Why RSS is a decentralized, open-source subscription method superior to centralized options like social networking.
In today’s digital world, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available online. Using a subscription service is one way to stay organised and keep track of the content that interests you. There are a number of different options, including social media networks and RSS feeds. In this article, we’re going to take a look at why RSS is a better decentralised, open-source system for subscribing to content than centralised alternatives such as social networks.
First, let’s define some terms. When we talk about decentralization, we are referring to the distribution of power and control. A decentralized system is one in which power and control are distributed among multiple entities rather than being concentrated in a single entity. An open resource is a resource that is freely available to all users, regardless of who they are or where they are located.
Let’s now take a look at social media networks as a subscription service. These networks are centralised, meaning that they are controlled by a single entity (i.e. the company that owns the network). This means that the user has no control over the content shown to them and is at the mercy of the network’s algorithms and policies. In addition, social media networks often have a profit motive, which means that they may prioritise showing users content that generates the most revenue (e.g. through advertising) rather than content that is most relevant or valuable to the user.
RSS feeds, on the other hand, are decentralised and open. RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication” and is a way for websites to publish updates (e.g. new blog posts, articles, etc.) in a standardised format that can be easily read by other software. This means that users can subscribe to updates from multiple websites using a single RSS reader, or even have these feeds delivered to their email and use email readers to consume the feeds. Because RSS feeds are open, users can access them from any device. There are no restrictions on who can use them.
One major advantage of RSS feeds is that they give users control over the content that they see. With an RSS reader, users can choose which websites they want to subscribe to and customize the types of updates that they receive. This allows users to curate a personalized feed of content that is relevant to their interests. In contrast, social media algorithms often show users content that is popular or trending, rather than content that is personally relevant.
Another benefit of RSS feeds is that they are not influenced by profit motives. Since they are open and decentralized, there is no single entity that controls them or profits from them. This means that users can trust that the content they are seeing is not being influenced by financial interests.
In summary, RSS feeds are a better decentralized open resource subscription system than central alternatives like social media networks because they give users control over the content they see, allow for customization, and are not influenced by profit motives. If you’re looking for a way to stay organized and keep track of the content you care about, consider using an RSS reader or having the feeds forwarded to your email.