Content aggregation has come a long way since RSS feeds first appeared in the late 90s (although they didn’t become a thing until the early 2000s). What started as a simple way to syndicate blog updates evolved into one of the most effective content curation strategies available. Yet somehow, the myths and misconceptions about RSS aggregation refuse to die.
You’ve probably encountered some of these myths yourself. Maybe someone told you that aggregating content is “basically stealing” or that it will “destroy your SEO rankings.” These misconceptions have scared off a lot of website owners who could benefit from using content aggregation.
Here’s the reality: when done right, RSS aggregation is completely legal, can boost your SEO, and actually improves the quality and freshness of your site’s content. In this article, we’ll tackle the 20 most persistent myths about content aggregation and show you how tools like WP RSS Aggregator make ethical, effective curation surprisingly simple. Let’s get to it!
1. “Content Aggregation is Copyright Infringement”
This is probably the biggest myth out there, and it’s completely false. Content aggregation isn’t copyright infringement when you do it right. The key is understanding fair use and proper attribution (which sounds more complicated than it actually is).
When you use WP RSS Aggregator, you’re not stealing content. You’re sharing excerpts with clear attribution and linking back to the original source. This is actually beneficial for content creators because it drives traffic to their sites.
Think of it like this: when a news anchor reads headlines from newspapers on TV, they’re not stealing content. They’re summarizing the content while providing clear attribution. RSS aggregation works the same way. The difference is that, with the right tools, you can do it automatically and at scale.
WP RSS Aggregator includes built-in features that ensure you stay on the right side of copyright law. The plugin automatically adds source attribution, links back to original articles, and lets you control how much content you display (usually just excerpts or summaries).
2. “Automated Aggregation is Theft”
Automated aggregation isn’t theft, it’s just a matter of efficiency. There’s a big difference between scraping entire articles without permission and using RSS feeds to share excerpts with proper attribution.
RSS feeds exist specifically so content can be shared and syndicated. When a website publishes an RSS feed, they’re essentially saying, “Here’s our content, feel free to share it (with attribution).” It’s like putting up a “Please Take One” sign.
WP RSS Aggregator helps you aggregate content at scale, yes, but it provides clear attribution and links to the original sources by default. Out of the box, the plugin ensures every aggregated item includes:
- Clear source attribution
- Direct links to the original content
- Control over how much content you display
There are a lot of examples of successful automated aggregation that benefits both the aggregator and the original content creators and we have plenty of case studies to back that up. News sites, industry blogs, and niche communities use this approach to keep their audiences informed while driving traffic back to original sources.
3. “Aggregated Content is Always Low Quality”
This myth assumes that aggregated content is inherently inferior or worse than original content. That’s like saying a museum exhibit is low quality because it displays art from different artists.
The quality of aggregated content depends entirely on your curation strategy and the sources you choose. If you aggregate content from high-quality, reputable sources, that content will be high quality too. It’s really that simple.
For example, if you’re running a marketing blog and you aggregate content from sources like HubSpot, Content Marketing Institute, and Moz, you’re going to get high-quality articles. If you aggregate from low-quality sources, well, you get the idea.
WP RSS Aggregator gives you complete control over content quality through a combination of features, including:
- Source selection: Get full control over what sources to include.
- Keyword filtering: Set up filters to include or exclude content based on specific terms.
- Manual moderation: Review content before it goes live on your site.
- Custom excerpts: Control exactly how much of the content appears and how it’s presented.
The plugin’s filtering system is particularly powerful. You can set up rules to automatically exclude content that contains certain keywords or includes content that matches your quality standards.
4. “Content Aggregation Devalues Original Work”
Good content aggregation actually amplifies and highlights original work. When you aggregate content responsibly, you’re giving original creators more exposure, not less.
Think about it: if someone aggregates your blog post with proper attribution and links back to your site, you get additional traffic and exposure. That’s valuable, not harmful. In terms of SEO, content attribution means you’re getting more backlinks, which is one of the most important signals for search engines to rank content.
Here’s how aggregation benefits original content creators:
- Increased visibility: Your content reaches new audiences through the sites that aggregate it (thank you for those backlinks!).
- More traffic: If readers are hooked with an excerpt, they’re likely to click on the link to your site to read the full original content.
- Enhanced authority: Being featured on more websites can help you build authority and credibility.
- Broader reach: Your content can be discovered by people who might never have found it otherwise.
WP RSS Aggregator makes this mutually beneficial relationship possible by ensuring aggregated content always links back to the source and provides clear attribution.
5. “Aggregation is Only for News Sites”
Content aggregation is not just for news aggregators. While news sites can benefit greatly from curating and aggregating content, it’s useful for all kinds of websites. In our experience, some of the most creative uses of aggregation come from non-news sites.
For example, Personal Finances Blog uses WP RSS Aggregator to curate financial advice from multiple sources. As a reader, this can save you a lot of time over hunting down financial advice all throughout the web:
We’ve seen WP RSS Aggregator used successfully for:
- Personal blogs: Curating industry news and insights alongside original content,
- Affiliate sites: Aggregating product reviews and deals from multiple sources,
- Educational resources: Collecting articles and research from academic sources,
- Niche communities: Bringing together content from multiple sources in specific niches (like personal finances and real estate).
- Business websites: Sharing industry news and trends with customers and prospects
The key is choosing sources that align with your audience’s interests. A fitness blog might aggregate content from nutrition sites, workout channels, and health news sources. A tech blog might curate articles from software companies, gadget reviews, and industry publications.
6. “All Aggregators Are the Same”
There are a lot of amazing RSS plugins, but WP RSS Aggregator gives you full control over the content you import and how you do it. It’s also designed to work with at scale, so you can easily aggregate content from dozens of sources if needed.
Here’s what sets WP RSS Aggregator apart:
- Advanced filtering: Create complex rules to curate exactly the content you want.
- Custom displays: Control how aggregated content looks on your site.
- Multiple feed sources: Combine content from unlimited RSS feeds.
- Feed to Post: Automatically convert RSS items into full-fledged WordPress posts.
- Full-text import: Pull in complete articles if needed.
- Professional support: Get help when you need it from actual experts.
The plugin is also constantly updated with new features based on user feedback. The free version of the plugin supports unlimited feeds and premium plans give you access to advanced features like Feed to Post and highly customizable content filters.
7. “Aggregation Hurts Your SEO”
This myth probably scares more people away from using content aggregation than any other, and it’s simply not true. The truth is, proper aggregation can actually improve your SEO.
Google doesn’t penalize websites for aggregating content. Duplicate content also doesn’t get penalized, it might just not rank well if it doesn’t provide any additional value (according to John Mueller). There’s a big difference, and understanding this distinction is crucial for your content strategy.
When you use WP RSS Aggregator properly, you’re not creating duplicate content. You’re publishing curated content that:
- Links back to original sources
- Provides value through curation and organization
- Keeps your site updated with fresh, relevant articles
- Saves users time over having to hunt for reputable sources for the content they want to see (you’re essentially acting as a curator)
Fresh content is one of the ranking factors Google considers. By regularly publishing aggregated content alongside your original posts, you signal to search engines that your site is active and relevant.
The key here is using excerpts and summaries rather than full articles (unless strictly needed), and always linking back to the original source. WP RSS Aggregator makes this automatic.
8. “Aggregated Content Doesn’t Engage Users”
Well-curated aggregated content can be incredibly engaging because it saves your audience time and provides them with exactly what they’re looking for.
Think about it from your visitors’ perspective. Instead of visiting 10 different websites to stay updated on industry news and trends, they can visit your site and get the highlights from all those sources in one place. That provides a lot of value and, if you pick good sources, engagement.
Finding the rigth sources to curate content from is up to you, but WP RSS Aggregator provides several features that help you share that content in a way that’s engaging:
- Customizable excerpts: Give readers just enough information to hook their interest
- Visual feeds: Present content in attractive, easy-to-scan formats
- Support for multiple feeds: Create highly customizable feeds with different sources and place them throughout your website.
Sites using aggregated content often see improved metrics like longer session duration, lower bounce rates, and higher pages per visit.
9. “Aggregation Algorithms Are Manipulative”
RSS aggregation algorithms aren’t trying to manipulate anyone. They’re simply designed to collect and organize content based on the rules you set up.
WP RSS Aggregator uses transparent, straightforward processes:
- Check RSS feeds for new content.
- Apply your filtering rules.
- Import content that matches your criteria.
- Display it according to your settings.
You have complete control over what gets aggregated and how it appears. The plugin also gives you extensive customization options, so you can fine-tune exactly how content is selected, filtered, and displayed.
10. “Aggregators Are Always Biased”
Here’s the thing about bias: aggregation tools themselves aren’t biased. They simply reflect the sources you choose to include. If your aggregated content seems biased, it’s because your source selection is biased, not because the tool is manipulating content.
WP RSS Aggregator is completely neutral. It aggregates whatever content you tell it to aggregate from whatever sources you specify. If you want balanced, diverse content, choose balanced, diverse sources. It’s that straightforward.
Here are some strategies for maintaining neutrality while curating content:
- Include sources from different perspectives on controversial topics.
- Mix mainstream and alternative sources.
- Use keyword filters to exclude overly promotional content.
- Regularly review and update your source list, sources evolve and so should your selection of which ones to amplify.
The plugin’s filtering system actually helps you maintain balance by letting you exclude content that might skew too heavily in one direction.
11. “Not All Content Should Be Aggregated”
This one is actually true, but it’s not a criticism of content aggregation. It’s guidance for doing it right. Being selective about what you aggregate is part of good content curation strategy.
Some content is perfect for aggregation, such as:
- News articles and industry updates
- Blog posts and opinion pieces
- Product reviews and recommendations
- Educational content and tutorials
- Research and case studies
Other types of content, however, might not be a good fit for most content aggregation websites, like:
- Highly personal or sensitive content
- Content that requires full context to understand
- Material with strict licensing restrictions
- Content that’s time-sensitive and expires quickly
WP RSS Aggregator helps you be selective through its filtering options. You can set up keyword filters, exclude certain categories, and even manually review content before it goes live. The key to a good curation strategy is being intentional about what you aggregate and why.
12. “Aggregated Content Can’t Be Original”
Here’s where it gets interesting. Aggregated content can absolutely be original in its presentation, context, and the value it provides.
When you use WP RSS Aggregator to bring together content from multiple sources around a specific theme or topic, you’re creating something new and valuable. The curation itself is original work.
You can add even more originality by:
- Writing introductions or summaries for aggregated content
- Adding your own commentary and insights
- Organizing content in unique, helpful ways
- Combining aggregated content with original articles
- Providing context that helps readers understand the bigger picture
Think of aggregated content as ingredients in a recipe. The individual ingredients might not be original, but what you create with them can be completely unique.
13. “Content Curation and Aggregation Are the Same Thing”
While these terms are often used interchangeably (and we’re guilty of this too sometimes), they’re actually different processes that complement each other well.
Content aggregation is the process of collecting content from multiple sources automatically. It’s about gathering and organizing information efficiently.
Content curation is the process of identifying what sources you want to amplify on your website and which of their content to share. This is where your expertise comes into play. Curation can also involve adding editorial judgment, context, and commentary to that collected content.
WP RSS Aggregator supports both approaches:
- Use it for pure aggregation to automatically collect and display content from your favorite sources
- Use it for curation by manually selecting which aggregated items to publish and adding your own commentary
The most successful content strategies often combine both approaches, using aggregation to efficiently collect content and curation to add value and context.
14. “Content Aggregation Has Too Many Legal Risks”
When done properly, content aggregation actually has very few legal risks. The key is understanding and following best practices.
RSS feeds are specifically designed for syndication. When a website publishes an RSS feed, they’re giving permission for that content to be shared (with attribution).
WP RSS Aggregator helps you stay legally compliant by:
- Automatically attributing sources
- Linking back to original content
- Using excerpts rather than full articles
- Providing tools for manual content review
Following these practices keeps you well within fair use guidelines and protects you from legal issues.
15. “Content Aggregation is Illegal”
This is untrue. Content aggregation, when done responsibly, is perfectly legal. In fact, it’s protected under fair use provisions in most jurisdictions.
The legal framework around aggregation is well-established:
- RSS feeds are published specifically for syndication
- Fair use allows for sharing excerpts with attribution
- Linking to original sources is encouraged and protected
- Attribution requirements are built into aggregation best practices
WP RSS Aggregator makes legal compliance automatic by ensuring every aggregated item includes proper attribution and links back to the source.
The confusion around legality often comes from conflating aggregation with content scraping or plagiarism, which are completely different practices. As long as you’re not trying to pass off aggregated content as your own or withholding sources, you should be in the clear legally.
16. “Aggregation Doesn’t Add Value”
This myth misunderstands what value means in the context of content. Aggregation adds value in several important ways:
- Time savings: Instead of visiting dozens of websites, your audience can get updates from multiple sources in one place.
- Discovery: Readers find content they might never have discovered otherwise.
- Context: By bringing related content together, you help readers understand broader trends and connections.
- Filtering: You act as a filter, helping your audience find the most relevant and high-quality content.
- Organization: You present information in a structured, easy-to-navigate format.
WP RSS Aggregator adds to this value by letting you organize content into categories, include descriptions, and present everything in a clean, professional format.
17. “Aggregated Content is Duplicate Content”
Google distinguishes between duplicate content and aggregated content, and this distinction is crucial for SEO (and for your peace of mind).
- Duplicate content: This is when you copy and paste entire articles without attribution or added value.
- Aggregated content: This is when you use excerpts, provide attribution, link to sources, and add editorial context.
The difference matters because Google treats them completely differently. One can hurt your SEO, the other can actually help it.
WP RSS Aggregator helps you avoid duplicate content issues by:
- Using excerpts instead of full articles
- Adding canonical links to original sources
- Providing automatic attribution
- Encouraging you to add your own commentary
When done right, aggregated content actually supports your SEO efforts by keeping your site fresh and providing value to visitors.
18. “Aggregation Raises Ethical Concerns”
Ethical aggregation is absolutely possible and WP RSS Aggregator is designed to support it. Here’s how WP RSS Aggregator helps you tackle content aggregation ethically:
- Transparency: Attribute sources clearly and upfront.
- Respect: Link back to original content and drive traffic to creators.
- Value: Add context, organization, or commentary that benefits readers.
- Permission: Use RSS feeds and other content that’s meant to be shared.
WP RSS Aggregator builds these ethical considerations into its core functionality, making it easy to aggregate content responsibly. Even so, it’s up to you, the website owner, to use content aggregation and RSS feed plugins ethically. If you choose to hide attribution, for example (which is a big no, no), that’s up to you and not the plugin.
19. “Aggregation Tools Are Too Complicated”
Modern aggregation tools, especially WP RSS Aggregator, are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to everyone. You don’t need to be a developer or have any technical expertise to get started.
Setting up WP RSS Aggregator is surprisingly simple (you can add sources and have a feed up and running in a matter of minutes):
- Install the plugin from the WordPress repository.
- Add RSS feeds from your favorite sources.
- Configure how you want content displayed.
- Set up the filters or customizations you need.
- Let the plugin automatically keep your site updated.
The plugin includes step-by-step setup guides, comprehensive documentation, and responsive customer support. Most users have their first aggregated feed running within minutes of installation.
20. “RSS Aggregation is Outdated Technology”
RSS might be an older technology, but it’s far from outdated. In fact, RSS is more relevant than ever in an era of social media algorithm changes and platform dependency. While everyone else is worried about how to integrate Instagram content or keeping up with other social media APIs, RSS feds just work.
Here’s why RSS aggregation remains powerful:
- Reliability: RSS feeds work consistently, unlike social media platforms that change integration methods constantly.
- Control: You choose exactly which sources to follow, not an algorithm.
- Efficiency: RSS aggregation is faster and more reliable than manual content collection.
- Independence: You’re not dependent on any single platform or service.
WP RSS Aggregator takes this reliable technology and makes it accessible through a modern, user-friendly interface. You get the stability of RSS with the convenience of WordPress integration.
Conclusion
Content aggregation gets a bad reputation because of a lot of myths and misconceptions that simply aren’t true. When done responsibly with the right tools, aggregation is legal, ethical, valuable, and surprisingly easy to implement. WP RSS Aggregator addresses every concern we’ve discussed in this article while helping you remain compliant with content attribution regulations, maintain content quality, and provide genuine value to both content creators and audiences.
If you’ve been hesitant to try content aggregation because of these myths, it’s time to reconsider. The benefits are real, the risks are minimal when you follow best practices, and your competitors are probably already using aggregation to keep their sites fresh and engaging.
Ready to get started? Try WP RSS Aggregator for free and discover what ethical, effective content aggregation can do for your site.
