RSS: Managing information overload

What is RSS?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It is essentially a type of “feed” used to publish frequently-updated content like blogs and news.

Why is RSS important to your network?

Shared resources. RSS makes it easier for individuals to find, read and use the latest information and enables networks to share and collaborate more efficiently.

RSS in action: how feeds can support your work

Pull RSS feeds from major news outlets on a keyword important to your cause – for example, “Iraq” - effectively establishing a personalized webpage with all of the latest news.
Pull RSS feeds of partner organization events, press releases, etc. to your website, or to a common community site (check out the Connect US community website).
Grab website visitors by offering them the chance to subscribe to RSS feeds from your site.
Create a “Netvibes Universe” to let the public see your aggregator page – share the feeds you regularly read.
Examples of networks using RSS

How to use RSS

Getting started with RSS

Check out this great intro to RSS from the folks at CommonCraft.

Collected Thoughts

Indictment of Online Strategies: The Man in the Mirror Doesn't Trust You Either.

December 9, 2009 - 4:47am — Marty

This should be a wake up call for lots of online strategies that are not transparent, don't communicate results and just leverage online work to build a base of donating click monkeys. People are not happy with the distrust shown to them online.

This study mentioned in Philanthropy of 587 PEOPLE WHO USE NEW MEDIA ... has nothing to do with the failure of the platform but of the philosophy and world view of those who run organizations.

Online strategy and communications behind many organizations use of the online tools doesn't typically engage, empower and listen. There is a high degree of distrust of online supporters by organizers and organizations.

Somehow the open and welcome culture of organizing "if they show up at a meeting engage them and work with them" has not translated into online organizing space.

Old guard leaders don't trust their own instincts or methods used to filter "good supporters and bad supporters" in the online space and therefore they distrust all online supports and only offer them limited engagement, information or resources.

The Economic Crash and the Advocacy Movement

December 15, 2008 - 3:10am — Marty

At this stage, it is clear that we are headed for extraordinarily difficult financial times. The cash crunch for the advocacy movement will be as bad as we can imagine and far worse than we can easily manage. We need a plan for how to remain effective.

What Makes a Good Weaver?

June 11, 2008 - 3:37pm — Laurie

Network weavers are individuals with the energy and ability to connect network members. They bring people together to take advantage of network resources, and make sure communications are working smoothly. Weavers are often individuals who like working with others. They know and remember lots of people, and are excited to make new connections.