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In order to understand how XML and RSS feeds connect to make information gathering possible, it may be best to look at the individual parts of the equation.

Extensible Markup Language, abbreviated XML, is a markup language for wide-ranging and general use. It is different from Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) in that the two were created with different goals in mind.

As many knowledgeable users will tell you, XML is certainly not meant to be used instead of or to replace HTML. As one source describes the two, XML was designed to describe data and to focus on what data is. HTML was designed to display data and to focus on how data looks.(W3C) HTML is about displaying information, while XML is about describing information.

The main purpose of XML is to help users share data across different information systems, with the Internet being a primary system in which XML is used. XML is known as a subset of the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML). The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) recommends XML as an open standard.

RSS formats are specified using XML. RSS refers to - Really Simple Syndication (RSS 2.0); RDF Site Summary (RSS 1.0 and RSS 0.90); Rich Site Summary (RSS 0.91). RSS may be described simply as web feed formats used to publish frequently updated content (blog entries, news headlines). RSS "documents" are usually referred to as a "feed," "web feed," or "channel."

Creating an RSS feed is rather simple. Large news organizations offer the feature, as do a number of individual sites and Weblogs.

In addition, an increasing number of services have been created to make access to sites easier. The end user simply chooses to participate by entering the link into an aggregator/reader or, in some cases, by simply choosing to click on an RSS icon. As one reviewer has noted, the process is getting less complex every day. The reader/aggregator searches the feeds subscribed to and delivers updates based on customized choices.

Some of the features to look for in import alternatives: handles most or all versions of RSS; does not import the same information a second time when you update; handles time zone variations; handles XML specs and poorly formed XML.

Another key piece of advice from some of the services connected with importing RSS feeds - If you are importing content, be certain that you have permission from the copyright owner. As you go through the process of importing RSS feeds, you may find that the process has become simple enough to build a custom feed in minutes.

The feed generally contains a summary of content from a Web site (sometimes the full text). The key benefit of RSS is that users can stay current with their favorite web sites without having to making a number of manual check-ins. Using a program called an aggregators, individuals can automatically access RSS feeds of Web sites that contain information they are interested in.