HOW TO: Using RSS

RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication" and is sometimes referred to as "RSS Feed" or "RSS Subscription" or "Feed Subscription" or simply as "Feed." Ning social networks capitalize on the capabilities of a RSS feed, and thus encourage users to make use of them.

There is some software available to manage your RSS feeds; some free, some you pay for. There are also plenty of online services too; again, some free, some you pay for. Personally, I prefer Google Reader. Its free, its basic and easy to use; and having it online I can access it from any computer just by using my GMail login.

Anywhere you see the RSS feed logo, you can click the logo to start your RSS subscription.
Here's a zoomed-in version of the RSS feed logo:

After clicking the logo you'll usually be presented with a screen that looks something like this:

Click 'Subscribe Now'. Depending on the reader you've chosen, your next screen will differ. At the very least, the next screen should provide a feed link that can be copied and pasted into the reader you chose. If you're using Google Reader, besides the link you also get the option to add it right to your reader (instead of copying and pasting) or add it to your Google homepage.

As far as I can tell, Member Wall Posts and Group Wall Posts seem to be the only two things in GW (or any Ning social network) that there are no RSS feeds available for.

I tried a few other RSS subscription managers before going with Google Reader, and have now been using it exclusively for almost two years; so can provide very little support for other subscription readers. If you have a Google Reader question, I would be happy to elaborate on it more. If anyone else has a preferred reader, feel free to share in the comments below (and do note if you're proficient enough with it to answer questions).


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I am not a Ning expert. I'm a tech-head who has worked in IT for over 10 years; and I have some experience on another Ning network. This is not an official statement from the GW staff; just some friendly tips for my fellow GW users. Feel free to message me if you have questions, comments, or suggestions for other topics. ~Johnny