Winston India

Archive for September, 2009

What is RSS?

You probably have seen this three-letter acronym in the course of your internet surfing. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary; syndicating means republishing an article that comes from another source such as a website.

An RSS is a means of publicizing updates about websites. It may or may not include a summary and photos of the latest posting. But those that provide summaries (thus Rich Site Summary) allow users to skim through the article so that they could decide later on if they want to access the website source. The RSS feed usually contains the title of the update originating from the website. It is also usually the link to the website source.

What are the benefits of RSS?

RSS gives benefits to both readers (users) and web publishers.

1.    It gives you the latest updates.

Whether it is about the weather, new music, software upgrade, local news, or a new posting from a rarely-updates site learn about the latest as soon as it comes out.

2.    It saves on surfing time.

Since an RSS feed provides a summary of the related article, it saves the user’s time by helping s/he decide on which items to prioritize when reading or browsing the net.

3.    It gives the power of subscription to the user.

Users are given a free-hand on which websites to subscribe in their RSS aggregators which they can change at any time they decide differently.

4.    It lessens the clutter in your inbox.

Although your email address will be required to enjoy the services of online RSS aggregators, RSS does not use your email address to send the updates.

5.    It is spam free.

Unlike email subscriptions, RSS does not make use of your email address to send updates thus your privacy is kept safe from spam mails.

6.    Unsubscribing is hassle-free.

Unlike email subscriptions where the user is asked questions on why s/he is unsubscribing and then the user would be asked to confirm unsubscribing, all you have to do is to delete the RSS feed from your aggregator.

7.    It can be used as an advertising or marketing tool.

Users who subscribe or syndicate product websites receive the latest news on products and services without the website sending spam mail. This is advantageous to both the web user and the website owner since advertising becomes targeted; those who are actually interested in their products are kept posted.

What are the drawbacks of RSS?

The disadvantages of RSS use are brought about by its being a new technology and some user-preference concerns.

1.    Some users prefer receiving email updates over an RSS feed.

2.    Graphics and photos do not appear in all RSS feeds.

For conciseness and ease of publication, RSS feeds do not display the photos from the original site in announcing the update except for some web-based aggregators

3.    The identity of the source website can be confusing.

Since RSS feeds do not display the actual URL or name of the website, it can sometimes get confusing on what feed a user is actually reading.

4.    Publishers cannot determine how many users are subscribed to their feed and the frequency of their visits. Moreover, they would not know the reasons why users unsubscribe which could be important in improving their advertising.

5.    RSS feeds create higher traffic and demands on the server.

Most readers still prefer the whole update over a brief summary of the entry, thus they still access the site.

6.    Since it is a new technology, many sites still do not support RSS.

How do I start using RSS?

There are two things needed: an RSS feed and an RSS aggregator or reader. The RSS feed comes from an RSS-supported website. There are also websites that provide a list of RSS feeds of different websites. An RSS aggregator is used to read the RSS feed from the source website. It scans and collects data on latest RSS feeds from the worldwide web.

An aggregator comes in two forms: a downloadable program also known as desktop aggregator and an online or web-based aggregator. Downloadable aggregators may require payment before they can be acquired, while internet-based aggregators are usually free of charge. All you need to do is to register an account then you are ready to use their services. Both versions allow you to customize or choose which RSS feeds to enter. Paid aggregators are usually chosen by more experienced users and they usually allow more freedom in customizing feeds.

1.    Choose an RSS aggregator to use. For beginners, web-based aggregators are recommended since they are usually user-friendly

2.    Scan the homepage of your target website for the RSS or XML button. It contains the RSS code you need to enter in the aggregator. Copy this code. Syndic8 provides a directory of websites that support RSS.

3.    Paste the code (which contains the URL of the website) in your aggregator. There is a space provided for pasting the code.

After you have done these three easy steps, you can start reading the RSS feeds coming from the website. New postings appear as they are published real time at the source website.

RSS and Internet Marketing

The original idea of RSS came from Netscape, where their intention is to provide a means for users to customize their personal homepage to contain links to websites that interest them, similar to bookmarking websites.

The application of RSS to internet marketing was an unforeseen development to RSS technology developers. Since users are given the freedom to add RSS feeds to their aggregators, those who are interested in particular products and services available in the internet can now be notified real time. Marketing becomes more specific to interested people and not a hit-and-miss operation.

Those who intend to use RSS for marketing their products and services should consider linking up with email account providers, (e.g. Yahoo, MSN, Google mail); networking websites (e.g. Friendster, Multiply, My Space, Hi5); websites of newspapers and television network websites (e.g. New York Times, CNN) for medium to big-scale companies. Small-time industries can also look into networking websites as well as personal blog websites (e.g. Blogspot) and websites of clubs and organizations that would probably make use of their products or services e.g. a fishing supplies store can look for the website of their local fishing club for possible RSS marketing.

Clearly, RSS is an innovation in information management in the worldwide web as well as online marketing. We can expect better RSS technology in the not-so-distant future as its popularity increases among users and website owners alike.

Bank foreclosed homes are basically homes owned by banks or other money lending institutions, which they acquire after the lenders foreclose on the property. When homeowners are unable to pay the mortgage for some months in one go, bank initiates foreclosure proceedings against the homeowner. Investors have the chance of buying the property from the owner directly till the foreclosure is finalized. Owners on the other hand are eager to sell their property, as foreclosure acts as a blotch on their credit report. Investors are in for a good profit if the property has accrued ample equity.

When the foreclosure is finalized, bank foreclosed homes are put up for sale, either via real estate auctions, or directly by the bank. At this juncture, lenders are very keen on selling the bank foreclosed home for various reasons:

Following are some reasons for selling bank-foreclosed homes

. Owning bank-foreclosed properties is not cost effective for lenders, as they are very expensive to maintain. This is because the bank has to bear insurance on the property, secure and maintain the property, and pay taxes.

. Lenders possessing a large inventory of bank-foreclosed homes is not a good sign, in view of the fact that it just amplifies their bad lending decisions.

. Lenders have to cover for the losses incurred from the bank-foreclosed homes.

Banks flourish by granting loans- for cars, homes, new businesses, etc. They classify highest-risk borrowers and thereafter compose the terms and conditions of the given loan. In spite of this there are times banks by mistake issue loans to individuals that are incapable of paying them. For instance, when people become ill or lose jobs, they are able to make mortgage payments per month only at times. Whenever this occurs, they evade loans, making lending banks foreclose on their homes. This makes the banks legal owners of the property.

Nonetheless, banks are least concerned about home ownerships, as maintenance and repairs of homes is quite costly and a deviation from the original purpose of business and a major reason why banks are usually very keen to sell off foreclosed homes at the earliest. The banks set the selling price for the properties, suggesting that various foreclosed properties are sold at prices lower thank their original market value.

The low selling prices imply that one can make considerable benefit by purchasing and then renting or reselling foreclosed properties. In comparison to other real estate investments, one may not need much capital initially; besides, homes can be often bought with little or no deposits.

To go about with the buying and selling of foreclosed homes, one need not hold much experience or knowledge. The basic concept in this procedure is very clear-cut: all you would have to do is buy bank foreclosed homes that are priced much lower their original market value, revamp them if needed, and then rent or resell them. By putting in just some hours for identifying the ideal property, can help you make thousands within no time.

Multitudes of home based businesses exist and more pop up everyday. Most people ask the wrong question when they start out. They ask, “what business should I go into?”

The better question to ask is “what do I like to do?” That’s the key element to success I find over and over in my research. Yes, successful people find the one activity they love to do, whether they receive money initially or not. The strange part is when they do what they love the money follows.

Want a fool-proof way to make sure you pick the right home based business. Don’t make the mistake thousands of people make each year who want to start a small business. Choose what you like doing first and the money will follow.

Now get a pen, a sheet of paper and write down at least 5 answers to each question below. Take your time and brainstorm at least 5 ideas.

1. What kind of business would I do if money were no object?

2. What kind of job or business would I choose if I had to do it 12 hours a day and 6 days a week?

3. What are my 5 favorite hobbies?

Next look over your list of answers and choose the top three answers to each question. Now put the list away for a day or two to give your mind time to absorb the information.

On day two sit down again, look over your list and ask yourself the three key questions again, then pick one winner for each question.

Now here’s where the fun begins. At this stage you want to look at the three answers. Can you combine your three answers into a single business? If you can that’s the business you should be in. You’ve taken a step most business people never take. Congratulations!

Now look for a company or person that can help you do that business – or start it yourself. Either way you’ll have a good chance of succeeding because it’s something you like to do.

If you choose a business just for the money, guess what? You’ll be more likely to quit from discouragement, like most people who make the mistake of choosing a business in this manner.

But if you wisely choose a business you love to do you’ll be more likely to persist. Because persistence is the key to success no matter what the business. You’ll discover the money will follow your work of passion. An additional bonus is you’ll have more motivation when the going gets tough.

Choosing a business you love will get you over the tough spots, the twist, turns and the setbacks – until the money comes.

One last tip. The quickest way to make money is to find something others don’t like or have the time to do – and offer to do it for them.

In closing if you don’t have any money now, never-ever let that stop you. The next best thing to money is knowledge and motivation. Get the motivation and the knowledge and the money will follow.

I hope you’ll consider these ideas. God Bless.