Are we on our way to creating a moral anarchy?

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Barbed wire and sky

Photo: 4seasons, stock.xchng

In order to safeguard our free society we limit that freedom by criminalising certain actions that threaten that freedom, such as murder, theft and burglary. Freedom is granted within the borders of the law.

We have international laws and treaties dictating how states should behave. We have civil laws dictating what we’re allowed to do. Breaking these laws have repercussions because it threatens peace, freedom, democracy and our individual rights. We need these laws to have any level of civilisation, democracy and freedom. Without the laws we’d have a chaotic anarchy. Continue reading →

The power of reputation stopped even God

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God's reputation stopped Him from destroying the people. Instead they had to wait for 40 years in the desert. Photo: Piotr Menducki, stock.xchng

God’s reputation stopped Him from destroying the people. Instead they had to wait for 40 years in the desert. Photo: Piotr Menducki, stock.xchng

In a time where communication is instant and global through social media our online activities can build or ruin a reputation. Building it takes time, but social media offer us great tools to connect and build relationships. Ruining is quick.

I came upon an event in the Book of Numbers that shows that even God has to think about His reputation. In Numbers 13-14 the Israelites have left Egypt and are on the border of Canaan. Their scouts have reported that the people living in Canaan are too strong, and the people decide to return to Egypt.

God’s initial idea is to destroy the Israelites with a plague and create a new people from Moses. But Moses reminds God what the consequences of destroying the people would be: Continue reading →

How social media is changing you

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How social media is changing you

Image from youtoart.com

You’ve probably read how social media is changing the world. Let’s bring that global change down to your context, by asking yourself: how is social media changing you? I’ll share some changes from my life as an example how social media changes and influences almost  every aspect of my life. Let’s see what aspects of your life are influenced by social media. Continue reading →

ABC of social media

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ABC of social media

Photo: Peter Galbraith, stock.xchng

Here’s my take on the ABC of social media.

A – Automation. Tools for automation are great, but don’t use them to the point where you’re no longer present on your social media accounts. I use Buffer.
B – Beware of trolls, scams and such.
C – Consistency. Focus your content and be consistent.
D – Determine your goals. It helps you to focus on what you set out to do. Continue reading →

Does your website present or represent you?

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Does a visitor meet you or your brand in the digital flesh on your website, or just a flat shadow or reflection? Photo: stock.xchng, lizerixt

Does a visitor meet you or your brand in the digital flesh on your website, or just a flat shadow or reflection? Photo: stock.xchng, lizerixt

It’s only two letters, but the difference is significant between presentation and representation. Let’s start by looking at what the dictionary says. Then I’ll point out the difference in a website context.

Present formally introduce (someone) to someone else
 
Represent be entitled or appointed to act or speak for (someone), especially in an official capacity

from oxforddictionaries.com

What presentation means

I work in a church, so I’ll base this on church websites, but I think you can translate this to your context. A typical church website contains:
  • A calendar presenting the schedule for church activities and services
  • Pages presenting the activities and groups in the church
  • A page presenting the doctrine of the church
  • A page presenting the priests, laymen and leaders of the church and their contact information
As you can see, it’s all about presenting, not representing. Do you want a website that is presenting you–introduces you, or your brand? Or do you want a website that is representing you–entitled to act and speak for you in an official capacity? Continue reading →