The Social Networking Guide for Newbies

What is an RSS feed and what do I do with it?
RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication." It is a tool used to publish frequently updated content such as blog entries, news headlines or podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a "feed," "Web feed," or "channel," contains either a summary of content from an associated Website or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite Websites in an automated and aggregated manner that's easier than checking them manually, one site at a time.

Imagine that you subscribed to the print versions of The New York Times, Newsweek Magazine, and Vogue or Esquire. And, instead of receiving the various copies of these periodicals, you had one document with all (or your favorite parts) of the content from these publications. That is how RSS content can be delivered to you.

You can read your RSS content by using software called a "feed reader" or an "aggregator" such as www.bloglines.com or www.feedburner.com. You can subscribe to a feed by entering the feed's link into the reader or by clicking an RSS icon in a browser that initiates the subscription process. Then you can check your subscribed feeds regularly for new content, downloading from one place any updates it finds.

Is my intellectual property protected from thieves?
When you create art, music or words, as the originator, you are protected by the Copyright Act of 1976. Posting this work in an unmonitored space like the Internet can expose you to people who do not respect your rights or the law. Many networks that specialize in helping you market your work offer tools to help you protect it.

Can I have multiple online user name identities?
Yes, you can create multiple accounts. This is one of the cool things about social networking. You can have several personalities and identities. Be sure to read the legal terms before you sign up for any social network.

Some networks though, will not allow you to create an account with the same e-mail address twice, as your e-mail address has to be verified. Verification is as simple as the network sending you an e-mail with a link to verify that it's actually you creating an account from that e-mail address, and that you are actually a human and not a spambot.

Where can I read more about safety and social networking?
Social Networking Sites: Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens

What are some of the top social networking sites?

• Clubpenguin.com is a social network for kids 4-8 years old.
• Linkedin.com is a business network for professionals.
• Bebo.com is the largest social networking site in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand.
• EldersVoice.com is a social networking site for senior citizens who are young at heart.
• Traineo.com is a weight loss community.
• Dogphoria.com is a dog lovers' social network.

Karen Post is CEO of Oddpodz, a social network for creative-minded people, author of Brain Tattoos, and monthly columnist for FastCompany.com.