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What are feeds?

Websites automatically create lists of updates, called "feeds," that indicate when new content has been posted to a website. When you "subscribe" to the feed, a program like Outlook or an online service like Google Reader stars monitoring the feed for updates. To use feeds, you don't have to give any personal information, it doesn't cost anything, and it's easy to unsubscribe.

How do I subscribe to a feed?

Click on the feed link and Feed icon icon found on the home page and many other pages on the website. This will take you to the form to create a personalized feed—select your favorite sections and topics so that you receive updates only from areas that are relevant to you. After completing the form, click Generate custom feed and you will see the unique link to that feed. Copy and paste in your feed reader (see below), or click it to add it to your browser or email program's feeds.

The feed reader will read the unique link and download the updates regularly. It will even keep track of which ones you've read so you don't have to think about it!

How do I read feeds?

You read feeds with a "feed reader" website or program. There are many free online services, and free desktop programs, that can be used to read feeds. Some of the most popular are listed below:

Also, modern browsers like Firefox 3 and Internet Explorer 8, and email programs like Microsoft Outlook 2003/2007, support basic feed reader functions.

More information on feeds

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Models for Change was a juvenile justice systems reform initiative supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, website operated by Justice Policy Institute.

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