And now: how to advance from the out-of-control, time-consuming bookmark collection to a well-organized subscription list of fast, valuable RSS feeds.

First off, you’ll need an RSS feed reader (sometimes called a "news reader" or "aggregator"). There are several types of RSS readers, and most of them are free. Some are downloadable applications. Some come as "add-ons" to programs you use regularly – like email or Internet browsers. If your browser is a recently updated version, for example, you may discover you have a built-in reader such as Firefox Sage or Internet Explorer Feed Scout.

My own reader is web-based. I chose a web-based version because I can get updates on my feeds wherever I am, no matter the computer I am using. Some popular web-based readers include Bloglines, NewsGator Online and Google Reader.

After you’ve picked your reader, begin selecting the content — your list of "subscriptions." Not every site has an RSS option, so as you visit favorite online locales, be on the lookout for links entitled "RSS." You may also notice orange buttons labeled "RSS" or "subscribe."

For categorized lists of available RSS sources, visit an online RSS directory like Syndic8 or Technorati, or visit the iTunes music store. Typically your feed reader will also include a search option of sites with RSS feeds.

Now, let’s suppose you cannot get through the day without a dose of BBC news. You’ve discovered the BBC offers an RSS feed for their headlines, and you’d like to add it to your list of subscriptions.

Because every reader operates a little differently, let’s walk through the process with Google Reader. (It’s free with a Google account.)

· On the BBC page, click on the orange RSS button.
· Copy the RSS URL from your browser window.
· Go to Google Reader and click "add subscription."
· Paste the URL from the RSS feed into the window and click "add."

Later, you may choose to organize it within a news folder.