Editing the display format to create a custom RSS connection

In an email communication, you can create a custom connection in a zone to an RSS feed by modifying one of the predefined display formats. When you edit a display format, the system opens a script editor so that you can customize the advanced script that defines the RSS connection.

About this task

For example, in the summary view, an RSS connection displays only the title of each item as a link. However, you can customize the connection to indicate when each item is added to the feed by adding the publishDate RSS tag to the script that defines the connection.

By making the change, you create a custom display format. Making the change also enables the Custom format option in the Content Connector.

Note: Changes that you make in the script editor are reflected in the RSS Retrieve and Display Options window. Conversely, if you change retrieve and display options through the RSS Retrieve and Display Options window, the script reflects the changes.

Procedure

  1. Add a content connection to a zone and select RSS feed.
    The RSS display options become enabled.
  2. Click Edit RSS options to edit the Summary or Detailed display format.
    The editor displays the script that defines the connection. The script settings match the settings that are configured in the Content Connector.
    Note: Changes that you make in the script are matched in the Content Connector. Changes that you make in the Content Connector are matched in the script.
  3. Complete the steps in the following table to customize the script. For details about each step, see the specified topics that provide additional information.
    StepScript element or entry method

    Declare retrieve and display variables. (required)

    <declareRSS source="<RSS source location>" feedName="rss" sendMin=" " dateRange=" " maxRows="5"/>

    Declaring retrieve and display variables for RSS connections

    Specify the title.

    Title for the list of RSS items that displays in the message.

    <h2>text,RSS field, or both </h2>

    Syntax for adding as RSS field:

    ${<feedName>.<RSS field name>} The feedName value must match the value specified in the declaration. The RSS field name must be one of the supported field names.

    Default: ${rss.title}

    Configuring the RSS connection title

    Configure the list of RSS items. (required)

    <@list feedName="<name>" maxRows="5"; <loop variable>/>

    <a href=${<loop variable>.link}<strong>${<loop variable>.title} </strong></a>

    feedName: Default is rss

    maxRows: Default is 5

    loop variable: Default is item

    Configuring the list of RSS items

    Declare personalization fields.

    <declarePF names="<display name>, <display name>, …"/>

    Display name= the display name for any OLT, BuiltIn, or Constant personalization field.

    Declaring personalization fields in connections to RSS feeds

    Insert personalization fields.

    Place the cursor where the value of the personalization field must appear when the message is sent.

    Press Ctrl+space.

    Select a field from the list that displays.

    Inserting personalization fields into connections to RSS feeds

    Insert additional RSS fields.

    Place the cursor where the value of the RSS field must appear when the message is sent.

    Press Ctrl+u.

    Depending on where you place the cursor, select a field from the list of header fields or list fields.

    Inserting RSS fields into connections to RSS feeds
  4. Click Update Preview to see the results of your changes.
  5. Click Save as Custom to save your changes.
    In the Content Connector, the Custom option is enabled.

Results

You can copy the script that you create in the editor and embed it into an HTML email template or HTML snippet.