[Sigia-l] web site design vs RSS

[James Aylett]

On Thu, Oct 18, 2007 at 06:18:19PM +0100, Paola Kathuria wrote:

> She writes:
> > I've spent a great deal of time on the design and layout of the blog, so
> > the idea that people might use the feed as a substitute for visiting the
> > actual site isn't too appealing to me ;)
> 
> Do you think this is a reasonable position?  Or do you think,
> as I do, that it's important not to present just text when
> graphics are expected and in a medium where one wants to get
> through things quickly?

I read no blogs in their 'natural' environment these days. A similar
situation is people who only include limited summaries in RSS/Atom -
I'll try them, but they have to be stunningly good writers to hook me
in twenty words. Those that aren't I unsub from. I suspect a blog
based around design would fare worse, because writing captivatingly
about something I can't see strikes me as close to impossible.

To answer your questions: I think if she feels that way, the RSS feed
is somewhat pointless, so no: it's not a reasonable position. It's
important not to present just text when the text alone doesn't give
the entire story.

James

-- 
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  James Aylett                                                  xapian.org
  james at tartarus.org                               uncertaintydivision.org