What is RSS?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It is becoming an increasingly popular method for sharing web content. With RSS, you don't have to visit numerous websites to get the information you want; instead, the information comes directly to you. If you've ever seen or symbols while surfing the web it means the site offers content updates using RSS technology. Some examples of content available via RSS include news feeds, blog updates, corporate information, and discussion forums updates.

Subscribing to RSS feeds requires a program known as a Feed Reader (or Feed Aggregator) or up-to-date versions of Internet Explorer or Firefox browsers. The reader regularly checks your chosen RSS feeds to display any updated content that it finds. This can make it much easier to keep up with the latest news.

Why use RSS?

RSS is like your own private newspaper. The reader gathers the content you select from a variety of sources and displays it in an organized format in one convenient location. You don't have to visit multiple websites to get the information you're looking for.

Some of the advantages of RSS over email are that you don't have to surrender your email address to subscribe (this eliminates the risk of spam from other parties who may obtain your e-mail address), and it's easy to unsubscribe from feeds (just remove the feed from your reader). RSS also gives you complete control over your subscriptions without the possibility of losing important information/updates into an e-mail spam filter.

Where do I get an RSS reader from? There are many dedicated RSS reader programs available. In addition, the latest versions of Internet Explorer (7.0) and Firefox have built-in RSS reader capabilities. Some of the readers currently used by employees here at Callahan & Associates are: SharpReader - A free RSS reader with just the basics. Allows you to see what's in a feed before subscribing to it. RSSReader - A free reader that is both easy to install and use. An intuitive interface makes it the ideal RSS reader for someone new to RSS.

NewsGator - (Not Free) A RSS reader that integrates with outlook so you can check your RSS feeds in the same application as your email.

My Yahoo! - My Yahoo gives you a chance to view your RSS feeds online. No need to install any software, and adding feeds is as easy typing in the RSS URL.

Internet Explorer & Firefox - If you use Internet Explorer or the Firefox browsers, each offers built-in capabilities which allow you to monitor RSS feeds from within the browser. Learn more about how to do in your browser by clicking on your browser type: Internet Explorer 7+ {http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie7/tour/fre/rss/} or Firefox (any version) {http://kb.mozillazine.org/Live_Bookmarks_-_Firefox}.

A site is enabled for Live Bookmarks when you see this icon on the bottom right corner of the browser.

What RSS feeds does CreditUnions.com offer?

CreditUnions.com Weekly Articles feed - CreditUnions.com helps you keep up with the industry by bringing you the latest data and industry trends. Subscribing to this feed alerts you to the new articles on CreditUnions.com as they are posted.
http://www.creditunions.com/rssfeedcallahan.xml
Note: If you do not have an RSS reader clicking the above link will result in meaningless code.

Press Center feed - Up-to-the-minute CU Industry PR delivered to you immediately as they occur. http://www.creditunions.com/rss/presscenter.xml
Note: If you do not have an RSS reader clicking the above link will result in meaningless code.

Career Center feed: - Read the latest job postings as soon as they are added to our Career Center.
http://www.creditunions.com/rss/careercenter.xml
Note: If you do not have an RSS reader clicking the above link will result in meaningless code.

Upcoming Events feed: - The latest webinar topics from Callahan & Associates' Webinar Library.
http://www.creditunions.com/rss/events.xml
Note: If you do not have an RSS reader clicking the above link will result in meaningless code.

"Blogging Across the Ocean" feed: - CreditUnions.com's own Scott Patterson, living the in UK for a year, blogs about the financial services landscape in the UK.
http://www.creditunions.com/rss/blog_patterson.xml
Note: If you do not have an RSS reader clicking the above link will result in meaningless code.

Check back soon! We have plans to release several new RSS feeds soon. Anticipated feeds include category-specific RSS information (eg. CU Marketing, IT, CFO, etc), product tips & tricks, new industry expert blogs, and more.