RSSAtom Wiki › RSS in everyday use

RSS without algorithms - what makes it different

RSS does not show content because it is trending. A feed reader shows it because you chose the source.

about 2 min read

You follow sources, not moods

On social platforms, visibility is often shaped by reactions, time spent and platform goals. That can be useful, but it changes the selection.

With RSS, the selection is simpler: when a subscribed website publishes something new, the reader can show it.

Chronological instead of curated

Many feed readers sort by date. That makes the list less exciting, but easier to understand.

You see what was published, not primarily what might keep you engaged for longer.

The main difference is responsibility

On a platform, you hand over part of the selection. That is convenient, but it can mean quiet, specialist or important posts barely appear.

With RSS, more responsibility stays with you: you decide which sources belong in your list. In return, you get less surprise but more transparency.

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