I’d like to take a second to clear up a common issue that needs some serious correction: It’s not their fault if we are moving too fast!
We, as the lucky few who have the time, interest, and passion for web technology need to slow down or at least learn to communicate more effectively and clearer. In other words, it’s our fault if they’re not getting it.
I’m at a place now where I’d rather slow down than lose the people that need to know. Running at the pace of the world will never get the Church there faster, it’ll only leave the Church farther behind than it already is.
Let’s be patient with those that aren’t up all night reading their Google Reader, ok?
@adamrshields says
I think one of the issues that will always be the case is that those that are in front are younger than those that are behind. (I am that guy that thinks that the music is sometimes too loud. 😀 ) And that is even more true in the church world than in the business world. There are always people that are staying up all night reading their google reader (or equivalent). But as people age, have children, etc. being cutting edge becomes less important to them. So part of the issue is how we deal with the different audiences. We need to keep up to reach those that are also on the cutting edge, without leaving other behind.
Maybe we should start having completely different web pages based on browser (making the assumption that those still running IE6 are not interested in cutting edge.)
human3rror says
I shall build you one sir.
@adamrshields says
A special one for those 3 people like me that use chome :p
Jared says
I use Chrome on my netbook.. make it 4 🙂
gabehoffman says
good word man, and just to add a quote from spiderman "with great power, comes great responsibility", and you are exactly right that not losing everyone else, and taking the time to catch them up is one of those responsibilities.
Jacqui says
Spiderman?! LOL! I think the "quote" goes back a little further than that such as In Luke's Gospel where Jesus says, "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded." (Luke 12:48). It's the "Noblesse oblige" of King Arthur's court. Anyway, the point being whether we quote Jesus, the knights of the round table or Spiderman, it's worth remembering and, boy, do I have some fences to mend!!
gabehoffman says
nope, they copied spiderman, he's actually an ancient Zoroastrian hero… ok, maybe not, fair enough, still it is a classic spidey line, and everyone knows if Jesus and and Arthur were alive today they'd be comic book fans… that and Battlestar Galatica.
Kyle Reed says
I face this battle everyday with my Dad. He is constantly calling me to help him with something on the computer. I just gave him my old macbook and he is in a whole new world. I get pretty frustrated when I have to explain to him several times that you can hit Apple T to open up a new tab. It is a constant learning experience for him.
But it is worth the time to help him so that he can learn more and more.
Nate Beaird says
I love this post! Way to draw the line, John!
Daniel_Berman says
The interesting part is that is that its not simply a matter of waiting for the older generation to catch up, its that they process information and concepts in slightly different ways. Its not a contest of tech vs no tech or one type of tech vs another kind of tech it has everything to do with one generation's perspectives on relationship and usefulness of various pursuits compared to those of the current generation. Each stands responsible for explaining where they come from and to learn from each other. I actually posted an article to my blog about this here.
Graham Brenna says
Dude… I'm continually struggling with this. Thanks for reminding me.
Mikes says
Where is this coming from?
human3rror says
arrogant people.