Introduction
I first encountered RSS back when I was browsing HACG. By the time I actually understood it, RSS was already on the decline. Projects like RSSHub were keeping the flame alive, but I eventually gave up on it due to frequent connection issues. However, as I’ve discovered more blogs, I’ve returned to RSS to stay updated and keep track of what I’ve read.
What is RSS?
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It’s a format specification for web feeds. Websites use it to provide titles, summaries, or full articles to subscribers. Users can aggregate these links into a single tool to read everything in one place.
In other words, while mainstream media pushes content to us (passive consumption), RSS is about actively seeking knowledge. You find your own sources, and the feed only shows what you actually subscribed to.
Why use RSS?
Pick up your phone, open any news app, and the homepage is nothing but “recommendations.” Between infinite scrolling and big-data algorithms, it’s easy to waste a whole day on low-quality, one-sided content. I hate that feeling of time slipping away. I believe relaxation should be intentional, not passive. Using RSS is my way of resisting the “information cocoon.”
On a small scale, it’s about marking unread articles and following blogs I care about. On a larger scale, as recommendation algorithms get more precise, they limit our horizons. RSS helps maintain the ability to actively seek information and learn.
How to use it
First, you need an RSS reader. I use QuiteRSS , which is open source.
Next, you need subscription feeds. You’ll have to find these yourself. If a site doesn’t explicitly provide one, check RSSHub (ensure your network connection is stable).
How to find RSS feeds: How to find the RSS feed URL for Feedzy RSS Feeds
For example, this site’s feed is: https://blog.yexca.net/feed.xml
To check if a link is a valid feed: Feed Validator for Atom and RSS
Just copy the feed URL, open your software, and create a new source.
Afterword
I had high hopes for this post, but when I actually sat down to write, I found it hard to express exactly what I was feeling. Maybe I’ve been “poisoned” by too much low-quality web content for too long—I feel like I’ve forgotten how to write properly.
I had a lot of thoughts before starting, but they didn’t quite make it to the page. It is what it is.
References / Recommended Reading
Efficient information gathering: An RSS beginner’s guide - Tencent Cloud Developer Community