Q and A: How do I update my RSS feed?

Dear Kalena...

I read your article about RSS feeds and I'm trying to create one. But I am not clear on the updating. Who updates the items? Do I update my RSS files with new stuff or if I just update the pages in the links of the RSS files will they get updated by the aggregators? I am confused.

Joelle

Kalena's Answer:

Dear Joelle

If you create an RSS or XML feed from scratch, you add items manually to your feed. Every time you add a new story or post your feed will be updated. Aggregators will automatically index your RSS or XML file and recognize when new items are added to your feed.

But these days, it is not necessary to create a feed from raw code. Most people use a blog or feed service such as WordPress or Blogger to make and add automatic updates to their RSS or XML feed. You can also "ping your feed" to alert aggregators whenever your blog or feed is updated. Learn more at Feed101, Introduction to RSS and What is RSS.

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