What’s all the buzz about RSS feeds? To some webmasters it’s their knight in shining armor when it comes to adding relevant content to their web site. If your are considering adding a RSS feed to your site, get some background information first so you will know what to expect.
Let’s start off by explaining exactly what a RSS feed is.
If you’ve been hanging around the internet lately, then you’ve seen these 3 letters in many of the websites you’ve visited. It has become all the rave and it’s popularity is on a steady uphill climb. I predict that the day will come when 95% of all websites will incorporate a RSS feed of some sort into their site.
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary; syndicating means republishing an article that comes from another source such as a website.
An RSS is a means of publicizing updates about websites. It may or may not include a summary and photos of the latest posting. But those that provide summaries (thus Rich Site Summary) allow users to skim through the article so that they could decide later on if they want to access the website source. The RSS feed usually contains the title of the update originating from the website. It is also usually the link to the website source.
What are the benefits of RSS?
RSS gives benefits to both readers and web publishers alike with it’s ease and simplicity of use.
1. It gives you the latest updates. Whether it’s about the weather, music, software upgrades, or local news. You can obtain a feed on an unlimited number of subjects and as it’s popularity continue to increase, so will the many different subjects you will be able to retrieve from a feed.
2. If you’re looking for a quick method of surfing the web, RSS feeds can meet that demand. Because it pulls information from outside sources and compile that data into a single feed, it saves on surfing time. Some feeds provides a summary of related articles, this saves the user’s time by helping him/her decide on which items to prioritize when reading or browsing the net.
3. It gives freedom of choice to the user. Users are given a free-hand on which websites to include in their RSS aggregators which they have the freedom to change at any time. This puts pressure on the RSS feed provider to maintain an up-to-date data base of current and relevant articles.
4. It lessens the clutter in your inbox. Although your email address will be required to enjoy the services of online RSS feed aggregators, RSS does not use your email address to send the updates. Everything is done from their servers. This makes it virtually hassle free.
5. RSS feeds are completely spam free. Unlike email subscriptions, RSS does not make use of your email address to send updates thus your privacy is kept safe from spam mails.
6. Unsubscribing is also hassle-free. When you no longer want to post an RSS feed from a provider on your website, all you have to do is delete the html code or the RSS feed’s URL from your site.
7. It can be used as an advertising or marketing tool. Users who subscribe receive the latest news on products and services from your site without it being viewed as spam mail by the receiver. This is an advantage to both the web user and the website owner since advertising becomes targeted to people who are actually interested in your products. As for the web user, he/she receives current, up-to-date articles about topics that interest them.
What are the drawbacks of RSS Feeds?
The biggest drawback to the use of RSS feeds is the fact that it’s a relatively new technology and it has been known to have some user-preference concerns such as:
1. Some users prefer receiving email updates over an RSS feed.
2. Graphics and photos do not appear in all RSS feeds.
3. The identity of the source website can be confusing. Since RSS feeds do not display the actual URL or name of the website, it can sometimes get confusing on what feed a user is actually reading.
4. Publishers cannot determine how many users are subscribed to their feed and the frequency of their visits. Moreover, they would not know the reasons why users unsubscribe which could be important in improving their advertising.
5. RSS feeds create higher traffic and demands on the website owners’ server.
6. Since it is a new technology, many website hosting companies do not currently support RSS feeds.
O.K. I’m Interested: How do I start using RSS feeds on my website?
There are two things needed: an RSS feed and an RSS aggregator or reader. The RSS feed comes from an RSS supported website. There are also websites that provide a list of RSS feeds of different websites. An RSS aggregator is used to read the RSS feed from the source website. It scans and collects data on the latest RSS feeds from the worldwide web.
An aggregator comes in two forms: a downloadable program also known as desktop aggregator and an online or web-based aggregator. Downloadable aggregators may require payment before they can be acquired, while internet-based aggregators are usually free of charge. All you need to do is to register an account then you are ready to use their services. Both versions allow you to customize or choose which RSS feeds to enter. Paid aggregators are usually chosen by more experienced users and they usually allow more freedom in customizing feeds.
1. Choose an RSS aggregator to use. For beginners, web-based aggregators are recommended since they are usually user-friendly.
2. Scan the homepage of your target website for the RSS or XML button. It contains the RSS code you need to enter in the aggregator. Copy this code. Syndic8 provides a directory of websites that support RSS.
3. Paste the code (which contains the URL of the website) in your aggregator. There is a space provided for pasting the code.
After you have done these three easy steps, you can start reading the RSS feeds coming from the website. New postings appear as they are published real time at the source website.
As RSS feeds increase in popularity, no doubt the number of websites that employ this method of Internet web site marketing will increase along with it. If you are looking for a quick and efficient way to provide relevant content to your web site, then consider incorporating a RSS feed.
Don’t give up! If at first you don’t succeed, TRY, TRY, AGAIN! There is a lot to learn when trying to figure out what works best for your online business. Give yourself a break and don’t set unrealistic goals. Don‘t be afraid to learn from others and keep at it until you get it just how you want it.
So, Good Luck, Make Money and Have Fun Doing It - Shirley Kelly
About the Author:
Shirley Kelly is a full time internet marketer who has written over 200 articles in print and 5 published ebooks. Her passion is helping others avoid the mistakes she made when she launched her first website. Her motto is "Knowledge is power and power is having a good understanding about what you're doing." To learn more about Internet web site marketing, download this great ebook “The Newbies Guide To Internet Marketing” at www.websitemarketing2.com


Mistakes To Avoid In Affiliate Marketing
Copyright © Glenn Jones
http://www.Extreme-Profits.com
Anyone can be successful with affiliate marketing programs, however, not everyone does as well as they would like. What is the reason? Here are a few reasons for your consideration. If you can avoid these mistakes, you will be well on your way to a higher level of achievement. Are you ready? Okay here we go…
1. Do not assume that people will just click on your affiliate links. Though an affiliate’s job is mostly limited to pre-selling, that involves more than just displaying the affiliate links. It also entails encouraging people to click on them by explaining the benefits that can be derived from the affiliate merchant’s products or services. You may even offer something "free" to help the customer more inclined to respond in a positive way.
2. There is no such thing as "organic traffic". Organic traffic, or traffic that is naturally generated just because you have a web site is just a dream. There is no such thing! If you’re hosting your affiliate links in one website, you can’t expect people to find it just like that. There are hundreds of thousands of web sites on the World Wide Web. You have to make customers find yours! This can be done through effective SEO techniques, attractive site design, and effective marketing strategies. "Build it and they will come" only works in the movies!
3. You must employ more than one marketing strategy. Some people actually think that submitting one article to the article directories will give them the amount of traffic they need. This is a fatal mistake. Limiting yourself to a single, or even a couple, of marketing methods will limit the number of visitors you can generate for your website. Not only will different methods attract a wider range of visitors, but this will also help you improve your skills and knowledge about you customers. What is that worth?
4. How do you evaluate how well you affiliate campaigns are working?. Most affiliates merely check to see how much money they have earned per day to determine success or failure. Even a successful campaign can be improved! It is important to study every detail of your marketing strategies. How many visitors come to your website? How many of them are unique? How many have visited before? How long do they spend on each page? Where are they coming from? Where are they going next? These are some of the questions that can be answered by using a visitor tracking software program. Knowing the answers to these questions could help you improve the performance of your marketing endeavors.
5. Not only do you need a great web site, but you need the very best products to offer you customers! You must find an affiliate program, which offers sellable products. What good is an affiliate programs that offers a 95% commission if no one wants their product? Do your homework! Ask yourself what kind or product or service you would buy. Your customers will want the same thing.
6. Not all affiliate programs are created equal. Try to find a program with a proven track record and a history of good consumer satisfaction. The credibility of a product or service is dependant on how people view the company selling it. If the affiliate program has established great relationships with its customers and affiliates, then chances are good that this is a good choice for you. Always choose integrity over commission size!
7. Do your homework! There is no substitute for keeping abreast of what is going on in your business. Even successful web sites must embrace change and know where the industry is headed if they want to remain relevant and profitable. Change causes us to stretch and continue to grow. This is especially true in Internet Marketing where change comes at warp speed! You have to constantly update yourself with the latest techniques and information in your field or you will be left on the sidelines.

8. Perhaps the most important thing you must realize if you are going to succeed as an Internet Marketer is to get over the idea that there is a substitute for hard work and perseverance. Time and effort are always rewarded! Don't give up and don't take short cuts. If you work smart and stay focused on your goal you will find the Internet can provide a rewarding future!


Passport Preparedness 2
Beginning January 23, 2007, all persons including US citizens, traveling by air between the US and Canada, Mexico, Central and South American, the Caribbean and Bermuda need a valid passport, air NEXUS card, US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner document or an Alien Registration form 1-551 if applicable. These new travel regulations mean more papers to carry with you. You will still need a driver's license, your boarding pass and return ticket information, baggage claim checks, hotel information, etc. How do you keep all of this information organized and easily available? It's also recommended that you keep a copy of this important information in a separate place, just in case any information is lost, stolen or misplaced.
There are many travel wallets or passport cases on the market today. They are available in canvas or nylon, in dark colors or bright colors. They are also available in all types of leather. Every color in the rainbow is represented in these leather cases. Zippered models will keep everything secure and give you the best feeling of being organized. Everything can be kept in one case, with no chance of accidentally misplacing anything. Smaller cases with pockets that open to accommodate the boarding pass are easiest to tuck in a pocket or small carry bag. Many of the cases also have zippered pockets on the inside. Additionally, many of these travel wallets are designed so that have the boarding pass pocket is on the outside of the case for ease in going through security check points. Experienced travelers have found that keeping organized with your important papers in one place is the best way to insure peace of mind during your trip. In this way you can concentrate on your sightseeing plans and enjoy your travels.

Some of these travel wallets have been designed to wear under your clothing. These are also called money belts or neck pouches. They will hold your passport along with your return ticket information and extra spending cash. They can be worn around the waist, around the neck or shoulder, and around the ankle. Some of them are made to hook onto your own belt, but flip under your clothing. The concealed type of travel wallet is very necessary in areas that have a lot of pick pocketing, or in areas where there are a lot of tourists. They are not easy to detect, and are the safest for travel in busy areas. They come in a large array of fabrics from cotton to nylon with comfort fabrics that go against your skin, to the ultimate luxury of silk for smooth concealing.
There are also some models that are worn on the outside of your clothing like a small purse or handbag. These are strictly used in airports or when boarding cruse ships. They hang around your neck making them easily accessible when going through security checkpoints. These “express boarding cases” are available in leather as well as fabrics. These have zippered pockets, with a place for your passport, your license, and your boarding pass. They are lightweight and are extremely easy to carry. Their design is to be readily accessible, and always handy. Many have a removable strap, and they can later be used as a travel wallet in your purse or pocket after going through security. One thing all of these cases have in common, they organize you and let you concentrate on just enjoying your trip!

Maxine Greco has worked in the luggage and travel industry for over 35 years. She is currently employed at Village Luggage & Gifts.