Television vs. the Internet
Latest Update in the World of Ninetyandnine
For those of you saddened over the departure of the witty, insightful and highly intelligent Southampton from his blog, cheer up! Starting today, the good folks over at ninetyandnine are offering a new blog which will feature the life of one different Apostolic per month. January’s blogger is Sarah Holland, and I like her already. Go check her out here.
Moving on to Today’s Entry . . .
One of my alert readers sent me this very interesting article about TV and Internet use. According to the article, avid Internet users spend more time clicking the mouse than a remote. These findings couldn’t help but make me think of the ever-raging controversy over TV vs. the Internet in ninetyandnine’s own Letters section.
Back when the UPC faced the critical decision of whether or not to advertise/broadcast on television, I was not against the idea, but skeptical as to how effective it would be. Those disappointed with the decision made can take new heart; perhaps the Internet – rather than television – is where the future of advertising and information distribution lies. The article states that over 75% of the nation has access to the web, while surfers spend 43% of their time browsing for information.
Now that television is not an option for evangelism in the Apostolic church – or at least its largest organization – perhaps we should consider widening the scope of Internet ministry. We can learn a lesson or two from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who is quite effectively utilizing the Internet to build up good PR for its organization and subtly communicating its own values. Catchy 30-second radio and television ads on family values invites viewers and hearers to its website, where they can access more information on building healthy families. In doing so, there are also non-obtrusive links off to the side where interested parties can find out more about the organization and its beliefs.
Please don’t think of this as a plug for the Mormon church – if I agreed with the beliefs of Mormonism, I wouldn’t be blogging for you guys! However, they are one example of what classy Internet advertising looks like. Can the Apostolic church use the Internet in broader and more effective ways to get its message out? Certainly! Is it a substitute for more effective means, such as word of mouth and a genuine move of God in its churches? Certainly not! However, since the Internet is certainly the place to be these days; we should consider showing up in full force as well.
<< Home