I often get asked, “why do you blog?” I think this is a fair question, even if there is an underlying assumption that it’s a waste of time. While I’m addressing this to pastors, I think it applies to all of us.
My time is more limited today than ever before. Between my personal goals of being in a growing relationship with Christ, being a good father and husband, and leading a fast growing church I have to be pretty selective on what activities I engage in and what activities I pass up. Here are five reasons I choose to invest a portion of my time in blogging.
1) We can change the world. The Compassion Uganda bloggers proved this earlier this year when they used their blog voices to bring attention and hope to Uganda. Thousands of people around the world followed their eight day journey in real-time and over 400 children were sponsored and rescued from poverty. I’m praying we see more and more influential bloggers using their platform and influence to bring hope to the hopeless.
2) We can encourage other believers. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to “encourage one another daily”. I’m always looking for ways to use WithoutWax to bring a smile to someone’s face and at the very least just take their mind off of whatever they might be dealing with. Here’s a great email I got last week from a reader.
Pete,
Its good reading your blog. I’m deployed right now onboard a US Navy warship and sometimes it is challenging to get daily inspiration. You being a pastor and reading your blog is like going to church sometimes. No praise music or long sermon, sometimes just one sentence, one comment is enough. So thanks and keep it up.
Very Respectfully,
Adam Dye-USS BULKELEY
Blog: www.adamintheocean.wordpress.com (Why don’t you drop in and encourage him)
3) We can create community. I’m tired of being a talking head. I’m not looking for one more environment where I communicate in a one-way fashion. Blogs allow us to turn our sermons into conversations allowing people to interact, question, discuss and debate. This week I will cross over the 3,000 comment marker. I love this stat more than any other stat on my blog. It tells me people are not just reading, but interacting and creating community with one another.
4) We can establish relational influence. People no longer want to follow you or me just because we have pastor in front of our name. As a matter of fact, this automatically puts us at a disadvantage. They want to know if we’re authentic. I am learning that influence is directly related to relationship. In other words no relationship, no influence.
My friend, Randy Elrod writes about the death of the alpha leader. He says, “Alpha leaders value control, servant leaders value collaboration. Alpha leaders value individualism, servant leaders value community. Alpha leaders value affluence, servant leaders value influence.” Go HERE to read the entire post.
5) We can show the world the origin of our hope. Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (and neither can a blog). This is an email I recently received that absolutely blew me away. Since receiving it I have had some awesome conversations with this lady. God is up to some amazing things.
Pete,
I have read your blog for the past two days. Inside and out. Up and down. I have devoured and cried. Laughed and clicked out of it to get away and yet I kept going back. Who is your Jesus? Loaded question. Is there an easy answer? Suggestions?
So, why do you blog? I’m dieing to know!
Awesome stuff, Pete! – This is why I read your blog every day. I don’t even know you, and over the last month your blog, and personal comments, have been an encouragement to me as well. THANK YOU for sharing with all of us, and being such an encouragement to me. ~Kristie
Why do I blog? I have only recently began a blog…I have blogged periodically in the “myspace” world….but decided it was time to branch out a bit. For me it’s a release, a release of thoughts of feelings….
For so long, we (I) have hidden behind walls…walls of fear, walls of rejection….feeling that people do not know the real me…blogging allows others to see a glimpse of who I am. It allows us to take away the mask that we put on…and be real.
I think it allows us to become the church without walls…. for others to see our lives as christians played out as real people…
S.
Well said, great points. I have know a few pastors over the years that have tried to keep from moving into the technological age, but I think it limits their reach at this point in time.
For a pastor it only seems logical. Your reach is not only local but it becomes worldwide.
I agree with all five of your points. I love that blogging also gives you a chance to have cool discussions with people all over the world. It’s building comunity with people that you don’t even see face to face.
You know why I read your blog.. Pete, you’re the man. God is using you and Crosspoint in stragetic ways. I’m just glad the Father pointed me to your site!
i love the points you have made, especially the powerful quote. i would definitely lean towards #3. blogging has allowed me to communicate and get to know people all over the country, most of which i may never meet until we spend eternity together some day.
also it’s a way for me to “vent” at times about what is going on in my head or what i may be struggling with…so that ties in to the whole idea you mentioned of being authentic…
can i add that it FUN!!!
Diversity. The heavenly community will be diverse. I am a community addict. That’s why I started blogging — for interaction beyond my own circle. Now as my stats counter goes up and the comments come in and the emails… I can see a whole group of people coming together. The biggest thrill I get is when someone tells me that my writing has touched them in some way or another. I want to high five the Holy Spirit!
You do a fantastic job, Pastor Pete. I come here every day.
Authentic is where it’s at. The fake stuff doesn’t do anyone any good. And fake is so borrrring.
Heidi Reed
Good stuff.
I’ve been amazed at the relationships that can develop, the opportunity for conversation, and reading blogs for me helps me to get a better sense of where people are in their thinking.
I enjoy your blog.
I think a blog is like a journal in some ways, so posting means that at least from time to time I stop, sit down, and articulate some of what’s going on in my mind. I find that to be helpful, and I love readers’ feedback. It’s been really interesting to see how the blogosphere has a sense of community too.
Great summary of why you blog Pete.
I think I’m going to blog about this topic later on my blog because a comment would take up a whole blog space.
This one really got me thinking!!
Why do I blog? This is a timely question since I just started mine this past week. I struggled with the decision to actually write one or to stay in the category of “reader” and “contributor”.
Blogging is……..a way to journal or record events in life, it’s a great builder of community, it’s a personal relationship builder, it’s a great comic relief, but I think one of the biggest things that a blog is, is the way you are using it, Pete. You are showing the world (literally) the way a pastor, a strong male Christian, has a very real life. Many of us were raised in a Christian environment but the leaders didn’t seem real or authentic. We also were SCARED TO DEATH of them for their preaching style! Thanks for putting yourself out there, making us really think about our lives and our relationship with God.
I have always loved journaling. By blogging about Jesus, parenthood, Down syndrome, and real estate, I’m showing my friends and family that Jesus can be the center of everything and it’s very non threatening. I KNOW that I have non-believers reading my blog…but they keep reading. Blogging can truly be used to reach those outside of Christ. I love that. All your points are right on. You’re a great pastor/blogger!
I blog to keep family and friends updated on what is happening in my family as we are stationed overseas. My husband asks me this question all the time along with the question of do you even know the people who write the blogs you read on a daily basis. I really enjoy reading your blog as it invokes questions I wouldn’t have normally thought about. Thank you for the inspirational thoughts and taking the time to invest your prescious time to do so.
I’ve been blogging since the olden days (2003!). My old blog was a place for snark, TV reviews (the beginning of it was particularly obsessed with Survivor), pop culture, political opinionating, and making up words. I wanted attention. I thought it would be a cool job to be a paid blogger. ‘Ohh someone pick me!’ Never happened. Now, I’m ok with it.
Then it shifted to talking about what was going on in my head – how I viewed myself, lost some weight, and all things dance. It stirred up all sorts of stuff in the Nashville blogosphere. It’s been a great experience to meet people online, get to know them then meet offline and find out how many people you have in common outside of blogging. Or to be recognized somewhere (that was always a little strange… “Are you Pink Kitty… that blogger?”)
And then I didn’t want to do it anymore. One post a month for the last year.
When God recently directed me on a 60 day journey with Him, I needed a place to talk about what I was learning – more than just blast emailing my friends. So, I started a new blog to be transparent about where God is leading me and who I am in and because of Him.
And to still talk about all things dance.
I have only been blogging a short time too! I started partially for the same reasons as you have listed Pete. But also because of the isolation that I and I am sure many others feel in ministry. Being the pastor of a small rural church, I feel like I loose my sense of being connected beyond our small community at times.
It has been a wonderful outlet for me and I have felt so refreshed over the last month. I really recommend it to any pastor that is the least bit interested! Speaking of interested, I have to admit that I envy (in only the best sense of the word!) Anne Jackson’s new opportunity at Cross Point!
I am a pastor, and I blog because it helps me communicate better. From writing my thoughts and making them make sense to reading the comments that are posted which gives insight to the thoughts of people, and in a weird way keeps me connected to the people in my church, many may not comment on the blog but will make random comments to me about things that were posted. I have been doing this for 2 and 1/2 months and The hits continue to grow, it is amazing the impact a blog has. Worth the time.
I blog because it allows me to let go of some of the victories, frustrations, joys, and stresses of life. It gives me an outlet to share my heart and my mind. It makes me vunerable and it puts the fire under the could haves, should haves and would haves of life. But best of all, you develop at times some of the coolest friendships in the world. And that my friends is priceless.
It’s amazing to read this post and know that a blog…a stinking blog is bringing people to Christ and helping to strenghten relationships with Christ.
I’m a blogging newbie but so far so good. I started blogging as way to honor my dad and as a creative outlet through some pretty tough times. Sometimes pouring my soul onto a blank piece of paper / computer screen can be just as good of therapy as if I were on a couch talking to someone with a Phd.
I’ve found though that I love creating community like this. It’s great. I’ve met people all over the country who are living, worshipping, crying, struggling, and loving just as I am. I find that quite rewarding.
I blog to meet people like you and to connect with other pastors around the country. I also blog to provide a place for family and friends to see the comings and goings of the Reagin Experience ™. Good post pete.
Pete — Please keep blogging.
I want you to know that for me your blog has been an inspiration and an encouragement to evaluate where I am daily…
I blog because I have a daugher with autism, and I need an outlet for my emotions. It’s an easy way to keep family and friends posted on her progress, and a great way to express the joys and frustrations that are a daily part of my life.
I started blogging because I realized that I was constantly writing a mental narrative about what was happening around me. I wasn’t thinking about connecting with anyone, really, but soon realized the connections were much more valuable than my attempts at writing. Since the re:create conference in February, my interactions with other worship leaders through blogging has grown, and has become invaluable to me. The sharing of ideas & questions…. reflecting on the complexities of the church…. reminding each other of the simplicity of God’s message…. I hope I have contributed some kind of encouragement, because I have certainly received it.
Thanks for the blog comment today.
@ Jill, I’m so glad our little blog has been a source of encouragement for you.
You guys will never know how much I enjoy the interaction we have here! You all challenge me on a daily basis as well.
Your blog has been a ministry tool for me this week. This weekend my friend lost her 1 day old baby. I remembered your blogs about sweeet Caroline and that song that still makes me weep and when I went into her room. I sat there. Listened… prayed.. I didn’t have to feel the nudge to say anything at all. I got out my laptop
I played that song to her from my laptop.
Wow.. what a moment.
Thank you Pete!!
pete – i love that pastors blog. growing up i was taught (trained?) that the pastor is the PASTOR – different than us, better than us, not man and not God, but something in between. and there were things that happened at different times during my life that conflicted with the “pastor an a pedestal belief”. things that man might do – but pastors certainly don’t and when they did, it wore away at my belief that pastors were anything special. it left me with a distaste for and a distrust of pastors. all this leads into why i love that pastors blog. i agree with all that you’ve said, but really it’s the being authentic that touches me. it’s seeing that your willing to show your true self. and i love reading the comments and seeing a pastor who is really participating in the discussion and doesn’t feel it’s necessary to be the “expert”. so thanks for doing this and for being real.
why do i blog? it all started because i had a story to tell, God started something big in our life and i recognized as it was happening that it was big and God was in it. and i wanted to share it with friends and family – i had no idea about the blogosphere – or that there even was one.
@pollyh That is so true!
@Heidi Oh man. I am so humbled that God could use us in that moment. How amazing!
@transplantingme I get it. I totally get what you are saying. I think we have such a responsibility to live as authentically as we can. Looking forward to reading more of your story.
Well, your blog did encourage me to start my own. We blog for somewhat different reasons. I wanted to blog to record the wonderful, but chaotic life around us.
I think there’s a saying that goes something like this…”The family that blogs together stays together.”b
Wonder how old the boys will be when we open their first blog account???
blog because it “enlarges my coasts” (but don’t get me started on the ‘prayer of jabez’)
I blog because it encourages me to write often…
I blog because I’ve made a lot of new friends and learned much through interaction.
I blog because my ‘rents made me take accordian lessons when i was a kid (a loooong time ago!) and methinks that dexterity contributed to my being able to type very quickly…
I blog because it is another avenue to “brag on Jesus.”
I blog because it is, at days end, an effort of faith…is anyone going to read? Will they glance and forget, or is it possible the Spirit of God will use words shared to minister grace, truth, encouragement.
I blog because I am a FIRM believer in the written gospel…I was converted at age 26 in a jail cell in Texas…by reading a book…not THE Book…but a book that contained the Gospel. The Spirit of God (who I did not know existed) convicted me, drew me, saved me…and through my prison incarceration grounded me in the Word. I had never been in church (good, bad, whatever) before…
You asked!
Hey Pete- I blog for all of the reasons (except the ‘relational influence’ one) you listed AND I blog for my children. I want to leave my kiddo’s a legacy. I stink at putting pen to paper, but somehow I can always find the time to ‘type’ a little something. I want my children to look back at my thoughts someday, after I am gone, and feel as though they REALLY know me.
That is what my blog started out as…me leaving a ‘journal’ for my kiddo’s. It has turned into soooo much more. I have met so many awesome people.
Pete, your blog is one of the first I check every morning. You inspire, encourage, and challenge! Your church is SO blessed to have you as their shephard.
It was so cool when a young couple showed up at our church for the first time because they had been reading my blog and thought the could connect with us! The scouted our church out through my blog, and made the decision to come based on those impressions. Meeting them for the first time was a little surreal – they knew everything that was going on in our lives because of the blog! What a great way to reach people! The community that can be created on-line is no less important than the communities we try to create in small groups, or worship events. We (the Church) may need to begin thinking about how to develop more community on-line not less… There are some great thinkers out there trying just that.
Pete, I don’t think a blog works for every pastor. If it is just a rehash of Sunday morning then for some/most it is a bad idea. This blog works because it is authentic. You see that word a lot on WithoutWax.
Blogging in general works because you don’t know if the person making the comment graduated from seminary or the eigth grade. There comment can be a glipse of their soul.
Maybe God listens to our prayers the way we read comments on your blog, with maybe only a little picture in the corner of our prayer to remind him who we are but Christ covers the rest and we are all equal and in Him. Then there is no judgement only a God listening.
The whole world has the opportunity to read every word and every thought. The WHOLE WORLD. Think about that. When has that ever been possible until now.
Keep blogging and keep being authentic.
Pete,
I am thankful that I found your blog. I love to read it because of how authentic you are. You’re REAL! Your blogs about your children crack me up. God is using you in so many ways. Keep on keeping….Jen from Cali
I started my blog just to try it out honestly. But now it’s become a way of staying in touch with friends and family back home and letting them in on the tiny parts (and some big) of everyday life. I also blog as a way of journaling or getting things off my mind. It’s a good release!
Pete,
You have unbelievable gifts and your ability to reach people inside and outside of God’s kingdom is truly amazing. For no other reason than blogging is another avenue for reaching out is all the reason in the world to continue doing it. If you influence 1 person then you make a difference. No way in the world is that ever a waste of time. You may look back 10 years from now and realize this changed Cross Point forever. I am just glad I am a small part of it. Keep doing what you are doing, you are influencing more than you will ever know.
God Bless,
I LOVE BLOGGING!! Yes, it does take up some “time” but I’m already at the computer half my day so why not make new (and more) friends!!?? I blog because YOU blog… I’m finally getting my own blog up and running and all you people that I blog with better blog back to me!!
I just love you PSQUARED!!
I think you hit the nail on the head Pete. I love the community that comes from blogging.
As a matter of fact I’m driving 20 minutes tomorrow morning to meet with 4 or 5 guys who read my blog here in North Carolina. How cool is that?
Blogging gives us the opportunity to encourage and motivate each other on a daily basis as well as meet new people we would have never been able to connect with.
@ Graham Isn’t that cool. I guess a blog is a great way for people to check you and your church out before they visit. It will reduce the “surprises”.
I think you made some very good points. I have found it quite fulfilling to connect with other believers through blogging. I also find a release when I write and blog. Things I wouldn’t necessarily be able to articulate verbally, seem to just flow out of me when I’m writing.
Love your blog!!!!
Amen brotha.
Obviously I’m not a pastor. But I actually started my blog just recently, simply for me. I figured it would be something like an online diary of sorts for our family. To have something to be able to look back on years later and see what was going on at certain points in our lives, and how we’ve all grown and changed.
However, it has turned into somewhat more than that. I had no idea the people that would stumble onto my blog through various ways and how my words, simply telling what’s in my heart, or what God is currently dealing with me on in my life, would touch others. And so, I’m finding that just as every other thing in our walk with Christ, nothing we do is too ourselves alone. Even in this small way, I hope to reach people through my life in words with the message that in Christ there is hope, and blessed life to to be had.
My motivation for bloggin has somewhat changed. I still write about what’s going on in our lives. But behind every word that I type there is also a higher calling. To make a difference in my sphere of influence for Him.
Two biggest ways to build community today:
1. In person
2. A blog handled the way Pete does it…
It’s Interesting that BLOG wasn’t even in our vocabulary a few years ago and now it is one of the most useful and interactive tools for a pastor to stay in touch with the community. You do a great job, Pete…
i started blogging first to compete with my hubs who already had his own. he loved it too much for me not to want one myself.
thats how it started. then i began meeting people. all sorts of people. from different backgrounds, walks of life, hurting, addicted, depressed and before i knew it this community started to grow. an extended family of sorts. lots of ministry has taken place because of blogging. in fact, more goes on behind the scenes, off the blog, than on it. i can’t imagine not blogging and losing that connection.
Thanks Charlie. Charlie, is one of our local t.v. weather personalities here in Nashville. If you haven’t checked out his blog you should. http://lifebarometer.wordpress.com/
He understands a lot more than weather!
Blogging is not a “bad” thing, or something that you (Pete) or anyone else should not do. I just believe that it’s a little distant, sterile and void of personal contact. It’s word’s, not actions. You made a point about the Uganda Bloggers… but you could’ve emphasized that they actually went to Uganda. They didn’t sit in a chair somewhere behind a computer and converse, only. I find there are people, real people, on the other side of that computer LCD screen that could use some face-to-face time. Blogging is not that. It can and does many of the things you say… but it seems preposterous to think that it’s fully relational. Looking into someone’s eyes and seeing their hurt, or anxiety or other human emotions and them seeing into our eyes bridges the humanity (and Christianity) we all should be wanting to bridge. Blogging is lazy Great Commission. It’s insulated and sedate. It’s semi-vibrant. It’s half-hearted. That doesn’t make it “bad”… it just makes it more difficult to justify as an extremely viable outreach. And, again, the emails you shared from a few folks clarifies the “best” of what blogging can do… but there is a mission field across the street from where you live (or where each of us live)… or down the road… or across town. When will there be a true mission trip (large and hard to deny by the world) into the very lives of the people that live in the same city we all live in? You say we can change the world… and that’s an awesome challenge… but starting “where we live” makes more sense… and would be more aligned with the footsteps Jesus walked with the disciples. Perhaps Jesus would be a blogger… I don’t know… but I don’t see Him in that light… I see Him touching people’s lives and hearts… in person. So, blog on… but realize… it’s a fad, a trend and another example of how we, as a community, are willing to remove ourselves from personal relationships via “virtual” relationships… because we don’t really have to do anything but “talk (blog)”. Rolling up our sleeves and getting on with the hard work of Christianity doesn’t happen over the internet… truly.
I started blogging to connect with other mom’s and women who had the same struggles that I did! I didn’t know where it would go a few when it started a few years ago but, not I have prayer partners and encouragers as buddies from all over the place. I learn so much from reading other peoples blogs as well. Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned the past few years are from blogs!
I love documenting our life as well. I can look back and see all these pictures and stories about my family. I know I’ll have that to show my boys when they are grown up.
One of the ways God teaches us things is through others. What better way than blogging and reading blogs!
Pete – So true! I know Pastors who have a larger Blogging audience than people in their churches on Sunday. It’s an awesome tool for me. One that I have to exercise great responsibility with. I am one of those who is impacted by what you and others write. Thanks – JOHN
I blog for the same reasons you blog. I initially started blogging because I wanted to figure out what in the world a blog was. Then I started going on missions trips to Africa and I wanted to bring awareness to that part of the world through pictures and stories of redemption in Christ. Then I started realizing the potential impact of my words on myself and others. I’m still trying to find my way and my voice in the blogging world. The more I post and the more I comment, the more I discover about the world I live in and the world I don’t live in. And that is helping me to reconcile both of those worlds.
Pete, I have 4 blogs – links at http://www.jvager.f9.co.uk
But see http://john1954officer.blogspot.com/2008/03/why-do-i-blog.html
for why I blog. John.
I blog because I am totally self-absorbed! Ha. You asked.
Been trying to get my Dad to blog… I’m not giving up yet.
SO AWESOME! These are amazing reasons. I mostly blog for me right now but I am so addicted to your blog and the wisdom and community you have here. My pastor just started a blog – YEAH!!! – and for the same reasons as you:
http://sarahbowling.wordpress.com
Pastors should blog…period.
What an inspired (and inspiring) post. Thank you!
Your blog has been such an incredible blessing. My own blog came by request of some individuals who were wanting to keep up with this silly woman and her family. They were really wanting books – we cmpromised. I blog. Little did I know at the time all the benefits that would come from it. The individuals whom I never met face to face and yet have a connection so deep with because of Christ… therefore, real family. It is a privilege to pray for individuals, be of encouragement to them as HE has so encouraged me. To share life’s moments and worship God in and through them. Thank you again Pete… and all who travel on the journey together no matter how far a part distance wise. For in Christ there is no real separation.
dead on pete…
I like that you push up your sleeves, dig in, travel doing missions, serve local missions, AND BLOG. I like that you realize that people are everywhere and the blog reaches some that aren’t available in person, becaues they are not walking through the doors of the church and the other places you serve. I like that you are open and you reach many directions. I don’t think the blog should be criticized. It’s a good thing when done with the right intentions…and when you use the tool to spread God’s word.
Your points are very good.
I was inspired by a friend to start blogging and at first I had no point behind it, just a way to voice my thoughts and opinions, especially with the role I am in right now, I don’t get to do that much, in fact I don’t have people around much at all during the day, so it serves as a communication mechanism too.
I have enjoyed reading your blog very much and being a part of its community. Your blog along with a couple of others have really inspired me to make mine more of a community type blog, where I get others involved, it is a slow process but it is coming around. I have seen some awesome things happen through my blog with those that it has influenced, so that is cool.
Great stuff Pete. I love your focus on the conversation and community blogging can generate. That is a hope I have for my own blog. A few months ago, I did a post on why I blog.
http://davesteinbeck.blogspot.com/2008/02/why-i-blog.html
i really resonate with these pete. great great thoughts.
reason #2, pete, to encourage other believers…AND, to win hearts to Christ! much to my surprise, i found out through a friend that one of my readers has started going to church b/c of my blog! how awesome is that!?! sweet! i never imagined in a million years that my stories of being a stay-at-home mom would ever lead someone through the doors of a church! i really just started out wanting to share my favorite scripture and how God works in my daily life…now it’s becoming evident to me that maybe it’s becoming an outreach as well. i love to read blogs that are laced with scripture and encouraging words. like this one! thanks pete for being a posting pastor:)
Judas,
If you went to the Cross Point website, you would see that – as a church – we are active in the local community (Preston Taylor, Safe Haven, and Lighthouse Ministries) as well as globally with missions to the DR.
Blogging is a tool. One of many. There are those that are suspicious of the church, of Christians because of past interactions. If reading a blog warms them up to going to the building where they can meet people and Jesus, then the blog has a purpose.
It is also an opportunity for believers to compare notes, ask questions (not necessarily about matters of faith), encourage each other, and get involved with causes they may not have otherwise heard about.
Jesus may not have been a blogger, but I bet Paul would have been – the fastest way to communicate with the church – in addition to direct contact.
Your criticism has merit if – IF – people are using it as their only form of outreach. In that case, it’s no different than a “Welcome” sign outside of a church and wondering why people aren’t coming. That isn’t the Great Commission, either.
I know Cross Point does not have that attitude.
Hi Pete. Thank you for blogging. I believe I do get to know who you are even though I’m on the other side of the globe. Christians fellowship across the borders and now I can say, the world is a global village.
We become more real when blogging though. Personally I put my unspoken penny’s worth of thots in writing — that I see, hear, read and feel.
Christians have been living in the facade that we believe but the truth is we struggle daily in our attempts to be true child of God. In this respect, I’m glad God sent His Son to earth to live and identify with our frail humanity and thereby strengthen us.
Looking forward to reading and interacting on your blog. Do drop a word or two from time to time that I blog. Shalom.
Judas, your assumption you are making is that people who blog don’t do other types of personal ministry. I don’t know anyone here that sees blogging as their only or even main ministry. Most of us view it as supplement or at best an element of our ministries.
Blogging could never take the place of the mission trips that we take here at Cross Point. Blogging could never replace the community that is created withing our small group ministries. Blogging could never take the place of the one on one, face to face, interactions people have on a daily basis.
To state “blogging is a lazy great commission” is to assume that someone thinks it’s the only way in which they can or will share their faith.
If having a blog is lazy than the only thing I can think of that would be lazier is to not have a blog but spend your entire day critiquing people that do. No wait, that’s not lazy it’s just a massive waste of time.
I started to blog to enhance the relationships I already have. I am a wife, a mom of three elementary aged kids, have a part-time job and a ministry. I LOVE getting to know people. I don’t have time to sit down face to face with everyone in my life on a daily basis and share with them what is going on in my heart and my walk with God. I blog so I can tell them the things I would tell them if I had time. All the new people and communtity I have discovered is just a bonus.
I really started blogging to use it as an outlet…something creative that I could spend some time on. However, I soon found that blogging allowed me the opportunity to share my faith anew. One time I had an atheist comment on my blog, a post about faith. I was able to have a few emails pass back a forth with her. I like being able to talk about things in my life. While that includes my boys and being a mom and wife, it is also about my struggles and highlights. It isn’t about the hits that day, although those are great, it is about having a forum to share my life, imperfect, flawed and living in grace.
Even though we have only spoken once, I feel more connected to you and Crosspoint because of your blog. It gives a chance for us Dickson-folk to connect with you and the Nashville site. I LOVE IT! Thank you!
@ladybird. Reading your blog helps keep me connected to Dickson. I hope all is going well with your pregnancy. It’s been fun keeping up with the process on your blog. You guys are going to make great parents.
I had a sales manager, once upon a time, he’d start every meeting with, “Gentlemen, communication is the key.”
That’s what blogging is. It is a wonderful form of communication, never meant to replace but to to supplement what we do face to face. We can encourage each other and build each other up.
I’ve participated in over 20 years of door to door evangelism, in the church. I’ve seen wonderful things happen there. We live in a different time, now. Yes, it still works well, at times but the same people who will slam the door in your face, will come across this blog and it’s here they will see something they won’t see otherwise. Now, what is that?
Real people. Genuine people. People with the same problems they have but who possess the source of peace. People to whom Jesus is a living breathing reality. You can’t communicate that in a few minutes in a doorway. Many times, it is here that they first realize, Christians aren’t all Bible thumping goody two shoes but real people who’ve found the answer. It gives them a door to knock on, even when they won’t answer their own.
Judas: I’m trying to address your words with calm reprose. I guess for someone who has yet to seek to understand it may seem to be an odd world of virtual spirituality. And maybe that does not resonate well with you, so be it. But before you judge, you should know a few things about my experience with Pete Wilson and what blogging has done for me.
I was introduced to this world via the Uganda Blogging Trip. Yes, they went in person, but they told their story to me through their blogs. Had they not communicated in this manner, I would have never known, I would have never read or heard of the stories, because I do not go to the same church or run in the same social circles. I would have never been introduced to blogging myself and began to see that I was infact missing a part of my relationship with Christ in my life. I would have never had the courage to blog with honest and conviction about the most trying experience in my life. I would have never been inspired to start running and pursue running a half marathon to raise money for the disease my grandfather has. I would have never inspired a reader of my blog to start running herself. I would have never hosted my own charity event with zero experience to raise money to benefit Compassion International. I would have never read Pete Wilson’s blog and felt that with his openness and honest I could reach out to him for counselling to help me with some issues I’m dealing with in my spiritual life. And I would have never had lunch with him today in person to discuss those issues where he could see the hurt in my eyes and I could see the hopefullness of Christ in his and know that I am seeking Christ in my life and I am on the right path.
I’m not sure about you, but that’s alot of personal,action-based, fully realtional Christianity to get out of blogging. At least it is for me.
Thanks Pete and to all those that blog! Blog away, build the community! Reach others like me!
Hey Pete. I only started blogging two months ago but it has been a really amazing experience thus far. I guess I started just to have a place to process my thoughts with other people, but it has turned into a real community of sorts. The weight loss challenge that some of us have been going through has been a great way to stay accountable and I have been amazed at how it has been a real connecting thing for me and other members of our church.
I’m a worship pastor and introverted by nature, but as I have opened up and let people see what’s going on inside my head and heart, people have totally changed the way they relate to me… really weird… but cool! And just today I had a guy write:
“I just wanted you to know that your weekly weight loss challenge has totally inspired me to get off my butt and get started losing weight. I have struggled with this for years and it is perhaps one of my biggest spiritual struggles. I keep starting, not seeing results, getting discouraged, then quitting. A few months later, it starts again. I’m a great starter, but a lousy finisher. God used your story to motivate me today big time. Even though you don’t know me, I just wanted to say thanks.”
This guy was someone I don’t even know, halfway across the country!
Anyway… sorry to ramble on, but I am a big fan of the multiple potentials blogging has to connect people relationally.
I’ll admit I was a skeptic at first, but I love blogging and I love the community that I am building. I’ve met people that have truly become new friends and I’ve had the privilege to encourage other women and church leaders in ways I never imagined.
I came to your blog almost in that 6 degrees sense, from a blot to another blog, etc. I attend a fantastic church in Idaho with vision and a strong desire to know God and His heart for His people. I finally settled in as a daily reader after watching the Audrey Caroline Memorial video and sense I have shown it/shared it with many. I learned some amazing life lessons from that couple just pouring out their heart. I don’t look at the Father the same. I wish that i could have sat near the front for your “plan b” series but its a far commute for church when I live in Northern Idaho.
I originally began blogging for my business, I own a scrapbooking store and like to share new product and stories. BUT ultimately I end up sharing my heart, what I am learning, my struggles, the funny parts and even the scary parts. My husband and I walked thru some really tough places last summer/fall and blogging was therapy. It was a place to remind myself outloud that I believed in God and in his Character even when I was hurting and life was so fragile. Thru my blog I am able to share the goodness of Jesus, to encourage to pray and at times to challenge. I do a “Being Thankful” on Monday’s blog often ’cause Monday’s are tough, Sunday’s can be full of Christ, church, friends and family, often when we work in the world there isn’t a lot of Jesus on Monday mornings. Blogs remind me, challenge me, make me laugh, at times make me cry and even blow diet coke right out of my nose! I have met some great girls thru blogging who love the Lord and love scrapbooking, I feel like I am able to pray and share in what God is doing just thru a simple blog. Its a powerful medium to grow with others as we seek out the heart of the Father. Keep blogging!!
Blog on brother! I am so stretched these days for the same reasons so many others are stretched, so it’s tough to find time to keep up with any blog. I’m not easily addicted to anything (OK, at least I can tell myself that!), so it’s easy for me to not get hooked, but I make time to scrape into your blog and sometimes find enough focus to dig into it. We should use every tool available to create and support community. We CAN change the world and if we don’t believe that… God help us. This is a great way to connect and understand each other authentically. It’s one of the better influences I have right now. Thank you for your tremendous effort and commitment to make it happen!
I was very impressed by Judas’ post. I was looking forward to the comments that it would generate. I thought his points were well stated and fair. He emphasized the importance of personal interaction and that blogging wasn’t necessarily a bad thing more than once. I think he was brave enough to say things that we all think. Blogging is good, but personal communication is better. When Charlie Neese said essentially the same thing he got a positive response.
Blogging can be self serving. It can be no more authentic than having a virtual pen pal, and it seems that there is pressure to post regularly on ones own site and comment regularly on others. I think I’ve read about the challenges with time and energy on more than one bloggers page listed in your “Cross Point Blogs” section. It is not unreasonable to question whether blogging is one more distraction from authentic relationships. Is it possible that it is just NOISE?
The fact that this is a topic is one of the things we like about blogs. It gives people an opportunity to voice their opinions, and I was glad to see the posts from church members who listed ways that the church was interacting on a face to face, eye to eye level.
We don’t know if Judas has a blog or not and I’m disappointed that his not having one makes him less credible. Pete, I was with you on your response until this statement:
“If having a blog is lazy than the only thing I can think of that would be lazier is to not have a blog but spend your entire day critiquing people that do. No wait, that’s not lazy it’s just a massive waste of time.”
It seems contradictory to say that blogging – which is an offering of ones thoughts and opinions – is not a waste of time, but commenting on those thoughts and opinions is a waste of time. But then again, I can’t see your face, I don’t hear your voice, and it’s very possible that I misunderstood the emotion attached to that statement.
Judas, I just read your post, and here’s another point of view. Many times in life we plaster smiles on our faces, tell people we’re okay, glory, glory, halla-luu-ya. However, having a blog where people can learn to be transparent, share their struggles, and be received by others, is a great asset. When a person feels embraced whether its with physical arms, or through encouraging words used on a blog , they walk away changed. And hopefully they’ll feel a little safer and be a little braver in their ability to be ‘real’ in real life. plus i think it is absolutely fantastic to be a part of a global community. i love, love, love it! don’t you? anyway, that’s why i love blogging.
Never really thought about why I blog. I do know that it makes me feel really good when someone mentions that something I blogged about impacted their life in a positive way.
Love this post!
Love this post, Pete!
Good point Sally. I was being sarcastic and shouldn’t have been. Thanks for calling me out.
juicy! i love it.
to answer the question on why I blog and also to the questions being raised by “judas” .
I read Brad Ruggles blog over at http://www.bradruggles.com and found out he was on vacation about 45 mins up the road. I then commented on his blog and we are meeting up for coffee in the morning at Starbucks at 8:00am here in Wilmington, NC. Someone I have been having small conversation with online I will now see face to face see how God is working in his life and family.
And for a young production/media guy about to get married I am excited to see how marriage life and a family is like in the same field.
That is why blogging is ok
thanks so much for the post Pete, loved the emails!
Hey, man. I agree with a lot of what is being said. Only thing I would add is, if you don’t blog as a pastor just know people are already blogging about you. Blogging gives pastors a chance to get out in front of controversy, cast vision, diffuse bombs, explain, feedforward and feedback, etc. I enjoy your blog. Thanks for visiting mine as well.
P.S. I liked your sarcasm (above comments). I don’t think you were being harsh and I don’t think you needed to apologize for “what” you said. Man, we spend so much time on the wrong battlefields. If all I did was sit behind a computer and blog all day long, I could tell you story after story of meaningful connection and Christian love. Real love. Meeting needs. Making a difference.
@Judas – The Bible tells us to be all things to all people, so that we may reach 1, that’s a small number but obviously big to God. Jesus said he would leave the 99 to go get just 1, so I feel that the Lord is interested in anything we can do to reach people with His love – Blogs are increasing in rapid numbers in the virtual world and personally I believe it would be foolish for pastors…for Christians (period) not to use the opportunity to reach those 1′s who are daily in this virtual world, for hours at a time. Its not the churches fault that our culture is one of removing personal interaction, it has become that, and we must do all that we can to preserve that opportunity, but we also must take the time and make the effort to go where the people are, whether it is a fad or not, we must be willing to go there, period! Its no wonder churches are growing by ridiculous numbers through “virtual” campuses. Websites such as Mogulus and UStream are becoming more and more popular because that is where this generation is at, that’s where the people are, so while we are doing the physical labor of getting in people’s faces with the love of Christ, we must not neglect the opportunity that God has given us. I like what Rick Warren has said many times, God gave us the internet as a tool to evangelize in this culture (not exact words but same context!) So while your view of being personal is good, it is definately not the only method and I don’t know if I would even say that it is the most effective at times…I believe at different times different methods are more effective than others and we simply have to be sensitive to that.
MAN, I’m sad I missed this Firestorm. First off Judas Icarus, I am going to say something with all Christian love and kindness, I’m about tired to your negativity and bashing everything that the Christian Church as a whole is doing. If you guys don’t believe me, go do a google search for the words “Judas Icarus” You’ll find the venom that he is spreading. Now, you like to pick other people’s words apart let’s look at yours, shall we?
“It’s word’s, not actions.”
So are you saying that God can’t speak through the written word? I am looking at a big giant book that has been a best seller for decades that says otherwise. No I’m not saying that blogs are scripture, but God still talks through people today and maybe they blog.
“but there is a mission field across the street from where you live (or where each of us live)… or down the road… or across town”
How dare you assume what we at Cross Point are doing or not doing when it comes to missions! Ryan Bult is the staff member in charge of missions and he is very strategic about making sure that we focus as a church on the mission field around us and around the world. Get the facts strait before you make assumptions.
Also, the Great Commission says Go and make disciples. The Greek translation for “make disciples” is to become a pupil, instruct, teach. All things that “can” happen over the internet. Now if you had spent any time at all at Cross Point you would hear the words “True life transformation happens in community.” We do encourage people to get face to face and do life with each other.
You talk about being true, and blogging being sterile and void of personal contact and yet you sign a fake name to your comments. What are you hiding behind? If you have wonderful things to say, let us all hear it and sign your name.
I have three areas I want to encourage you to in, 1) sign your name to your post, don’t be a coward. If you truly have great things to say, why hide? 2) What are you doing to when it comes to missions? I hope that you are reaching out to the people that live close to you. I hope that you have all the areas that you have “pinged” others on, down and are making a mighty difference in those areas. But remember what the Bible says about a log, a splinter and eyes. And finally, make your next 10 comments positive. From reading many of your comments, there seams to be no joy in your life and that makes me sad. There are tons of things that we all need to fix, but God is good and His IS working in His people through worship, though community groups, through missions and yes through blogs.
Brian Alexander
Judas, I really tried not to respond to your “inspired” critism of Pete’s ultra lazy sharing of the gospel but I finally gave in so here goes.
I have known Pete for about 15 years, more or less. I have served on staff with him, started a church with him, cried and laughed with him. I feel I know his heart as well as anyone and obviously much better than you. I have watched Pete and Brandi lead their neighbors to Christ, not by accident but with concern and love and intention. I watched Brandi cry at the altar as she laid her life plans aside and gave it all to the Lord. I have seen him love the absolutely unlovely by societies standards and really love them. I have watched God use him to put two marriages back together, both couples were divorced and now are still together after more than a decade. (These were the first two people he baptized by the way.) I saw him live in a mobile home that had a hole big enough in the bedroom floor that a person could pass through all so he could present the gospel. (It’s amazing what Brandi can do with a rug) I have seen him struggle openly with his own demons as tears flowed down his cheeks. I have seen him love youth and perform weddings and funerals and perfrom every aspect of ministry with integrity and honor. I have seen him love ministry so much that he hurt those he loved the most and then use that experience, because of his authentic integrity, to help those in similar positions. I could continue for hours with story after story.
Let me tell you this Judas, Pete does not blog because he is lazy. He is the hardest working and most effective pastor I have ever met. No one else even comes close. He blogs because it is one more way to touch one more life.
I am sure the you know the Lord and He knows you but let me tell you this Judas, YOU DON’T KNOW PETE!
Wow, that feels better.
Does anyone believe a blog can’t be impactful and a source of interaction now?
@Brian, Amen!
I thought some of these things last night when I replied to him, but did not feel it was my place to say them, but since you are a Cross Pointer…right on! I have not googled Judas’ name, but I have seen here on Pete’s blog alone the divisiveness in his comments.
Anyone who does not use their real name is usually trying to cause problems especially when the fake name is Judas Iscariot.
@Harold…I don’t know Pete the way you do, just virtually through this blog, but you brought tears to my eyes dude, that was awesome what you said about your friends and who they are behind the screen. Wow!
i am so late on this discussion. crazy couple of days!
blogging has helped me embrace the person god created me to be through a gift of writing. i write not only to prayerfully and hopefully inspire others in their journeys, but it’s as if with each word i write or topic i pray about and write about (whether or not they actually get published)…god reveals himself to me in incredible ways.
i have been honored and humbled to have some of the readers i have. they are caring, courageous and they challenge me every single day. i have prayed for them, with them, and cried for them, with them…sometimes in person, or over email, or on the phone.
blogging is an amazing tool. it deeply enriches my life and conversations with others, but most importantly with god.
@ncarnes, it brought tears to my eyes too. I wish we could set down for a few hours and tell you so many more stories I have shared with @pete and @brandiandtheboys, all the triumphs and failures. These two are as real as they get, not perfect at all but real and always seeking God.
Well, this looks like a great opportunity to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog. I don’t always have the time to read it everyday, but I am always encouraged when do. I get a lot from what you write and I thank you for that.
@Harold
All I can say is wow. And you think that men cry, this chick did too! Thank you for sharing.
@judas
Thank goodness God sent his son. Jesus showed us all that the christian walk would not be easy. Jesus was met by many “judas’” in his lifetime. He also reached many people in a multitude of ways. I don’t think all of his messages were delivered on a stage. If the internet would have been around I know Jesus would have used it if he thought he would save one life from perishing. Pete, continue to do as God leads you. Not the people.
I would not want to be anywhere else worshiping,doing life and growing as christian. Thanks for all you do.
Thanks for sending encouragement to my husband and many others.
Starlite Dye (wife to Adam Dye aboard the USS BULKELEY)
I blog for the same reasons..to extend hope, and a true solution that Jesus is into relationship and not religious country clubs..that we can make a difference in our world, even just one at a time..and the encouragement I get from other Christian bloggers is incredible and from the heart of God. Pressing on to win this race, and dying to myself is hard and often discouraging…but blogging helps me to keep my focus on Christ, and the alternative is TV and possibly compromising my own beliefs, through repetitive garbage entering my mind..this is a breath of fresh air.
Blogging for me has been a way to communicate what God is doing in my life right now – how He is shaping me as a follower, man, husband, dad and leader. God has definitely used bloggers to push and challenge me to a deeper level of leadership. So if God uses my blog for half of what He has used the blogs I have read to challenge me, it is all worth it.
wow 94 or so comments! Awesome! Shouldn’t that answer your original question? It’s about communication, a basic human/spiritual need. The world is getting smaller and yet information is growing at light speed. No longer are we stuck waiting 5 years for ideas to trickle down from creative pioneers – we can try them on of ourselves the week after beta testing beings (in the church, on the web, whatever).
No longer do we have to pay for subscriptions to see what God has GIVEN to other leaders to grow their organizations, to bring people to Christ, etc. It’s out there and available for immediate consumption.
No longer do we have to wait for a leader to write a book on how this idea worked and this one didn’t – we learn about it as it is happening and save ourselves years!
No longer is a pastor or church leader the “wizard of oz” hiding behind a veil of “outward spirituality”. He or she is now out in the open with his or her failures and accomplishments. Their vision and their passion. Their families. Authenticity.
People need communication, they want to know that the people they are following or serving with or fellowshiping with are real people, with a real thought and a real heart.
Maybe I am straying a bit. But, some pastors/church leaders that I’ve met that don’t blog actually portray a level of “fakeness” to me and my generation. We want to know that our leaders have at least one original thought and heartbeat that comes from God. Something that they can write about, rather than just share from behind a pulpit when they’re all amped up on the “sunday morning high”.
It’s nice to read that a message that is shared in public grew from a message given to a leader in private.
Rant over.
For me I blog for these reasons:
1. To try and be authentic – so people know I’m real. (one day I want my kids to read my blog and see that their dad struggled, learned, had vision, victory, etc)
2. To stay connected with people in and out of my community.
3. To learn from people in and out of my community.
And you get a big AMEN for bringing out the death of the Alpha male issue – a whole nother post/comment.
oh yeah – one more thing…
my suggestion would be that the person (judas, whatever) who doesn’t have the (gulp) cajones to leave their personal info while making a comment doesn’t deserve to be engaged in the conversation – no matter what his or her point is. Step up and play with conviction.
Wow, your blog is awesome. I, too, am attempting to glorify God through blogging. I am not yet as skilled as you are with interacting with people and welcoming comments. My dilemma stems from two things: 1- Should I, a female, be teaching men the Bible online? And, 2- Conversing with argumentative people makes me grumpy. Visit my blog at http://www.phenomenaltruths.wordpress.com. Please give me your opinion on whether or not I should debate the Bible, online or off, with men. Thanks!
I was wondering if you would mind having a “Beliefs” page on your blog? Although I had a feeling you were a born again Christian with solid biblcal beliefs, I had to search google for you church to check for sure.
Pete, I love to read your blogs. Being from Pete and Brandi’s first church, it keeps me in touch in a spiritual way (we miss and love them so much) and a personal way. We had about 6 families over this week-end and Pete’s Blog(and Brandi’s blog)was a topic of conversation. We all love reading it and love to watch them as they follow where God is leading them. It helps us continue to be a part of their lives and receive such spiritusl insight he shares when we have many miles between us. Much love to the Wilsons . nayhampton
3wThank’s for greate post.0e I compleatly disagree with last post . iaj
ламинат купить 4y
6cThank’s for greate post.9r I compleatly disagree with last post . nfb
ламинированный паркет 5y
6fGood idea.8w I compleatly agree with last post. iht
купить ламинат 9v
1sGood idea.2k I compleatly disagree with last post . pof
паркетная доска 2a
8oThank’s for greate post.0p I compleatly disagree with last post . lmp
паркет и ламинат 7r
7pThank’s.5s I compleatly disagree with last post . vlk
паркет 9r
0oThank’s.0x I compleatly disagree with last post . npl
паркетная доска 7n
0kGood idea.2g I compleatly disagree with last post . fxu
паркет и ламинат 5z
1hGood idea.3i I compleatly agree with last post. tvx
ламинированный паркет 2u
1nI’ll thingk about it.8q I compleatly agree with last post. oqh
ламинат купить 3g
5rI’ll thingk about it.1m I compleatly disagree with last post . cuv
паркет 5e
8jI’ll thingk about it.7k I compleatly disagree with last post . ihf
купить ламинат 5i
3pI’ll thingk about it.4k I compleatly agree with last post. gbk
паркет и ламинат 8x
I just have to say that I completely disagree with the last post…12x
Sorry, I have issues with peer pressure
5fGood idea.2w I compleatly disagree with last post . bng
ламинат купить 5h
3zThank’s for greate post.9l I compleatly disagree with last post . mdg
ламинат и паркет 1t
2kGood idea.8g I compleatly disagree with last post . ziv
ламинат купить 9r
0vI’ll thingk about it.7r I compleatly agree with last post. wpo
ламинат 3v
Blog! Blog! Blog! That seems to be the “Buzz” word now. I have really tried to stay out of the blogging arena if for nothing else…I just don’t seem to have the time. But a friend of mine convinced me that I could save time and help develop our leaders through “Blogging”. So here I am in Blog City…why? Interaction with other leaders, keep in touch, exchange of ideas, encouragement, and experience the journey with other leaders. Thnx Pete! Keep blogging!
God dag! Kan jag ladda ner en bild fran din blogg. Av sak med hanvisning till din webbplats!
Steven Wevodau
Does anyone attired in b be committed to any circumstance with ripoffreport.com? It’s basically a non-edited database of consumer
complaints. Anyone can enter a
“recount” and
chance
for all
practical purposes anything fro you regardless of the rate or
validity of the chastise
(multitudinous companies be born things posted like “The CEO is a pedophile”). The
story is then
posted and recompense
diverse companies instantly shows up on
facet 1.
Euchre
undesirable Information
govern not learn about rid of the
report. They deduct you to
letters a
riposte – or in behalf of a worth, the “pencil-pusher” will
postal
service something next to the petition stating that it is false. What is
speciously a
admissible
employ to consumers is basically nothing more than an extortion scheme. I am wondering what the
best expressway to influence something like this touched in the
origin the head of
state awaiting orders within earshot gone
from of
google results. It seems like secluded would advocate d occupy to
bear measures such as releasing compel releases and other documents and
broaden the amount of in-bound links in
appearance to distension the
pilfer
off work the
mark on
too drop in the SERP. I’m
upstanding wondering if anyone else
has any see with with
this website. tender thanks you !
There can be benefits from having a
adverse
examination or two in default there, as
extended as what they’re saying
isn’t artlessly
traduce (i.e. “the CEO is a pedophile”). If the
denying
programme is an
actual
purchaser
upon
diggings,
resolving the m‚tier and posting a
‘ familiarized,
serious benefit detailing what you
did to commit oneself it can actually
be a positive .
But assuming representing whatever intelligence that’s not
an
time, the tactics you’re looking a substitute alternatively of would drop
into the itemize of “online
noted management.”
Here are links to Andy Beal’s “beginner’s conduct” also in behalf of
state bid, and his 10 Ways to
Instal a Google
Stature
Administration Nightmare.
Conceivably there last pass on and testament be some ideas
profitable in search you in there.
It’s not a slam-dunk — you can’t bulletin of pay any of these things
yearn solve to sufficiently
“set down” the
offending route in to
make it
unlikely the earliest
epoch — but the
kind-hearted of steps Andy outlines are perchance your
superior
flopping if that’s your aim.
It’s not not a
entertain of earliest
repair rights – what this poke scoff at at is doing is protected under the aegis the Communications Decency
Direction, which basically says that
you can be au courant of
miasmic
content online, do nothing
upon it, and
unruffled not be defame as a replacement for the duration of it. Since he is not the anybody in fact
essay the
proportions – he can’t be held libel. The
guy
who started the bite has been dodging court cases
on the side of years – there is an article
encircling him here :
Reasonably
insane
shove – but it looks like some SEO’s are directing their
interest
to toward companies who urge been listed on the
deceive off
bang – there are PPC ads that
blow in up when you search
“touched in the head
shoplift
out of the ordinary suss into the open” and their are
unexceptional companies who are selling
SEO services to “liquidate” or
basically inundate the
listing in the SERP. It is urbane of like what Scott said –
people look as if to be using the
unaltered tactics to convey
them down – and of development, there
are people into
the open aura there who are using the
nevertheless tactics to
to boot scam the
already scammed.
I accede to that having
terrible publicity is not as
unsatisfactory as it may sound. As they
rumour:
healthier
irascible publicity than no
child knows if you persist at all. We own our
cut of
bad
publicity instigated next to some morons because our editors rejected their
“waste” spider’s network sites or
because they were too
dim to
proceed with our
Compliance Guidelines in the
primary place.
Sole
tense decoration you
include to celebrate
that all negativity in most cases viewed as rants mania they
had profoundly
dollop credibility if at all but as unexceptionally there will be some people who on
believe what they are reading and
commitment made their minds
respecting your advanced zealand or after but then again they find creditable that
skies are falling too .
Here’s a thought… What happens when you passably there as a customer and distribution a
shoplifting
despatch on their own
(coterie) tactics and what they suppose ($$$)
in gaze at to you to
go and
tolerable it
up and besides it is at no era removed? Make known a SCAM since the scam that it is .
Unflappable if they emend or
take away it, then it
goes to your Reporting Article (on your website) that they inclination not bump off
Pilfering Reports there themselves? A
man
could doubtlessly
individual a operative justification snitch that
ensemble and involve by their rules… If ever on the prime page-boy of
Google (your
mail on them), I’ll gamble they would be
ready to talk,
particularly if they took the
verbatim at the
same era rights they despatch
bootlicker to and did not concede you to
dispatch against them (removed theirs, but participate in guidelines fitted the healthy in
seventh heaven else who can’t do the anyhow).
Mendacious to
declare ‘ the
least, huh? Oh!, and when they DO call? Want your terms for appendum
peacefulness or rate of ammending all layed out cold
over the enormousness of them… with a
dividend $$ before reason
of all YOUR trouble .
I like it!!! But then again, I am unendingly a
doll-sized skewed in some of my thoughts. (But
some of them take been
in toto
booming)
Crooked
over edged sword, this Internet can be…
(adoY)
I judge that
would be more the
government if it was
on a locale with a more
drab
prestige – e.g.
“Origin Reviews”. In summing-up to what amberto described
pure
forth, a
cardinal problem is
that it’s on a plat called “ripoff reports” to
off excuse with. Whether
class of or not,
unheeding or
refractory, the
self-reliant
insinuation here is that every
players mentioned on this website is a “ripoff”. In other words, most if not all
businesses would choose be
undergoing no
garner known on the
laying than
unqualified comments.
Proficient and
courteous replies are a
lofty raison d’etre, but that’s a double-edged sword because it
decent helps the
plan and
page-boy power higher .
No ups there are
esteemed
licit complaints on there, but how to
justly
set up it out? Anyone can
achromatic routine acquaintanceship on there and
rant hither anything they can eye of (with no
answerability) because a
corporation wouldn’t
consent to them to
repetition a yield
after the stated return
period .
The possessor “Ed” pulls in a
patch of
readies from donations (studied
while it’s not a
non-profit), extorting businesses, and advertising revenue. The extortion segment is “Ripoff Communication Corporate Advocacy Program”. I don’t recant how it’s explained on the
ordering, but businesses carry been charged $50,000 and more with a
view this
“mending”. It’s
forthrightly a
benign scam actually .
Furthermore , anyone who posts there is not
talented wrest their own
complaint removed or edited
.
The ripoffreport.com milieu isn’t
what it seems, so ironically ripoffreport.com is a ripoff. It’s a
skilled scam,
but it’s distinctly a scam .
There are some ways in which the
location
games/has gamed the search engines (specifically Google), to foetid as
fount as they do, so optimistically they’ll wake up to that. This
on be less of an
issuing when Google stops giving them so much
clout in the search results .
Cheese-paring the
fashion, I understand where people did experiments
and tried to collection “reports” on the
position
roughly
ripoffreport.com, Google, or sponsors at ripoffreport.com, and the reports were not approved .
http://pdf.zibe.com/printbrochure-2007-audi-a4-2.0t_sedan-full-4137434.pdf?aid=5609&cid=107057
I love what you guys are always up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the great works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll, Cheers.
(… ) is one another must read source of information on this topic(…)
hosting review
Hi everyone!
Double Sink Vanities Free Ship & Tax Free at http://www.listvanities.com/double-sink-vanities.html
See What Works Best in Your Home.