2.23.2011

Curse you Shane Hipps! - Intentionality Online

Alright, don't worry - I don't hate Shane Hipps.  It's more that I don't like changing.  Hipps wrote this recent article which disrupted my normal internet habits.  Give it a glance, as it is definitely worth the read. 

Since then, I have spent lots of time reconsidering what my own online presence should look like.  When I was honest with myself, I began to see immaturity in my social media outlets.  Facebook simply became a way to show off my photos and let people know how "cool" I was. I didn't feel like I could be honest there or it may mess up my "image." 

While Twitter was fun for a while, it became clear how little those hundreds of (actually) great quotes did not really effect me.  Twitter doesn't want to slow down and focus on deep meaning; it wants new, trendy, and fast.

Intentionality is Key
So, for the past few months, I have tried to really be intentional in those areas about what I'm sharing, and why.  Now, that campaign is trickling down to this blog. 
In my reflection, I believe I have been trying to do too much with this blog.  I want to write music reviews, share about small victories, and post links to lolcats.  But, it's time to slim things down.  To give focus here, I have come up with a purpose statement for my blog.  Cheesy?  Maybe.  But, my hope is that my posts will be much more useful when focused on a few points, not everything that comes through my brain.

Without further ado, The Purpose Statement:
There are three things I want to write about on bryceTHINK:  1. Lessons I have/am learning 2. Truths I have realized 3. Awareness of world events / injustices.

The first two are for teaching others and edification.  Also, the casual reader may have noticed that I haven't focused on that last one, but it is fast becoming a passion of mine.

Therefore, no more funny links, crazy ideas, or music lyrics will be posted.  But, my hope is that this really cuts down on the clutter and inspires me to write regularly on important things that I care about.

Before I go, I ask you to think about this question: "Why do I use social media?"  In my own view, I saw much pride and narcisism even in my most "Christian" moments.  "Look at this cool quote I found! Check out how much fun I am having with my friends! Jealous?" 

Recognizing the problem is the first step, so from here on out I want to focus these technologies for intentional, positive purposes. 

"If we learn to wake up and understand, perhaps we will be able to use [Twitter, Facebook] rather than be used by them." - Shane Hipps

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