Sometimes, it can feel like the old description of the web: “Drinking from a firehose.” So many applications, so many ways to try to communicate. And yet, if the goal is to get the message out and engage others in the message, we have to take advantage of these web technologies which include not just a website, but also blogging and other “social networking” tools. Even Pope Benedict XVI has strongly encouraged Catholic priests to get out there an blog!
Getting Started
The easiest to understand is a blog: write something, publish it to a blog (weblog), ask for response and interact with those who respond. When you write, don’t just grab a bunch of references to other websites. Say something in your own voice. Share the Word in word form – an observation, a spiritual insight, a call to action. In a time when it seems that everyone has a blog, you must distinguish yourself in some way. If you went on a speaking tour, what would you cover if you wanted people to show up? If you want to engage people in your topic, what would you say?
The next level is to give people a way to keep up with you. Just as a newspaper or magazine shows up in your paper box or mailbox on a regular basis when you subscribe, take advantage of web technologies that do the same for your readers. Most blogging platforms make an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed available – not only for the main entries, but also, at times for the comments. If you can get folks to subscribe to your RSS feed, then whenever you update your site, they get a little reminder of your presence.
Social Networking Tools
Blogs are just the first step on the road. There are many “social networking” tools available. There is Facebook, Myspace, Youtube, Twitter… you name it! Oh, and to make it more confusing (or fascinating) you can have Twitter update your Facebook page and vice versa. The goal is to reach others where they are. Sound familiar?
This is not to say that you, or your organization should spend all of its time and money on social networking. Spend some time investigating the options – focus your efforts. For the FAMVIN family of sites, we primarily use RSS feeds from our news pages. You can subscribe to get email or add it to your favorite RSS reader, and many do. FAMVIN also has a Youtube channel FAMVINGLOBAL to provide our video content. And, we have a Facebook presence: FAMVIN.
Where do I find this stuff?
Feedburner (RSS feeds and distribution)