RSS, short for Really Simple Syndication, is a content delivery protocol based on the XML standard widely used on the internet. It can describe and synchronize website content, and subscribing to RSS feeds allows for faster access to the latest information.
Before I begin, I would like to talk about why I chose RSS subscription as a relatively old-fashioned way to access information. This brings up two concepts: "fragmented reading" and "information cocoon":
1. Why I chose RSS subscription#
Fragmented Reading:
Fragmented reading refers to an incomplete and intermittent reading mode conducted through devices such as phones, e-books, and computers.
Information Cocoon:
The concept of an information cocoon was proposed by Keith Sands, a professor at Harvard Law School and legal advisor to President Obama, in his book "Information Utopia: How People Produce Knowledge" published in 2006. Through an examination of the internet, Sands pointed out that in the dissemination of information, the public's information needs are not comprehensive. The public only pays attention to what they have chosen and the communication areas that bring them pleasure. Over time, they will confine themselves to a "cocoon" like a silkworm.
As we all know, we are in an era of information explosion and big data on the internet. Combined with data tracking and targeted marketing techniques, we often find ourselves forced to receive information that service providers believe matches our preferences based on algorithms.
These "precisely matched personalized" information constantly narrows our scope of knowledge. Over time, we gradually lose sensitivity to information and find ourselves in a state of "you read what others recommend". This is terrifying!!
Each of us is an independent individual and should be "free". This freedom naturally includes "freedom of thought": the freedom for individuals to have or think independently of others' opinions, facts, and thoughts.
2. My RSS subscription setup#
Since I decided to efficiently access information through RSS subscription, I have been searching online for the best setup that suits me. In the end, I chose the combination of RSSHub + Feedly + Reeder:
RSSHub:
RSSHub is an open-source, easy-to-use, and easily expandable RSS generator that can generate RSS feeds for all kinds of strange content. With the help of the open-source community, it is rapidly developing and has already adapted to thousands of items from hundreds of websites.
Feedly:
Feedly is an RSS aggregator application that supports various web browsers and mobile devices running iOS or Android. It is also a cloud-based service. It aggregates user-customized news feeds from various online resources and allows sharing with others.
Reeder:
Reeder is a highly acclaimed RSS reading application for iOS. It supports synchronization with third-party RSS services such as Feedbin, Feedly, and Inoreader in the cloud, and even supports data synchronization with self-built RSS services such as FreshRSS, Reader, and Fever.
Let me briefly explain why I chose this setup:
- RSSHub can provide RSS feeds for almost all websites, such as Zhihu, Hupu, blogs, WeChat public accounts, Bilibili, and Qidian. Even if a website does not provide RSS feeds, we can create an RSS feed based on it. It is very powerful!
- I chose Feedly because it provides folder categorization and has a large number of subscription sources. It is very convenient for managing RSS feeds and happens to be in the list of third-party subscription services supported by Reeder.
- I use Reeder simply because it is a highly rated RSS reading application for iOS, and I am satisfied with its performance after purchasing it.
Now let's take a look at the actual application effect of RSSHub + Feedly + Reeder:
RSSHub:
Feedly:
Reeder:
Finally, I welcome everyone to use RSS subscription. Take control of your reading and efficiently access valuable information!