For most web-savvy users, RSS subscriptions are self-evident, like email or instant messaging. And for some, catching up with latest news and entertainment via RSS readers has become part of the daily routine. As effectiveness and time management are the bywords of the productive user, the question arises: how to use RSS effectively? In this article, I'll try to give a simple and concise overview of what you can do to answer the question.

First of all, you need to sit back for a while and think what you're really interested in and can spare time to read about. A list of topics or categories, so to say. This is harder than it sounds. After all, you are a creature of the internet, with horizons broader than that of an average bear. However, you can't afford to read about everything from Astronomy to Zen. Unless you make a living reading RSS feeds, in which case, where can I apply? For the rest of us, priorities are very important.

Once you have decided on what you want to spend time reading about, you need to pick a reader. There are two main options: desktop and web. This Lifehacker article discusses the pros and cons of each, but what it's really down to is personal preference and habit. If you're an avid Google fan and your computer is perpetually online, you'll probably pick Google Reader. If you're not romantically involved with any big name and enjoy offline capabilities in an application, you might decide to go with any one of the several desktop readers (e.g. NewsGator suite or GreatNews). The possibilities are endless, really, and a well-configured, customized reader will greatly increase effectiveness. Don't be afraid to experiment.

Now, with the topics and reader chosen, it's time to pick the feeds. This is a trial-and-error moment for most people. What you shouldn't hesitate to do is to unsubscribe from feeds: inactive feeds, overly-active feeds, feeds of blogs and websites you don't reallyenjoy, etc. Popular, large sites and blogs usually offer feeds for separate tags or topics, or Top Ten / Most Popular / Weekly / Biweekly / Monthly feeds, which, frankly, are a blessing. 100+ new articles a day from one feed alone is an intimidating sight.

With topics, reader, and feeds in place, you can increase effectiveness even more. One of the ways is even greater emphasis on priorities. Some readers, like Mac-only NetNewsWire lets you move folders up or down, depending on how important their content is.

To continue reading, please go to Host1Plus Blog More discussions can be found on Host1Plus Forum