Blog #2
I just set up an RSS aggregator using Bloglines. I used the Bloglines "Quick Picks" option to select sports. It was really neat how this option selected the best feeds from the major news sources such as ESPN and CNN. At first it seemed like information overload, but it is nice to just see headlines posted without having to sort through distracting advertisements.
I think RSS has great potential for Extension. It is a great way to distribute information rapidly. I think the most difficult things about using this new technology will be to educate the public about how to use it, and then make them want to keep using it. While RSS is nice, it is one more thing to check each day. For this reason, I almost prefer email alerts rather than RSS unless I have additional time.
Comments
I agree with you that this might not be the right technology for the public, especially if your audience is an older demographic. I think the upsides are that it could be a timesaving tool on your part. Although now it is one more site to check, I have consolidated all my daily web sites onto there and do a one-stop shop. Very handy.
My hopes are that one day Extension could RSS out feeds like "Workshops in Southern MN," "New and Updated Publications," news releases, or newsletters like Crop eNews. As our audience gets younger, they will expect this kind of information availability.
Thanks for the great post!
Posted by: Amy Baker | August 14, 2008 3:38 PM