Using a News Aggregator (RSS)

According to Wikipedia, RSS (which stands for Really Simple Syndication) is a computer protocol that allows for distribution and republication of content on a web site (usually used by news sites and weblogs).

When someone posts to their weblog (and has RSS), that blog sends out a "ping" that is picked up by your news aggregator and your news aggregator, in turn, reports to you that there is a new posting for you to read.

News aggregator services are usually free. I use one that is provided by Bloglines.com but there are many others out there as well.

Check out Wikipedia's explanation of RSS.

Feedburner also has an excellent article on RSS and news aggregators.