Google Web Clips is not doing much to promote the technology “geekily” coined RSS. I have read Amy’s take and other authors regarding the fact that many people do not have a clue about an OPML list or a RSS feed. This is unfortunate. Amy has also penned some good blog entries on the connection age and many, many post on why “RSS” is not the best term. (I am not even going to try and list them, use her search bar. Try “RSS” and also try “Webfeeds”… You will have an evening of good reading.)

There are also those like Dave Winer who do much to promote RSS and there are those that are trying to simplify things regarding OPML with reading lists. I think this is very important. Keeping in line with Matt’s analogy, how many people would even be aware of an optional trailer hitch if it were only known as, lets say, a RDAD (Rear Dragging Assist Device) or a TCA (Trailer Connecting Apparatus)? It is well and good that users can scale what they use but they need be aware of what they can scale.

I also see this being a problem with “podcasting”. My buddy and I do a podcast (radiostatic.am) and every time I say “podcast” I am responded to with “but I don’t have and iPod”. So then I try using term Internet radio and I get “what time is it on?” Then I mention RSS and I get the look of perplexed monkey and their head explodes.

Now if I say “It is like radio and a VCR combined. You get some software and it automatically gets your radio shows.”, then I get a look of enlightenment and “OHHH really… Kool! Where do I find that software?” This is why I agree with Amy on the use of the term webfeed or feeds vs. RSS.

In my opinion, the issue is not the size of the load you can tow. It is the fact that too many users do not even know that there is an option for a towing hitch. Too many think it is only an iPod thing or a Google thing. This and the failure to import/export rather defeats the whole concept of information sharing. We know that we can tow loads with a car or a truck and can purchase what we see fit. Too many people do not know what they can do with RSS and OPML.

I think I have to agree with Amy. Stay away from it and use something that can import/export. (I like bloglines and RSSowl.)

Here’s the part where I ask questions, then answer them myself
Why doesn’t a Ford Mustang come equipped with a tow hitch? Because it’s not a tow vehicle. Can it tow a things? Yes, if you add a hitch. Does that mean that Ford should equip each Mustang that comes off the line with a tow package? Nope. If you want to tow something, get a tow vehicle. Likewise, if you want access to a ton of RSS feeds, get a feed reader.
My $0.02…

Matt Jeppsen
http://www.FresHDV.com

So I think if Web Clips can add OPML import/export so users’ subscriptions aren’t trapped within that tool, it would be a fine place for non-geeks to dip their toes into the water of feeds.

OPML import/export is especially important in this case, however, since most of those people will probably want to move on to more sophisticated and flexible tools once they get used to feeds.

- Amy Gahran
Editor, Contentious