Blog Swarm By The People, For The People
As I am fairly new to the blogosphere, I am still learning so much about what is involved in this revolutionary new medium. Additionally, I also jumped into the whole “emerging church” aka “church that is emerging”, which thrust me into the deep end fairly early on. The intensity and rapid growth of the emerging church conversation online, especially through blogs, tells us a great deal. In his recent book “Blog: Understanding the Information Reformation That’s Changing Your World”, Hugh Hewitt said:
This certainly describes the reality of the emerging church corner of the blogosphere, not to mention those line up to counter or condemn it. That being said, those of us adding our voice to this dialogue and debate must do so effectively and wisely, something I have been seeking to do. I have been considering how I might change my blog in order to most effectively and properly engage the topic(s).
To that end, I put these questions to you, my readers, in regards to the nature and content of this blog:
- What changes could I make to this blog to improve the quality and focus of the content?
- What issues/questions would you like to see addressed and explored here?
- What have not liked or found unhelpful at this blog in the part?
Generally, this is an open invitation for you, the readers, the shape the next stage in my blogging journey. Please feel free to be completely frank and honest with me. I look forward to hearing from you all.
#1- I think one of the keys, in my eyes, is not to change too much; let me explain.
The emerging church is different in different locations; my take is not yours, my style is not yours, and the emerging church is better and more encompassing for it.
#2- Issues? Let’s see what pops up; the emerging church is good at dealing with what is relevant, and I think it should continue to make that its focus.
#3- Oprah. Actually, I didn’t like that because I’m not an Oprah supporter, but I had to repent when you pointed out all the good things she has done.
Hey Lukas,
Thanks for the helpful insight. I will always be very rooted in my own perspective and style, but wonder what has most appealed to readers, both here and at other blogs. I grew up in a family that owned, published and wrote for newspapers for generations. I am very “reader aware”.
Issues are easy to come up with, but how they are addressed and engaged are another matter. Any ideas? One example is that I am considering setting up a weekly format where each week day will cover a specific topic or take a different style (ie. Wed.: interviews, Fri.: headlines or links for weekend reading, etc.).
Thanks again for your help.
Peace,
Jamie
I’ve fairly new to all this too. So I’m not really sure how to respond, except that I like what you are doing and am enjoying the reading.
I like your idea of theme days, but hope that it doesn’t put you in a rut feeling like you have to come up with an interview or interesting links for a specific day.
That’s ’bout it. Keep up the great blogging.
McDLT,
Thanks for the input. The theme would be lose, happening if they happen, but I not set in stone. I wouldn’t necessarily publish the categories, as I think you are right, in that it would potentially put me in a rut.
Peace,
Jamie
Other than what we’ve talked about privately, I guess I’d prompt caution regarding a less informal organization of your posts. If a structural routine better helps you address the different facets of your concerns, then go for it — but such structure can also become a slave-master.
The other thing — which we’ve talked about before — isn’t so much directed at you, but today’s Christians in general. Which is to leaven the bread of modern theological works with something more than a Bartlett’s quotes version of the early Church Fathers — the yeast of the early church.
How surprising from an Orthodox, eh?
It’s been mentioned that the context and language are rather foreign and difficult, but I’d suggest that, for one, the language and context of modern theologians, who — outside the popularists — are often quite difficult and subtle, and two, that to a very significant degree modern Orthodox manage to find much of the fathers extremely relevant and contextually accessible — they are a very large part of our world-view, our identity, if you will, and so the argument about context and difficult seems a bit shortsighted, and more likely to be grounded in some kind of inner intimidation *prio* to having given them a go, then the result of significant experience with them. This is, by the way, one of the things that I appreciate about Scot McKnight’s blog.
Honestly, whatever you do – don’t change that awesome title graphic with the Voyaguers! The Courier du Bois were such a huge part of our history, and they just don’t get their props!
This spot on the interwebs has been so uniquely and wonderfully Canadian – I love that about (e)mergent Voyageurs.
Ephrem,
As I suggested in our chat this afternoon, you could always help remedy that by writing a monthly “Words of the Fathers” article. What do you say?
Peace,
Jamie
RWK,
I would never defile my dear Courier du Bois, especially as I count some of them among my ancestors! I appreciate the kind words.
Peace,
Jamie
seriously jamie, i think your site is great. i think the subject matter is consistent in nature; theologically, humorously, relevancy, etc. i think you bring up good topics and allow enough time for proper dialogue without belaboring the point. i also think you are quite good at responding to comments and, on some occasion i think, emailing people to talk further about a subject. i would like to see more of your humor as you are a funny guy. however, i am still reading after six months now and have no intention of stopping! blessings to you and your site….
Drew,
Thanks, I really appreciate it.
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie, I think you do a great job and service for us on your blog.
I think the conversations on your blog lend themselves well to you not adding a new posting necessarily every day. I read somewhere that adding a posting daily is good to keep readers coming back. But they keep coming back because of the excellence in what you have to share, and stirring the pot in a kind of edifying way to get others into the conversation.
Thanks Jamie for sharing with us through this blog. I look forward to more.
Ted
Ted,
I am glad to hear (again) that people have been appreciating the blog. Thank you. I always want to improve, but I agree with your view on daily posting. I have seen some good dialogue end when I have posted too quickly.
Peace,
Jamie
What changes could I make to this blog to improve the quality and focus of the content?
Jamie, this one of my favourite stops, while I’m savouring my morning dark roast. Your posts are always imformative, and well written…there is no doubt youv’e spent time researching and reflecting on the subjects and issues you write about. I love your heart for discipleship and mission.
What issues/questions would you like to see addressed and explored here?
I would love to hear about waht some of the theological challenges facing the emerging church. Also the role of women in leadership as the emeging church continues to evolve.
What have not liked or found unhelpful at this blog in the part? I loved it all. Continue to challenge us and encourage us, to dream God loke dreams for the expansion of His Kingdom.
I also wanted to say Jamie, this post is so refreshing, to see an author and a leader in the emerging church to initiate conversation, rather than alot of the confrontational stuff we see these days. Thanks, and bless you…Bro’, Ron+
Ron,
Thanks for the input and encouragement. It means a lot. Your suggestions are right in line with what I have been thinking. My hope is to regularly post a fair critique or concern regarding the emerging church in an attempt to honestly seek the best course. Further, I have been seriously trying to write a piece on the role of women in leadership, though I may invite some more qualified voices (namely my wife) to pitch in there.
Thanks again!
Peace,
Jamie
Hi Jamie … thanks for your comment over at Pilgrim’s Progress blog. After blogging for nearly 2 years and asking those same questions I’d say …
- Make it your own. The blog’s focus is entirely about what you want to say, in your unique way. For me that’s mostly been about using digital art to explore spirituality and the Christian journey, though I have made forays into emerging church stuff too.
- It’s easy to write in order to attract or keep a following. I don’t think this is sustainable or helpful. If as bloggers we have something to say, and we keep saying it, eventually people will find us. Lasting loyalty builds up over time. My own approach is only to post when I really want to. If that means that weeks go by, and I begin to fear losing my small group of regular visitors, so be it! Life has enough pressure without adding to it by needing to come up with something.
- My “rule” for blog posts is “say one thing”. By all means say it in different ways – an image, animation, Bible verse, quotes, your own thoughts, but keep to one point. Think of it as a piece of creative writing designed for an impact. People should be very clear on what that one point is.
But that’s my style of blog – some people treat them more like diaries or for sharing great links. Again it comes back to this one central thing: what do you want to say?
Blessings
Richard
Richard,
Thanks for the input. Again, as one of several generations of writers, I am still very reader driven- not in pursuit of numbers, but it pursuit of a greater connection. My writing in this blog is not designed for “diary” purposes, but to share my passion while practicing my writing skills. Since it is a more conversational medium, I wanted to hear from you. So thanks for your advice.
Peace,
Jamie
“As I suggested in our chat this afternoon, you could always help remedy that by writing a monthly “Words of the Fathers” article. What do you say?”
Err. Uhhh. Ahhhh. I… hrm.
I just found your blog and spent the last hour or so reading past posts. I am new to the emergent church concept as well, and I appreciate reading someone who is exploring.
Don’t change a thing. Your blog is great just as it is. Don’t try to be a theologian. The views of other lay Christians struggling with living our faith are much more interesting.
Vache,
Thanks. Glad you found me. I hope you will return often.
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie, you said…”Further, I have been seriously trying to write a piece on the role of women in leadership, though I may invite some more qualified voices (namely my wife) to pitch in there.”
That would be very cool to get your wife’s perspective…so often it is just ” men ” giving their view of the role of women in the church, and we are not probably seeing things with the same eyes as them. Anyways, I’m looking forward to a future post. Pax…Ron+
Ron,
I agree. My wife can seel herself short at times, but she is an amazing leader. By 21 years old, she was co-founding an inner city ministry, which she now co-directs (which means, I assist her). She is one of my heroes.
Peace,
Jamie
How come I only come by here when there’s 20+ comments?
Seriously, Jamie, your site is doing great things the way it is. To change too much might lose you the crowd you’re got right now – but they seem to be a pretty loyal bunch.
I like the (e) change. Very distinctive. But I still say you should change the name to “Emergent Voyeurs: See You Later.”
BUt that’s just me.
Grey Owl
Grey Owl,
The real question is, when are we going to connect? Drop me an email. I know your busy, but there is heaps to catch up on.
As for the name change, I’ll hold off on that. I’d have to use a pseudonyme like you- perhaps Tom Tokalook?
Peace,
Jamie
if it aint broke…
Jamie you have something insightful, informative, bridging, and compassionate going on here. i find this blog-thing kind of evolves and takes on a life of its own. keep it coming.
Thanks Jose. I appreciate your encouragement. I also appreciate your blog.
Peace,
Jamie
you should have more slightly blurred pics of aliens sited in various places in the world, like at the grand canyon and niagra falls. I think I would come around more often.
sorry I cant be serious when I have nothing to say.
Kristina,
You crack me up big time! I’ll get working on those photos.
Peace,
Jamie
To be honest, you’ve already got a really good blog here. Based on the # of comments, it seems you get a good deal of traffic. Your layout is very good, as is your writing, which is more than 99.99% of the blogs out there can state.
-FTM
FTM,
I really appreciate your input. I have enjoyed your blog as well, though largely as a lurker. I hope you’ll keep coming back.
Peace,
Jamie
I wish I had a huge insight for you, but one of the things I love about blogs is the seeming randomness that flows from someone speaking in their own voice as they follow the rabbit trails in their minds. I actually have started a second blog that is not linked to my primary anyonymous blog, in order to focus some of my writing on a specific topic, rather than my Micah Girl randomness. In this way I am trying to build local community around the “public me” while my “big picture” blog has a much wider reach. Your situation is different, and it seems to me that you are writing clearly and specifically about things that matter to you, and you have been successful in starting conversations. (I’ll be you’re a welcome addition to a party, too!)
Micah,
I hear ya!
Peace,
Jamie