brianchris, I was just like you about a year or so ago, I just didn't use or grasp RSS, but once you start, it's great.
Here's the Wikipedia definition:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS_(protocol)
My advice? The best way to appreciate RSS is by using it. I use FeedDemon (
www.feeddemon.com) - download a free trial and take it for a spin. I think you'll find that it greatly enhances your ability to consume news from Web sites, and most importantly, to know when they've been updated. Once you go RSS, you never go back. ;-)
(there are also lots of Web-based RSS readers if you prefer going that route)