4 ms·

Why RSS is Broken (and how to fix it)

4 points by moses1400 19y ago

bct 19y ago
That my news reader tells you nothing about me is a feature, not a bug.
- natrius 19y ago
  If you're using a web-based feed reader, as most subscribers do, it's telling sites almost as much about you as visiting the site itself would. The problem the author refers to is the same problem any site has to deal with when they offer content without requiring authentication. The solution is cookies. If the subscriber is using a web-based feed reader, any images embedded in the feed will send the same cookie that viewing the page itself would. Any data you've collected about registered users can be associated with feed subscribers until the cookie expires. The other option is to use a third-party ad service that has a super-cookie on file for your readers already, like DoubleClick. Almost all of the user-tracking strategies available to you on a regular web page are still available from feeds. The linked article is what happens when people who don't actually build things try to prognosticate.
bootload 19y ago
Use Atom? ~ http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc4287 http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc4287 "... I thought it is a great time to talk about why I think RSS is "broken" and in it's current form isn't sustainable over the long-term. Before I begin let me state that I like what RSS offers a lot and do read several feeds. Let's look at RSS from two different "broken" angles: subscribers/metrics and marketing ..." Eek! From the same author who bought you, "Is Scribd a Porn Document Network?", http://www.centernetworks.com/scribd-porn-document-network http://www.centernetworks.com/scribd-porn-document-network There is no real discussion of how RSS is broken or how to fix it. Instead of reading this authors comments try listening to Tim Bray [0] ( co-creator of Atom spec ) who talks about building Atom, a replacement for a broken RSS. and the dynamics of online collaboration. [0] Tim Bray, "Atom As A Case Study", 36min 17Mb http://itc.conversationsnetwork.org/shows/detail1155.html http://itc.conversationsnetwork.org/shows/detail1155.html
henning 19y ago
Yes, the solution to 9-10 mutually incompatible syndication formats is to introduce a NEW mutually incompatible syndication format -- one riddled with adware. That'll go over like a fucking lead balloon with users! And think of the $$$! We gettin' hella paper all up in this piece, son!

4 points by moses1400 19y ago

bct 19y ago

That my news reader tells you nothing about me is a feature, not a bug.

natrius 19y ago
If you're using a web-based feed reader, as most subscribers do, it's telling sites almost as much about you as visiting the site itself would. The problem the author refers to is the same problem any site has to deal with when they offer content without requiring authentication. The solution is cookies. If the subscriber is using a web-based feed reader, any images embedded in the feed will send the same cookie that viewing the page itself would. Any data you've collected about registered users can be associated with feed subscribers until the cookie expires. The other option is to use a third-party ad service that has a super-cookie on file for your readers already, like DoubleClick. Almost all of the user-tracking strategies available to you on a regular web page are still available from feeds. The linked article is what happens when people who don't actually build things try to prognosticate.

bootload 19y ago

Use Atom? ~ http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc4287 http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc4287 "... I thought it is a great time to talk about why I think RSS is "broken" and in it's current form isn't sustainable over the long-term. Before I begin let me state that I like what RSS offers a lot and do read several feeds. Let's look at RSS from two different "broken" angles: subscribers/metrics and marketing ..." Eek! From the same author who bought you, "Is Scribd a Porn Document Network?", http://www.centernetworks.com/scribd-porn-document-network http://www.centernetworks.com/scribd-porn-document-network There is no real discussion of how RSS is broken or how to fix it. Instead of reading this authors comments try listening to Tim Bray [0] ( co-creator of Atom spec ) who talks about building Atom, a replacement for a broken RSS. and the dynamics of online collaboration. [0] Tim Bray, "Atom As A Case Study", 36min 17Mb http://itc.conversationsnetwork.org/shows/detail1155.html http://itc.conversationsnetwork.org/shows/detail1155.html

henning 19y ago

Yes, the solution to 9-10 mutually incompatible syndication formats is to introduce a NEW mutually incompatible syndication format -- one riddled with adware. That'll go over like a fucking lead balloon with users! And think of the $$$! We gettin' hella paper all up in this piece, son!