RSS manifesto
Every day, we use an average of a dozen or so apps on our smartphones. So one more won't make a difference. And it's worth it.
It's worth starting to use an RSS reader. There are dozens of them. Everyone will find one that suits them: free, paid, with basic functions or a content management powerhouse, available on one device, synchronising via the cloud or through an account created on the website.
It's a great tool (and protocol) that has been around for many, many years. But it's still not very widespread. And in a world of ubiquitous algorithms that know better what we should read, it's essential to have some autonomy over what reaches us.
- There, you can find out about every text published on a given website, video on your favourite YouTube channel, podcast, or newsletter.
- There, you can save articles for later, read their full content or excerpts.
- There, you can also log in to a subscribed website, shortening the path to reach it.
It is a truly excellent alternative for a society that, when it comes to obtaining content from news websites, podcasts, newsletters, YouTube or even social media, is stuck in a quagmire of algorithms and the digital gardens of big tech companies.
At the same time, I regret that not all private websites, news portals (divided, for example, by author) or government and local government websites have RSS feeds.
Use RSS feeds. Add feeds to your websites (preferably divided into thematic categories and authors). Educate and encourage your audience, family, friends and neighbours to use RSS readers. When it comes to content distribution between publishers and recipients, there is nothing better available at the moment.