Poynter.org tips on using Yahoo Pipes

Posted by Alisa Zykova on October 10, 2008 at 9:20 AM

Yahoo Pipes may be useful to journalists since it allows them to collect, sift and feature Internet content from anywhere, reports Poynter.org. The tool may be of use to reporters pursuing beats or stories as well as their audiences.

"Learning how to use Yahoo Pipes is one relatively easy-to-learn skill that can enhance your journalism, strengthen ties with communities of geography or interest, and help you find or keep a job," writes Poynter.org.

Poynter.org offers some tips on using Yahoo Pipes:

-RSS feeds are important but non-feed material like XML files or datasets may be of use too.
-A drag-and-drop visual interface is behind the Yahoo Pipe Editor, but it does not require extensive programming skills.
-Invest time in the Yahoo Pipe since the initial results may leave out things you want or add things you don't want. Check the Pipe occasionally to check if new opportunities or complications are present.
- A Pipe may be published and then picked up on a search engine, or may be showed to select users by providing its URL.
-A Pipe's output can contain interactive maps, special websites, widgets, graphics and other features that are more than can be included elsewhere.

Source: Poynter.org