Eight Reasons Why You Should Use an RSS Reader

Nowadays, many computer users follow blogs or other regularly-updated sites. It can be problematic and time-draining to follow each individual site. If this is the case for you, you should consider using an RSS reader. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. In short, an RSS reader is an application that automatically collects the posts from all the blogs and websites that you follow. In this article, I describe eight reasons why an individual would want to use an RSS reader.

Reason to Use RSS #1 - RSS Saves Time
The biggest reason to use an RSS reader is that using an RSS reader saves time. If you follow six blogs, for example, you might spend half an hour to an hour each day looking for new posts and entries on the sites. Between going to each individual site and clicking through each page and link, a lot of time is spent "in transit." RSS sends new posts to you so that you don't have to hunt for new articles.

Reason to Use RSS #2 - RSS Prevents You from Missing Posts
Another good reason to use RSS is that with an RSS reader, you are much less likely to miss articles or entries that come out. For example, if you go on a week-long trip, your favorite sites may update quite a bit. Assuming that you follow five to six sites, there may be hundreds of new posts and you may not have the time to comb through each site. Because an RSS reader brings the articles to you, you can see more easily what you missed and can catch up on posts without much effort on your part.

Reason to Use RSS #3 - RSS Reduces Bookmark Clutter
Many people follow five to ten different sites on a regular basis. Links to these sites can clutter a bookmark list or bookmark toolbar. Rather than taking up unnecessary space and making it difficult to find necessary bookmarks, the sites to which these links lead can be followed with an RSS reader.

Reason to Use RSS #4 - RSS Allows for Organization
Few people are one-dimensional. A single person may have interests in current events, fashion, science, humor, and personal development, just as an example. This individual may follow two or three sites regarding each of these topics, as well as the blogs of several friends. Doing the math, this individual may follow twenty or more regularly-updated sites. Using an RSS reader, related sites may be organized into folders or lists for easy, organized reading.

Reason to Use RSS #5 - RSS Allows for Favoriting Articles
Rather than bookmarking your favorite articles from a particular site, you can often star your favorite articles in an RSS reader. Again, this reduces bookmark clutter and allows you to find your favorite articles from a source quickly and easily.

Reason to Use RSS #6 - RSS Boosts Productivity
Using an RSS reader that automatically collects articles and posts prevents you from using web surfing as a distraction. You won't wander from site to site wondering if there is a new blog post or article, because you'll know that there isn't. If there are new posts, you can read them quickly and get back to work. Having to navigate the internet is always dangerous from a productivity standpoint. Likewise, there will be fewer links and advertisements in an RSS reader to distract you from work.

Reason to Use RSS #7 - RSS Keeps You Up to Date
If a breaking event occurs, an RSS reader can let you know more quickly than checking a conventional website would. For example, if you check your news site of choice once in the morning and once in the afternoon, you might be a few hours behind on things that happen at midday. An RSS reader could collect all the posts from your news site and you would be aware of current events more quickly.

Reason to Use RSS #8 - RSS Removes Formatting
Some sites have annoying layouts or typeface. For example, some blogs have atrocious color palates, small print, and numerous pictures and advertisements lining the page. Many RSS readers do not utilize the page formatting of the blog or site from which they obtain articles, meaning that you will be entitled to cleaner, distraction-free

Even if you consider yourself a casual internet user, you should consider trying an RSS reader. Most are easy to use and operate, and, beyond that, free. They may make your computing experience simpler, more enjoyable, and less time-consuming. If you can think of any other reasons why an individual would want to use an RSS reader, please leave your thoughts in the form of a comment. Thank you for reading!