Three days into the new design, I have decided to remove the Digg.com RSS programming headlines. Why? My decision was not based on poor headlines from Digg, but because I use the XML/RSS package for PEAR. I decided to use the basic code provided, with some simple CSS modifications. Once I uploaded everything, installed PEAR & set the include path, I hoped everything would go well. Unfortunately, this has not been the case.

The ill effects received from whatever complications PEAR has, is a delay or inability to retrieve headlines from sites - obviously in a timely manner. Basically, the browser would load and display everything up to the RSS headlines, and then time out (and not display the rest of the page). I tested Digg and Google; Both are high traffic websites that surely have enough bandwith to supply demand to such requests. This is how I have come to the conclusion that it must be on my end. I do not feel my hosting is responsible. I have used .39% of my available bandwith for this month- and other pages seem to load fine.

This site doesn't bring the house down when it comes to visitors, but I feel that multiple requests could be what caused PEAR to crumble. And, maybe I simply need to make a few adjustments and didn't give it time? I am open to comments, but from my experience with it - I am not satisfied. I know its free and all, so I'm not out anything but time spent on it.

Anyone with experience using it, feel free to comment. I'm 100% for using PEAR and believe it can do great things, but this XML/RSS package seems to be a little tricky. Perhaps i'll come back to it and try again sometime.