How can you quickly engage in a sophisticated way with the new, emerging internet? I suggest that you start with a technology that underlies the whole new world online: Web feeds, or RSS (Really Simple Syndication). Web feeds act as a “what’s new” notification service for changes made to web pages. They allow readers to keep up to date with far more web sites than would be possible with manual browsing.

RSS 2.0 is an established standard housed at Harvard University. It’s used by a growing number of companies in almost every sector of the economy to do all kinds of things – automating your research and news gathering is the first step in using RSS.

My Web 2.0 starter kit is a simple and affordable way to open a whole new world to you and your website visitors. Here’s what it includes:

Subscription tools for your website

I will create an RSS feed and email subscription tool for the news on your website – turn site visitors into regular readers of your content. You’ll get good analytics on the number of your subscribers and what they click through.

RSS reading list for your industry

I will create a reading list (OPML) based on sites you identify that you’ll import into a very low cost online or desktop news dashboard (feed reader). This reading list will start with the top 20 websites, blogs and search queries in your field – with all their updates delivered automatically to your dashboard. You can easily make changes to that reading list, it’s portable across various applications large and small and it can include web feeds that are password protected.

In addition to building this reading list, I will provide you a detailed description of “how the sausage was made” so you can perform feed creation and discovery for yourself in the future. It’s not hard to do once you learn how.

By integrating RSS feed reading into your work-flow, you’ll quickly and efficiently become as well informed about current events in your field as anyone you know. To draw an understated analogy – RSS is to the new web what email was to the dawn of the internet. Reading feeds is a life and work-changing experience.

I also offer more extensive RSS consulting, including the creation of larger reading lists, more extensive feed discovery, in depth use-training and high-level RSS publishing strategizing. Details on those services forthcoming, but don’t hesitate to ask at any time.

Custom search engine

I’ll assemble a custom search engine, using Google Co-Op, based on the top sites identified in building your reading list and any other key sites of reference in your field. The custom search engine I put together on top Web 2.0 blogs has become one of the most powerful and often used research tools that I use online; you can use the same type of tool to augment your own memory and knowledge base regarding your industry. You will then shock and amaze friends and family.

One hour telephone consultation

Topics of discussion can include how to make the best possible use of the tools above, or anything else related to my areas of expertise. You will find an hour on the phone together very useful and intellectually stimulating.

Cost and availability

This starter package is currently priced at $500 and can in most cases be delivered in full within 48 hours of receipt of payment. I’ll ask you to submit information about your work and favorite websites at the time of payment. Give me a call and we can get the ball rolling.