What is a feed?
A feed is a text file that contains a series of items, such as blog posts, news stories or search engine results. Feeds can come in many formats, but conceptually all feeds are a series of text items.
I'm used to RSS feeds, but what is an OPML file?
Multiple feeds can be combined in a outline structure using a format called OPML (Outline Processing Markup Language). The most common use of OPML is to store a list of blog feeds as a way of publishing a set of feed subscriptions. To facilitate this practice many feed aggregators provide OPML import and export of the current subscriptions.
How do I create my own OPML files?
Mac users can create OPML files with Omni Outliner, and OPML Editor is available for both Mac and Windows. You can also use the online outline editors at OPML Workstation and iJot.Net from any type of computer. OPML Workstation, iJot and OPML Editor will also host your OPML files online for free. Grazr can display files from any of these sources.
Do I have to know how to program to use Grazr?
No programming knowledge is necessary to use Grazr. You just click on links to view information, much like using a Web browser. You can also add a Grazr to any Web page you control, such as a blog or standard HTML page, without any programming. The Grazr configuration page makes it easy to set up a Grazr just the way you want it. The page gives you a small amount of HTML, which you can then add to any Web page to make a Grazr appear.
Is there any payment necessary for using Grazr?
No, individuals and commercial organizations may display a Grazr on any Web page with no charge.
What types of computers and browsers can display a Grazr?
Grazr is compatible with all popular web browsers including:
Does Javascript have to be enabled in my browser to view Grazr?
Yes. Grazr is written in Javascript, so if Javascript is disabled in your browser, Grazr will not appear.
How can Grazr be used on a Web page?
There are basically two ways to use Grazr on Web pages:
How do I add a Grazr hyperlink to a Web page?
You can use the configuration page to create a URL with the desired file and your choice of font and font size. You would then add the URL as a hyperlink the same way you would for any URL. For example, you can use a blogging tool's editor, or edit the HTML for a Web page by hand.
How does a Grazr URL actually work?
A Grazr URL calls the gzpanel.html page on Grazr.com with the name of a file to be displayed. Optionally, you can also specify the font and font size to use within the Grazr. Here is the HTML for a Grazr hyperlink that displays the CNN news feed. The font has been set to Arial with a size of 9pt. You can test this hyperlink here.
What if I want to have the Grazr hyperlink open in a new window?
You would need to add the HTML "target" attribute to the hyperlink. Here is the CNN news feed again, but this time it will open in a new window.
How do I add an embedded Grazr to a Web page?
An embedded Grazr is added to a page with a small amount of HTML, which is created with the configuration page. When you tell the configuration page which file you want to display, along with the settings for the Grazr's size and font, this HTML is automatically created. You can then copy this HTML and paste it anywhere in a Web page or a blog theme. Here is the HTML created for the CNN news feed:
Can I add multiple embedded Grazr's to a Web page?
Yes. This page has two Grazrs and you can embed as many Grazrs as you want in a Web page. Grazr is programmed to allow the entire Web page to display even if it is still loading a feed file, so multiple Grazrs won't cause a page to load slowly.
Can I add a Grazr to an email?
Most email clients are unable to run the Javascript used to display an embedded Grazr, but you can add a Grazr hyperlink to an email.
How do I get help if I have any additional questions about Grazr?
We love to answer questions and also learn how you are using Grazr. You can contact us at: support@grazr.com.