Here is a great little video giving some stats about Social Media. The interesting thing is that it will all change in less than 2 months.
Thanks to Larry and his blog Children's Ministry and Culture for posting this one today.
September 30, 2009
September 28, 2009
'Flocking' behavior lands on social networking sites - USATODAY.com
I was told last week that the Internet only works because it is for pleasure and for pain. I believe flocking falls into one or both of those categories. Take a read of this article from USAToday.com 'Flocking' behavior lands on social networking sites
http://usat.me/?36378826 To view the story, click the link or paste it into your browser.
http://usat.me/?36378826 To view the story, click the link or paste it into your browser.
September 27, 2009
September 24, 2009
Tech Thursday: Microsoft Has an Apple Tablet Rival, And It Looks Impressive via @mashable
Although the Apple Tablet remains one of the most hyped (and mysterious) upcoming devices, it’s now not expected to launch until February. In the meantime, a variety of other innovations are looking to steal some of its thunder.
Last week, HP launched the DreamScreen, and today, there’s news that Microsoft is readying a tablet-like device of its own. According to Gizmodo, the device is called “Courier,” and opens like a book with two opposing screens.
A few key takeaways after watching the video:Using multi-touch, objects (like addresses) can be moved back and forth between the two screens, while a stylus pen lets you jot down notes and keep various journals.
There’s a “home” button, much like iPhone, that lets you get back to the device’s applications, or set a journal as the device’s homepage.
According to Gizmodo, there’s also a camera on the back cover of the device.
Essentially, what we’re looking at is an Internet connected, touch screen device that takes the form of a traditional notebook. And looking at the presentation, that interface makes a lot of sense, as objects from one side of the device are moved easily to the other, almost like the note-taking type applications we’ve grown familiar with on the Web, but on a tablet-like computer.
As with the Apple Tablet, there’s no official specs, no hard launch date, and no definitive price point. All of these will have a huge impact on the success of any device, but for now, Microsoft appears to have an interesting concept that will also be worth watching evolve in the months to come.
What do you think of the Courier demo? Share your thoughts in the comments.
via mashable.com
I am really looking forward to the new computers coming out in the next year. It has been a while since we have had innovation in how we function with computers.
This is just one example of what is to come.
Do you think you would want a computer like this or do you prefer the keyboard?
September 23, 2009
My friends @jonathancliff @samluce @kennyconly made The Top 10 Children’s Ministry Blogs by Tony Kummer
Several times each week, I jump over to the Big List of Children’s Ministry Blogs. I always find something worth reading and often some helpful ideas for my own ministry. But like everything kids ministry related, these blogs don’t get the respect they deserve. So, here is my attempt to set things to rights. I give you the Top 10 Children’s Ministry Blogs!
These rankings were determined by a number of objective and subjective standards. To first narrow the field, I compared Technorati reactions, Google Page Rank, and the age of the blog. I also considered posting frequency, statistics from Google Reader, and general design aesthetics. Finally, I took a peek to see who is famous for #kidmin on Twitter.
The Top 10 Children’s Ministry Blogs
#1 Jonathan Cliff’s Blog
Jonathan Cliff’s blog is the overall number one. This blog features a great design and even better content. His insights into ministry and life are always helpful. One recent example is his post on overcoming the fear of our own weakness.
#2 Jim Wideman’s Blog
Jim Wideman blog is an open book of leadership advice. His blog is very active, and you can find something fresh almost every day. Most of his posts are short and direct, check out what he wrote about leading through encouragement.
#3 The Kidologist by Karl Bastian
The Kidologist.com has been slow this month, otherwise he could have taken the top spot. I love the design and the encouraging posts. His blog is fun to read, check out this recent post about his shocking experience.
#4 Children’s Ministry Online by Kenny Conley
Children’s Ministry Online is the blog of Kenny Conley, who is also very active on Twitter. His blog has been going strong since 2007 and has a solid following. Check out his recent reflections on the Lock-in.
#5 Children’s Ministry & Culture by Larry Shallenberger
Children’s Ministry & Culture is another great blog that has been slow lately. But when Larry & co-writer Keith Johnson post about cultural trends that impact kids, it’s always worth reading. Check out their great posts on Children’s Ministry and the Great Commission.
#6 Kid Inspiration by Dave Wakerley
Dave Wakerley has been blogging about Kids Ministry since 2004, which makes his blog the most established in the niche. Plus he’s from Australia, which makes him cool by definition. I did like his old blog design better, but the new dark theme is growing on me.
#7 Sam Luce’s Blog
Sam Luce’s blog is a great place to get creative children’s ministry ideas. His recent series on Kids Ministry resources is worth checking out. You can also see a good sample of his writing on his tag archive about parenting. He is also one of the top #kidmin Twitter users.
#8 Children’s Ministry Magazine Blog by Christine Yount Jones
Children’s Ministry Magazine’s blog is just as good as you might expect, since it’s written by the editor of you-know-what. I would love to see them use the blog to showcase some of their older back issue content. Maybe they will read this post and give it a try.
#9 Elemental Children’s Ministry by Henry Zonio
Elemental Children’s Ministry is written by Henry Zonio. I like the way he adds humor to most of what he writes. I’ve seen his name on different the lineup for different children’s ministry conferences, but I have never met him in person. Check out this recent post on the importance of children’s ministry.
#10 Children’s Minister Blog by Don Stott
Children’s Minister BLOG at number ten beat out several other top contenders. But last is not always least. The whole field could have made a case for being higher up in the top ten. Be sure to check out his “games” categories.
What Do You Think?
There you have it, the top 10 children’s ministry blogs. Feel free to leave a comment below or refute my list on your own blog. Which of your favorite bloggers did I leave out? Who is did I over rate?
Even More Children's Ministry Ideas
The BIG LIST of Kids Ministry Blogs
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I don't know Tony Kummer but he has put together a very nice list of Top 10 blogs for all of those in Children's Ministry. I will have to say that I check all of these on a frequent basis for insights and ideas. If you don't have these in your RSS feed reader then I would highly recommend all of them.
There is one blog though that has been left off that needs to be in the Top 10 with no questions asked and that is http://www.ginamcclain.com. In fact I think she should be number 1 and the rest would be knocked down a notch. That's just me though.
Who do you think she be in the Top 10 of Children's Ministry Blogs?
September 22, 2009
2 Minute Tuesday: Video Evangelism Thoughts Wanted from #kidmin
Check out this video produced by the Content Development team at LifeChurch.tv. It specifically walks a child through a simple, straight-forward presentation of the gospel. A great tool for any kids ministry and parent that desires to solidify this truth in their kids.
Let’s state the obvious facts first. There isn’t really anything out there like this for kids. It’s animated, clean, straight-forward, and kid-friendly. This is unique, and anyone that works with kids in a church environment will immediately think so. Gina McClain, of the previously mentioned lifechurch.tv, asked if my readers would share some opinions on what you see or don’t see in this video.
Here’s some food for thought:
Is the video effective at meeting its intended purpose? When compared to sharing Christ in a one-on-one relationship, where does this measure up? If sharing Christ face to face is a 10 on a scale of 1-10; then where does this video rank on that same scale? Is it a 5? Is it a 9 or 10?
What ages would it be most effective with? 1st & 2nd graders or 4th & 5th graders?
Anyone done missions work with kids? Would something like this be more effective in another country (of course in their own spoken language) than it might be in the states?
On a purely theological level, is this video correct? Is it misleading?
I thought I would extend this conversation over here as well. Jonathan has some great questions above and I would love to know your thoughts.
Here is what I think....
Intended purpose: Short to the point presentation that is clear and understandable. / I think it hits that goal right on.
Compared to One on One: I think this would be an enhancement to One on One and not a replacement. Nothing beats relationships. It could be shown to a family though in the privacy of their own home and do quite well I think. So I give it a 5 by itself but a 9 including it with a One on One conversation.
Overall Ranking:
Graphics- 8 out of 10. nice use of 3D animation but still some weirdness with the eyes
Sound Effects/Music- 8 out of 10: to loud in spots but overall very good
Clarity in message- 10 out of 10: it's simplicity is what makes this very good
Atmosphere- 7 out of 10: I like them around the book but didn't like the images that came out of the book. Could have cut away more to enhance that part.
Overal score is a 8 out of 10.
I would show this to Kindergarten through 4th graders. I think it would work in other countries as well. The characters being abstract really help it translation and identification.
So there you go. There are my thoughts on this video. What are your thoughts?
Microsoft likes Apple Store Employees so much they are hiring them. (via @mashable)
Microsoft retail stores are coming this fall, and the company has publicly stated that they’re going to build their stores right next to the competition — Apple stores. It makes perfect sense then that Microsoft would also go after Apple store staffers. And according to The Loop, that’s exactly what’s happening.
The blog is reporting that anonymous sources have confirmed that Microsoft is reaching out to Apple retail store managers and offering them “significant raises,” and sometimes even moving expenses.
But it doesn’t stop there. According to the sources, the cherry-picked Apple employees, once hired, are “then contacting some of the top sales people in the Apple retail organization offering them positions at Microsoft retail.”
If rumors are to be believed, now everything from the store design to the Guru Bars, and the actual staffers is being plucked by Microsoft in an effort to compete in the retail space. The question remains if these aggressive tactics will pay off. We tend think that consumers will buy the better products, and so far, Apple’s unique approach to retail has been successful. Can Microsoft follow suit?
via mashable.com
Does this really surprise anyone? Businesses and yes even churches do this all the time. You want the best you can get and you would like it if they were already trained and ready to go. Have you seen this? Have you been a part of something like this?
September 17, 2009
Tech Thursday: Make Phone Calls on Twitter With @Call
Web-based phone service JAJAH has just released their Twitter (
) calling feature JAJAH@Call in beta, giving participating members the ability to call each other, free of charge, by way of Twitter.
The calling service works when a member tweets “@call @twittername.” The tweet will cause both phones to ring, and the Twitterers will be connected without the service sharing either telephone number.
JAJAH@Call also works independent of the platform you use, so whether you use the web, a destkop client, or a mobile application when tweeting, the tweet-to-call service should work without hiccup.
Though pretty unique, JAJAH@Call has some interesting conditions associated with the service, none more interesting than the 2 minute talk time limitation, which the company considers the verbal equivalent of a tweet. Also, in order to work, both parties — caller and recipient — need to be members of the JAJAH@Call service.
We’re quite intrigued by the voice-over-Twitter idea, though we do think it could create funky situations where you receive phone calls from Twitterers you don’t really want to talk to. In some instances, this could be a great way to immediately contact someone you need to reach on a pressing matter, but in others, it could turn into a big if not awkward distraction.
We can just envision the uncomfortable greetings now. Hello, I’m so and so, and I follow you on Twitter, my Twitter name is XXXX. Do you want to go out on a date sometime? Or, say for instance, you’re in the middle of a sentence and reach the 2 minute limit and you’re both cut off from each other. One saving grace is that calls can only be made to people who follow you, which means should a particular caller annoy you, you can unfollow them on Twitter to prevent future voice communication.
We have to give it to JAJAH for pushing the Twitter envelope and are looking forward to giving the service a try. Let us know your take on voice-over-Twitter in the comments.
Phone image from Balakov on Flickr (
)
via mashable.com
I signed up for JaJaH today. Still waiting for my beta invitation but this is a great idea.
Apple’s Snow Leopard Is a Smash Hit
On August 28th, Apple released its latest operating system Snow Leopard (
) on the masses. The big news with Snow Leopard is that the focus isn’t on whizz-bang features, but on performance and stability improvements.
As such, the price-point, just $29 for a single-user upgrade license (provided you already have Leopard on your Intel Mac) made it a no-brainer for me to immediately upgrade all the Macs in my house.
According to analysts at NPD, I wasn’t alone. Sales for the first two weeks of Mac OS X Snow Leopard have far exceeded those of both Mac OS X Leopard (released in October 2007) and Mac OS X Tiger (released in April 2005). NPD reports that sales for Snow Leopard were more than two times higher than those for Leopard and almost four times higher than those of Tiger.
The initial sales weren’t limited to just the first week (when many members of the Apple Faithful rush out and buy the latest iProduct), NPD reports that second-week sales dropped only 25%. Considering that Leopard saw its sales drop 60% the second-week, the price-point and the low-key marketing campaign seem to be working.
Although the NPD report doesn’t touch on this, I wonder what role social media played in Snow Leopard sales. Because the focus is on performance, not features, Apple has had a relatively quiet ad campaign for its latest OS. Having said that, I know my Twitter (
) stream (which is admittedly full of lots of Mac users) full of conversation and links regarding Mac OS X 10.6.
So Mac users, have your upgraded to Snow Leopard? What have your experiences been so far?
via mashable.com
I updated my iMac this week with Snow Leopard and have been very impressed. What are thoughts?
September 14, 2009
Ministry Monday: My First Lock-in
Last week my friend Kenny Conley wrote about lock-ins 4 different times. It made me think back to my first ever lock-in that I did at Fellowship Church. I learned many things from that experience and I believe you can as well. I was young, stupid, and just out of college. I think that is the best person by they way to be a volunteer at a lock-in but maybe not the best person to lead the lock-in. The lock-in was for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders with a big outreach push. The plan was to take the kids off the church's campus across the highway on school buses to see a movie and then after the movie we were going to go to GameWorks. After GameWors we would go back to the church and let everyone sleep on the floor at church. We had 2 different large rooms where we were going to split the kids by gender for sleeping purposes. Then in the morning right before parents came to pick up their child, we were going to have Krispy Kreme donuts to give the kids a little boost of sugar for the day. I thought at most we would have 300 kids come to the event. There was the whole plan. In fact we did this plan more than once and it did work great by the third time. So I open up registration for the event after talking to the theater about getting a whole theater by ourselves and setting up the time with Gameworks to have their whole facility as well. I didn't want anyone else with our kids for security reasons. This is a great idea if you have enough kids to do it. The theater said that would be great because I was paying for a whole theater and GameWorks charges a per person rate but I had to guarantee them at least 150 kids. I didn't think that was going to be a problem so here we go. Registration was open for at least 4 weeks before the event. It is a good idea to have at least 6 weeks but I can't remember exactly how long we had for this one. All I know is at the time that registration was suppose to end I had about 250 kids signed up and enough volunteers to have a 10 kids to 1 adult ratio. I was feeling really good about myself except I wanted to keep the registration open because I wanted to hit the 300 mark. I also was on the phone all week long with people saying they wanted to come or bring a friend and wanted to register the night of the event. Registration the night of the event sounds like a very reasonable thing. Especially if you haven't hit your numbers goal. It is not always the best practice. For one you can't always plan on the number of volunteers that you will need if you don't know the number of kids. Second, the night of registrations seem to take forever for those trying to sign up because they are expecting to leave and be somewhere else quickly. So even if it does only take 1 minute then it still seems like forever and lines kill your event. Here we are... It's the night of the event. I have 2 school buses showing up to take the kids across the street. It should take 2 trips with 250 kids and the volunteers. I have volunteers showing up early to give them information about the night and to hand out schedules. We have pick up tags and name tags all ready to go. We have people at the door ready to greet. I thought we were set. I didn't plan to fail. The first 250 kids showed up no problem. It was the next 307 kids that threw me for a loop. That's right. We had 547 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade kids show up to a lock-in where only 250 we knew were coming. As you can imagine the line for registration was a nightmare. The line to drop your kid and all their stuff off in a room that was only built for 200 was a nightmare. The volunteers faces who knew that they were now going to have 20 kids to keep up with instead of 10 kids where priceless nightmares. Needless to say, but it was chaos. Looking back, I can't believe parents left their kids with us. Well we stuffed 275 people and all of their stuff into rooms built for 200 to try and teach them a lesson about God. That didn't go as planned because no one could sit down and it was really uncomfortable. After the lesson it was time to go to the theater to watch a movie. What should have been a process that took 30 minutes with 250 kids and given them time to get something at the concession stand took over 2 hours. That means that the first kids who showed up to the theater had already eaten all of their snacks and had an hour to go. Yes even the kid who decided to get the BIG pickle and stink up the rest of the place was done and wanting another. We finally got done with the movie and was late to GameWorks but they worked with us. Then it took another hour and a half to get all the kids back to church. By the time we got back and kids were changed to sleep it was time to go get the donuts. Now of course I didn't order enough donuts either and had to wait for them to make more than double what I ordered. Filling up my car with Krispy Kremes was an ordeal as well but it did smell good. I got back just in time to hand donuts out and parents to show up. Kids were everywhere. It was a miracle that we didn't lose any kids that night. It was a miracle that I kept my job after that night. It was a miracle that we had any volunteers show up that night or the next day to help. It is a night that I will never forget.
Sign Wednesady 2 days early
Signs are always funnier when they have the word Toot in them. http://twitter.com/kennyconley/status/3978706164 "http://twitpic.com/hp9q7 gas station convenience store... I don't even get this."
- kennyconley (@kennyconley)
- kennyconley (@kennyconley)
September 11, 2009
New Mac users, try these tips - USATODAY.com
New Mac users, try these tips
http://usat.me/?36207476 To view the story, click the link or paste it into your browser. Copyright 2009, USATODAY.com
http://usat.me/?36207476 To view the story, click the link or paste it into your browser. Copyright 2009, USATODAY.com
September 8, 2009
WordPress Enters Real-Time: 7.5 Million Blogs Reach Twitter Speed
This is really big for all web designers on WordPress.
Sent to you via Google Reader
WordPress Enters Real-Time: 7.5 Million Blogs Reach Twitter Speed
RSS, short for Really Simple Syndication, helps you stream all of your news and blog sources into an easy-to-manage RSS reader such as Google Reader. Millions of people use RSS to keep up with Mashable, The New York Times, and even LOLcats.
However, it does have its limitations. The big one is speed. It can take minutes to hours for a blog post to reach the reader through RSS. This has been a big reason why more and more people are turning to real-time services like Twitter and FriendFeed for their news. In the real-time web, delayed news and information just isn’t good enough.
Now WordPress has done something big that eliminates that RSS delay problem and brings Wordpress.com’s 7.5 million blogs into real-time, along with any other self-hosted Wordpress blog. It has implemented RSSCloud, an RSS element that makes instant syndication of blog posts possible. However, it does have a few obstacles to overcome before your RSS is just like Twitter.
RSSCloud and WordPress.com
Wordpress founder Matt Mullengweg explained the blog network’s newfound support for RSSCloud in a blog post earlier today. Essentially, while most RSS readers only periodically check servers for updates, RSSCloud makes checking for updates instantaneous. The result is that instead of waiting 15 minutes for your blog post to be syndicated, it will happen instantaneously:
Right now how most people interact with feeds is by checking that it updated every now and then, usually about once an hour. Can you imagine waiting an hour to get your emails? (The world would probably be more productive.) RSS Cloud is an extra element in your RSS feed that allows subscribers to say “Hey, let me know as soon as you’ve updated, kthx.”
While RSSCloud has been around for a while, Wordpress’s support of the element is nothing short of monumental. As ReadWriteWeb explains, RSSCloud is now active on every blog hosted on Wordpress.com, which numbers around 7.5 million and growing. There’s also an RSSCloud Wordpress plugin for self-...
Sent from my iPhone
September 3, 2009
Sign Wednesday and Tech Thursday in One.
If church signs were not bad enough there is a website that let's you create your own. Find it at http://www.says-it.com/churchsigns/
I like that the person who came up with this likes signs. I'm not thrilled that they wasted time and technology to help create bad signs. Here is a sample of a sign you could create.September 1, 2009
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