The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

Long live RSS! (Interview)

Jul 29, 2022

Ben Ubois, creator of Feedbin and podcast app Airshow, discusses the enduring relevance of RSS and its foundational role in the indie web. He shares insights on the evolution of RSS, tracing its challenges and innovations. The conversation dives into the Podcast 2.0 specification and the role of thoughtful content curation. Ben also reveals details about Airshow's seamless user experience. With a focus on revitalizing RSS as a decentralized social networking tool, Ubois underlines its potential for enhanced user privacy and engagement.

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ANECDOTE

Podcasting Phenomenon

Jared had in-depth conversations with Ben about his work and life.
Years later, they haven't spoken, highlighting a peculiar phenomenon of podcasting.

ADVICE

RSS Overwhelm

Avoid subscribing to frequent news sources in RSS readers to prevent overwhelm.
Prioritize infrequently updated blogs or individuals for a better signal-to-noise ratio.

ADVICE

Improving RSS Onboarding

Implement UI nudges in RSS readers to guide users against high-frequency feeds.
Suggest best practices, helping users maximize the strengths of RSS.

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This week we’re joined again by Ben Ubois and we’re talking about RSS. Yes, RSS…the tech that never seems to die and yet so many of us rely on it daily. Ben is the creator of Feedbin, which is self-described as “a nice place to read on the web.” Ben is also the maker of a new app on iOS for people who like podcasts. It’s called Airshow and you can download it at airshow.fm. Ben catches us up on the state of Feedbin, we discuss the nine lives of RSS and its foundational utility for the indie web, the possibilities and short-comings of RSS, we get deep in the weeds on the Podcast 2.0 spec and the work being done on <podcast:chapters>, and Ben also shares the details on his new app called Airshow.

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Featuring:

Ben Ubois – Website, GitHub, X
Adam Stacoviak – Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X
Jerod Santo – GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X

Show Notes:

Something missing or broken? PRs welcome!