Christians + internet = no bueno

there is alot of truth in what you just said. i personally have been very careful in what i have written and dont think i have personally ever stepped over the line. there was one time i offended someone, and i apologized, however i have not said anything outrageous on this site. i believe there are other people on this site, that like myself are trying to speak their opinion while ensuring that their words are not going to be read as an insult to ANY group that reads them.

and nathan, you are right. there has been some major abuse going on on this site. maybe its my non-religious perspective but i think there are many posts that christians wouldnt want posted on a billboard. these posts were rude or demeaning towards groups of people, non-religious persons, or those of a different religion. im not trying to “pick on” certain people, which i why i havent pointed out any specific posts. but i think there is enough of this “mean” posting that someone needs to point it out.

i just think alot of people are not very good at communicating on this medium. they often type something and because they personally believe it, dont realize the impact it could have on others who read it.

(side question, who can read our posts? only members? or if someone said something really offensive and the url somehow got out, could more than just the journey people see it? could people’s opinions of church/the journey be tainted by things they see christians saying on this site?)

-rebecca jean

ps. nathan needs some datin
oh yeah and he is sexy :)

There are certainly limitations to this medium. If someone takes up a contrary position to someone else, there is a fair chance the two people will take the other person’s post as antagonistic and feel somewhat attacked. Many people may tend to write the way they speak. However, this medium loses quite a bit in translation such as voice intonation, facial expressions, the ability to read another persons reaction to what is said to gauge if the intended message was really delivered, and much more. Certainly some posts might get too emotional, but most I think are done as well as can realistically be expected.

One good thing about this medium is that one does have the ability to review their message before posting. Hopefully most people write it, cool off (if they are too emotionally into the reply), review and think about it before posting. Not that comments driven by emotion are bad, but they can cause unintended problems in this format as we have seen if the writer is not careful. It can also cause the unnecessary use of ‘French’ about other users. As someone recently cautioned, “how you would feel if someone said that to you.”

Hey Nathanw - thanks for your post.. and even your honest assessment of what you read on the site. The beauty of a site like this .. anyone can post… including people with strong feelings and those that use all CAPITALS TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES!!!! So while I agree with you that some of the posts have gotten too ‘sharp’ I’m wondering if you noticed some of the very insightful / high level / strong communication that is happening?

As I read the site.. a large majority of it is good / fun… only a small percentage is negatively charged. Good honest discussion and disagreement is part of the package.. .I agree with you though - we must all commit to communicating with respect.

I know because I helped develop software for a company to monitor and analyze posts in blogs across the internet like this. I personally prefer face time with people… less chance to be misunderstood… and it usually does not go on record… unless the room is bugged of course. BTW this stuff is mild compared to what goes on in some blogs!

I was just wondering, Who’s idea was it to start this internet blog site for The Journey Church?

reason why I hate forums (and why text messages often do not convey “tone”). English is full of idioms not restricted to popular phrases. And typed “conversation” simply doesn’t do justice to more personal forms of interaction (which may include facial expressions, tonal fluctuation, and gestures). Quite frankly, perceived “bad-mouthing” and what-not is characteristic of an open forum (that this is a “church setting” won’t absolve us of conflict). And theoretically, the author of this thread is the pot calling the kettle black.

sHaZaM!!

Daaaaang, she just called you a POT!

In all seriousness, people are going to be jerks. It’s life. Brush it off and move on. I echo Cpt Kirk’s sentiment when he suggested we accentuate the good instead of magnifying the bad. Negativitity and childish sniping are going to happen anywhere (and yes, this site’s tame compared to a lot of blogs), so don’t let it get to you. Focus on the positive and lead by example when responding to mean or cutting comments. And if you feel tempted to snap back at someone, like Nathan suggested, ask yourself if you would talk to someone that way in person. Oh, and if the answer to that question is yes, may I recommend an anger management or social skills class?

-Leah

Mornings would be great if they came later in the day