfied with both soliutions.


Bill Pease, RSS as distribution method for newsletters
Advantages:
+ Avoid all the deliverability problems posed by email (spam filters, bounce management, etc)
+ Guaranteed opt-in readerbase (because users must take positive action to add RSS feed to their news aggregator)
Disadvantages:
- Reduction in audience reach because subscribers need to install aggregator software inot email clients, desktops, or browsers
- Elimination of publisher's ability to control branding and layout of messaging, as all content is squeezed into really simple format
- Reduced availability of subscriber-level marketing data available from recipient interaction with html email (open rates, click-through rates, within message transaction facilitation)

Editor, RSS
RSS (Really Simple Syndication)is an XML based format for Web Content syndication. Some promote it as a possible alternative to email-based distribution of news. RSS avoids viruses and other email-associated problems, but requires an active newsfeed.

What is your opinion and experience with RSS, if any?