One of the most innovative uses to date of the Google API is a free service called GoogleAlert. It executes Google searches daily, and returns hits to the subscriber. The default delivery method is an email digest, but canny bloggers can choose to receive an RSS feed instead.
Naturally, a narrow search is best. I've used it to scour the internet for "learning object" (quotes included) which has proven to be the perfect degree of search term specificity. GoogleAlert is not a one-size-fits all research tool, but for topics that generate a lot of online discourse (keeping up with metadata standards, e.g.) it is ideal.
Addendum
GoogleAlert allows three such searches per account, and each generates its own feed. There are also some interesting delivery choices beyond my initial report: html and Trackback.
(via googlealert website:)
Google Alert can send your search updates to a TrackBack URL, allowing your blog to keep up to date on a search. Note that the TrackBack URL is different from the URL for your web site or page.
What do Kairosnews folks think about Trackback?
GoogleAlert No Longer 100% Free
I knew it. GoogleAlert has expanded and now has a spectrum of for-pay services, ranging from 5 bucks to 20 bucks a month. Bad move, imho. I'm still getting the free version (3 simultaneous ongoing searches) - it looks like the pay servcies just let you do more at once.