What is RSS?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It is a internet protocol that allows your computer to keep track of news stories without you having to visit the website each time in your web browser. The idea is that you "subscribe" to an RSS feed (like ours) and your news reader program regularly checks back with our server to see if there are any new stories. News readers (or aggregators as they are also called) will show you the headline of the story, plus a brief synopsis. If you want to find out more, you just click and it will take you to the full story on the web.

At the Essendon Football Club we are commited to providing the best online experience for our supporters. Using RSS will help you keep in-touch with breaking news at the club even when you aren't surfing our site.

The main bonus of using RSS is that you can keep track of lots of news feeds with one simple program. So as well as knowing what is happening with the Essendon Football Club, you can also keep up to date with the latest from the ABC newsroom, the latest technology news from CNET and what's cool for geeks over at Wired. And rather than having to visit each individual site only to find out you are up to date (or not interested in a particular story) you can simply scan the headlines and follow those stories you find interesting.

How do I subscribe to the Essendon RSS feed?

This process is different depending on the reader used, so search see the documentation that came with the program or check with the company's website. Most will allow you to click on the XML button shown on our site. Many will also allow you to manually enter the feed address which is http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/efcnews.rss

Where can I get an RSS reader/aggregator?

Many free programs are available for different computer operating systems. We recommend searching Google for 'RSS Newsreader', or you can view Google's RSS Directory.

Where can I find other RSS feeds?

Keep and eye on the sites you visit, as many are already offering RSS feeds. Just keep an eye out for the XML or FEED button when surfing. www.feedster.com is an RSS specific search engine, although searching Google and Yahoo will reveal thousands of RSS feeds.

Where can I find out more on RSS?

If you want to know more about how RSS works we recommend that you visit Wikipedia or xml.oreily.com.

What other ways are there of reading the RSS feed? or What is a widget?

Another method of getting the same breaking news with ease is to download our News Widget. The widget is a mini-application which sits on your computer dashboard and checks back with our RSS feed periodically. The widget grabs the latest stories and displays them in a compact, easy to read format. For more about the news widget click here.