The AFPLS blog is entitled What's New @ AFPLS

What is a blog?
A blog (short for weblog) is a website where entries are created in journal-style, with the most recent additions appearing at the top of a list, in reverse chronological order. A typical blog combines text, images, and links that are related to the topic being discussed. Blogs tend to be more conversational and personal in tone then typical websites.

Most blogs are set up so that you can leave a comment, although often your comment will not appear until the blog owner reviews it. Most blogs automatically create RSS feeds so that it's easy for you to subscribe to your favorite blogs and become a regular reader.

You can find the AFPLS blog, What's New @ AFPLS, by clicking here.

What is RSS?
RSS stands for "really simple syndication." Basically, it is a mechanism that allows you, the reader, to subscribe to a free internet service that sends the blog's entries to you, rather than requiring you to go to the blog. It is different from email and from instant messaging, and does not use space in your email.

What is an RSS reader (or RSS aggregator)?
RSS aggregators, or readers, allow you to read several blogs or feeds from one site, rather then checking each individually. If you are not currently using an RSS aggregator or reader, here are links to several free readers you can use. You will probably find that you need just one reader for all your blogs.

• Bloglines
• Google Reader
• My Yahoo

How do I sign up for the AFPLS Blog?

At the very bottom of the blog, you will find it says in small print RSS and then entries. Right click over entries, click on either copy, copy target or copy shortcut and then paste the resulting address into your RSS reader.

Many readers also now allow you to simply input a web address, or URL, into a box to subscribe. If this is the case, simply type in www.afpls.org/blog.

Now, every time you log into your RSS aggregator/reader online, you will see which blogs have been updated since the last time you logged in. The new posts will all be available in your RSS aggregator/reader.

Join the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System in blogging!