RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a format used to distribute headlines and similar content across the Internet.
Owners of blogs and other web sites that update their content frequently can make their new posts and content available in files called RSS feeds, which they can submit to an RSS database. Consumers can then use a news-reading service, such as My Yahoo!, to gather multiple RSS feeds in one place — making it easier and faster to keep up with new information on their favorite sites. RSS feeds typically include a headline and short description of each new item, and they can be distributed to many readers. Readers can scan the headlines and summaries of their collected RSS feeds, then click a link to review the complete article or post.
Learn more about RSS and My Yahoo!
Syndication describes the process of publishing simultaneously in more than one online location. Many news and other notable web sites already syndicate their content in RSS feeds. Readers find it "really simple" to keep up with these syndicated sites; and it's simple for you to syndicate your content as well.
Why should you syndicate your blog? Syndication is a great way to build awareness of your content and your brand, drive traffic to your site, and serve your existing readership — with relative ease and without expense. An RSS feed can help strengthen your relationship with current readers, who will be able use your feed to stay abreast of your latest blog postings. You can also attract new viewers who might search Yahoo!'s RSS database for content like yours and add your blog to their My Yahoo! or other news reader pages.
Movable Type makes RSS syndication easy and automatic. When you create your blog, Movable Type will automatically activate your RSS option and submit your content in an RSS distributed form (your RSS feed) to the Yahoo! RSS database and other popular databases, where interested readers can discover it.
For more on RSS feeds, including how to prevent Yahoo! from receiving and using your feed, see our RSS publishers' help center.