gokubi on Donor Management: These are great ways to start to visualize processes. The detail here is impressive, make sure to post some appreciative comments if you find it helpful.
EchoDitto on Online Presence: I gave a talk on this point to a group of pastors a few weeks ago. If you’re not online then your not part of the conversation. If you think there isn’t a conversation about you online, think again.
For those of you who do not live in DC, or who have never visited in the spring, every year (since 1912) we celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Ringing round the Tidal Basin like pink clouds, these trees draw locals and tourists alike to the west end of the Mall and Potomac Park. The festival week has parades, various celebrations, bands, art shows, garden tours, river tours, walking tours … and more. Check out the Official Site! If you ever get a chance to visit our Nation’s capital, consider a springtime visit so you can take in all the lovely sites, sounds, and smells of the Cherry Blossoms!
This is a reading sometimes used for Passion Sunday, from the ESV translation.
“The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens;
he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious;
I turned not backward.
I gave my back to those who strike,
and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard;
I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.
But the Lord GOD helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
He who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who is my adversary?
Let him come near to me.
Behold, the Lord GOD helps me;
who will declare me guilty?”
Isaiah 50:4-9a - English Standard Version
Mashups are all the rage now days. If you aren’t a link follower, a mashup is the combining of two web applications to make a third one. I think they also give us a window on human behavior.
That’s right, there is a Christian version of YouTube! GodTube is an online collection of videos honoring God. It’s actually in Beta right now and working very well!
Check out the Most Viewed page for some popular videos, including the Mac vs. PC parody series - which has “Christ-follower” talking with “Christian” about how to live a true Christian life. If you have a good sense of humor I highly recommend Baby Got Bible.
Check it out!
UIE on Usability and User Experience: Great blurb on who a useable website doesn’t equal user experience. I actually had a very similar experience to the one described here. It has soured me from using the store-pick-up for a particular big-box electronics store that rhymes with Vest Pie.
WaSP Street Teams: I am fan of web standards, so I’m this appealed to me. Of course anything called a Street Team with graffiti like font has to be cool. If you’re not sure what web standards are, then check out the web standards project.
Hugh MacLeod on The Conversation (via Seth Godin): I’m a fan of The Cluetrain. It is a bit out there, but I think that is a good thing. I think in the ministry space the web as conversation is especially true.
The April issue of Fast Company has a feature article by Alan Deutschman about Jimmy Wales (founder of Wikipedia) and his new idea to build a search engine to rival Google. This search engine is definitely several years down the road though. Read more >>
Okay, I admit it… This is a stretch. But I could not pass up the opportunity to bring to your attention one of todays great marvels of technology. Please, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of technology, as featured in this Discovery Channel documentary:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK1WBA9Xl3c
If scientists can do this with a monkey, just think of the possibilities of what Silas Partners can do with your website.
“Now the tax collectors and ’sinners’ were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. The he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.’ ”
Luke 15:1-7 (New International Version)
No link round up this week, I think most of the bloggers I read are still getting over SXSW. Instead let’s talk about something that was all the rage at SXSW, Twitter.
Read more >>
Silas Partners exists to help Christian ministries fulfill their missions. Our specialty lies in helping ministries use the Internet effectively, in a way that supports their overall goals and strategic priorities. Read more >