TBUZZ, a relatively new service, has intrigued me. On the surface, it’s a pretty simple idea about sharing pages via Twitter through your browser toolbar. It uses iFrames to pull this off, shortens the URL via Bit.ly, and does a few other neat tricks.
But what it’s done is remind me of the dangers of banking everything on a service (and it’s lifespan) that is outside its own boundaries and control. The easy question is: “What happens when Twitter is no more?”
Well, that’s easy. TBUZZ dies too.
The Church, generally speaking, needs to be cognitively aware that banking one’s social media ministry on services and applications that are not governed by the organization directly. It can be very dangerous.
The Church has oftentimes latched itself onto these applications in an attempt to be “relevant” or “hip” or “cool” or whatever without thinking through the long-term ramifications of doing so. I think we need to be smart, invest heavily in our research and strategy, and deploy with a grain of salt.
There’s more than one way to be successful in the web space for your ministry, and it doesn’t always start with a “F” or a “T”.
buchanan23 says
"There’s more than one way to be successful in the web space for your ministry, and it doesn’t always start with a “F” or a “T”." — Love this! So important that we keep our minds sharp. Going with the flow and doing things because "everyone else" is, isn't always the best strategy! Need to be innovative and creative!!
human3rror says
word up!
Dave Ingland says
As someone seeing some amazing potential in utilizing social media to help Sundays be an extension of our week rather than the only time we connect with others of faith, your post is giving me reason to pause and consider the ramifications if twitter and facebook are gone or no longer relevant. Thanks for keeping me in check!