"Grabbing" an RSS feed

An RSS feed is just a URL or web address that you can subscribe to.  Then anytime an update is made to the blog, podcast or newsfeed, etc. you will receive an update.

For the purposes of this tutorial it is assumed that you are subscribing to an RSS feed from a CofC blog (blogs.cofc.edu).  It is also recommended that you use Firefox as your web browser.  You can download the free Firefox browser at http://en-us.www.mozilla.com/en-US/.

1. Navigate to the blog to which you would like to subscribe.
2. In the Firefox address bar notice the RSS icon .  Click on it.

   

   If a submenu appears choose "Subscribe to XXXXX Posts RSS feed'...

   

    

3. A new webpage reappears that shows all of the blog posts in a bare and unformatted way.  Highlight that new URL and copy it (CNTL-C on Windows or Command-C on Mac).

   

    

4. Now the you have copied your RSS feed address we just need to go to Facebook.

Subscribing to an RSS feed in Facebook

You can have an RSS feed show directly on your Facebook profile page.  This way you can keep up with what you need to.  In my tests I have found that you can subscribe to only one RSS feed at a time.  This tutorial assumes that you already have a Facebook account and that you are familiar with Facebook basic terminology.

1. Log into your Facebook account.
2. From the Search box type in "RSS Online" then click the magnifying glass to activate the search.
3. Look down the page a bit, under Applications until you find RSS Online.  Click View Application.
4. From the application page choose Go to Application from the upper-left of the page.
5. Click Allow to allow access to Facebook.
6. The RSS Online application takes you though the process in steps:
   1. Step 1

      

      1. Paste your blog RSS address into the RSS URL text box.
      2. Determine the number of posts you want to see in the box.
      3. Click Save Settings.
   2. Step 2 (available after you click Save Settings)
      1. Look at the preview. 
      2. If the preview looks correct click Add to Profile.
      3. At the pop up window prompt click Add.
      4. You should be taken to your profile page.
7. Click Keep to add the application to your profile page.

Now as the blog is updated new posts will automatically display at the top of the list.

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