Communicators - Blog

Make Signs Count

2008-07-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

Unless you're new to your community, you probably barely notice the signs around your church. As a person still fairly new to southeastern Minnesota and even newer to the community in which I now live, I can guarantee that they are not unimportant to other people. Rev. Linda Gunderson, synod minister, wrote a River Crossings column on the subject of signage because of how important she feels it is.

I also came across a blog post from Church Relevance that might give you some useful tips. The most important one is location. One suggestion from the post is:

You’ve got to get up and walk around, asking yourself with every step: What will visitors be doing here? Where will their eyes be focused when they stand here? And what will they be thinking about over there?

Summarizing the rest of the tips is basically keeping it simple and visual so people get the idea quick. A full reading may only be 2-3 seconds - will they get the idea that quickly?

Read the post for more tips...

How We Read Online

2008-06-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

I've seen things online before about how people read online that I just CAN'T focus on.

How am I supposed to believe someone who can't follow their own advice?

I'll admit that writing for the web isn't my strong suit, which is why I might print this article by Michael Agger and read it over and over.

The article I'm talking about highlights the things we need to do to make our online information readable. This is essential to any of you working on your congregation's website. I would argue that it's also important for those writing for print. A few tips:

Bulleted lists
Bold print
Helpful headings
Short paragraphs

are some of the things that are also important for print. My belief is that print reading habits (at least in information-gathering reading, not pleasure reading) are moving in the direction of web reading.

The biggest problem with the article in reference is that it is rather long in screen space. If you can make it past the point where the author admits he probably is losing readers, you can make it through the whole thing and pick up some helpful tips.

Check it out now.

In case you don't - my number one tip having read it:

People are sniffing out real information online, don't focus on the fluff!

Online Video Formats

2008-06-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

This may step ahead of many of us technologically, but I found it very helpful to know. You may want to know it, save it, or pass it on to a person who might work with it.

In the first ever edition of Christian Video Magazine, Augstin Moore, president/owner of Streaming for Jesus, wrote an article praising the benefits of streaming video in flash.

As a proud new owner of not one, but TWO Mac computers (ok, I only OWN one, the other is my work computer), this rang true for me. To boil it down and highlight the parts that will make sense to the less tech savvy, basically flash is a fairly universal player. If you're used to using Windows, you have probably watched some kind of video in Windows Media Player. You can also get players like QuickTime and Real Player for your PC. Mac comes pre-installed with QuickTime. Then there's Linux, another operating system with it's own settings and capabilities. Flash can be used directly in a web browser on ALL of these.

Moore also explains how it saves time as the file only needs to be saved as one file type for all users.

His explanation is much more in depth, so I suggest if you are to the point of putting video online that this might be an important article to read.

Writing for Print vs. Web

2008-06-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

How many of us copy and paste the information from our print publications into our electronic ones? I'll admit it, I'm guilty. Take a few minutes and update a few key things, though, and you'll get more attention to your online material!

This tips are a summary from Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox, June 9, 2008:

Basically think of print as a passive medium that people with time sit down to see what's going on and the web as a tool that people use to search out the answer.

From there, let's start with titles. Creative titles are fun and can work when the text and images are right there, but if you're putting a title somewhere without the info or want people to catch it with a search engine, leave the creativity behind. Use simple phrases with words that literally apply. You should be able to tell what the story is about just by reading the title.

Second, don't tell stories in your online information. Just get to the point and answer their question.

Nielsen even advocates for simplicity overruling well-crafted sentences. Think back to "classic" literature - writers used to be a lot more verbose and eloquent than they are now and web is moving even farther in that direction.

In summary - web means the READER is in charge and wants to fill in certain holes in their knowledge, print means they'll let YOU tell them what they should know.

Anyone want to provide an example or suggest a title or sentence for a re-write? Feel free in the comments!

Green Goals

2008-06-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

Whether you're looking to "green" your congregation's communications, you're sick of seeing waste as you spend your days in the church, or you know there's a committee in the congregation working on green efforts, read on. Actually, if you have ANY kinds of goals, this may be helpful.

When I was at the Religion Communicator's Council convention last April I attended a session on greening communications by Cassandra Carmichael of the National Council of Churches. If you start looking at your communications, your office, or the entire congregation, you'll find LOTS of things that you're doing "wrong." Rather than become overwhelmed, take these steps towards your goals:

Start small. Check out short, specific lists like those in the Simply Greener books: 101 Simple Things You Can Do TODAY to Help Save the Planet and 101 Simple Things You & Your Family Can Do TODAY to Help Save the Planet.
Make them concrete. Bad example: Use less electricity. Good example: Set office computers to "sleep" when you're gone from the desk for a few minutes.
Make them visible. This reminder will not only help you remember to do what it is you're doing, it will also give you a sense of accomplishment. For example, when a school did a drive to cut down catalog deliveries by having students enter unwanted catalog information into Catalog Choice's website, they stacked up the unwanted catalogs.
Don't do it by yourself. It's easier to remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room if someone else is there to remind you and to turn them off if you do happen to forget.
Celebrate accomplishments. What good is a goal if you never get something done? What good is getting something done if you can't enjoy it?

You're more likely to get something done if you write down your goals and follow these (or similar) steps, so what are you waiting for? Set a goal!

WWJD?

2008-05-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

Looking through today's issue of of The Lutheran's weekly e-newsletter, I saw an interesting article about Campus Ministry's use of Facebook. Two thousand plus years ago Jesus was networking in the ways of the time, so what would he do in the age of computers?

Facebook has allowed people around the world, including religious connections like Campus Ministry, to connect to talk and share about common interests, gather people for events, promote causes, and stay connected with one another.

How could a congregation use Facebook? Maybe connect the young people who are on there anyway. Share photos from recent events. Invite group members to an event. Hold a study-type discussion. Connect committees to discuss outside of meeting times.

Sometimes the way it's "always been done" needs some looking at and sometimes where people already are is a completely new place!

I should add one quick disclaimer though. There was another article in the same e-newsletter on communication. The subtitle is "The gospel is, after all, a message." Many things can complicate a message, so before jumping into any new communication technique, take a moment to consider if it might confuse your audience more than help them.

If you have any comments on using Facebook or any other new technologies, or if anything like this has worked for you, let us know by posting a comment!

What to do about the "X"?

2008-05-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

You may have thought I was dead, but really I just got distracted from the blog. I'm back now, and will be devoting myself to more regular posts! It'd be nice to have a blow-you-out-of-the-water post for my first one back, but we'll settle for useful!

If you've ever gotten an e-mail attachment with a file that ends in something like .docx or .xlsx and it doesn't open right OR if you Microsoft Office 2007 - listen up.

These file extensions are from Office 2007. If you have pre-2007 office, your programs won't recognize them, but your computer should prompt you to download a conversion program. This is safe, go ahead and download. It saves the "please send this to me in a different format" conversations.

For those who have Office 2007, when sending files, it would probably be easier to save them as .doc, .xls, etc. files. Again, eliminating conversations and confusion of those who aren't as current as you. There should be a drop-down box (box with a down arrow on the right side) to change the file type. You can also change the settings to always save as a different file type. If anyone can answer the "how to" question, please chime in with a comment, otherwise I'll get back to you once we upgrade (later this year?).

For those considering the switch to 2007, it is considerably different. If you only know how to use your programs because you memorize how to do things, it might not be right for you. If you don't mind spending some time exploring your new programs, I hear there are some new things that might be worthwhile! I'll let you know!

PS. Anyone have any other comments on Office 2007?

Balancing Tech Savvy and Not-so-Savvy

2008-01-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

Trying to find balance between people for whom online activity is second nature and those who only dabble is difficult. Here are just a few basic rules that I see violated a lot - both for the techies in talking to the non-techies and the non-techies in how to behave in an online world:

Follow directions and look around - "Intuitive" is such a silly term because intuition is so different for each person. Feel free to actually read directions (if given) and explore (Google can be your friend) both for the content your looking for and help on how-to's. Following directions also means putting appropriate things in appropriate places. I have received e-mails where the content (or at least important information) is in the SUBJECT line, not the body. The SUBJECT line is for the SUBJECT. The body or message area is for the actual content and many people (or at least me...) don't read subjects every time, leaving them scratching their head trying to figure out what you're talking about.
Give directions - For those who are used to staring at their computer more than human faces, remember that many others don't understand computers the way that you do. Offer as many directions as you can (in non-tech language). Feel free to link to them or point people to them so they don't clutter up your content too much, but remember that the people you're directing are there because they don't know what you're talking about.
Explain yourself - This goes for both sides. Techies can see #2, but it also applies to not saying things like "Click on the URL." Many will say, "What's a URL?" Keep your language non-techy for the most part. Remember the audience! Non-techies, this means that techies can't help you unless you full explain the problem (even if it's not in techy language). Saying "it doesn't work" elicits a "what do you mean?" response.
Balance the info - Don't dupliate something that's already been given (for example, the date need not go in the subject or body of an e-mail because it's automatically a separate line), but don't leave out helpful instructions just because it's obvious to you.

A Philosophical Look at the Internet

2007-12-06T11:28:00.000-08:00

For any of you that are pastors or other type of educators, or who work with such people, and are interested in how we approach the existance of new technologies, The Soul in Cyberspace might be a good book to check out. First let me say that I have not personally read this book, so if anyone has or does, please feel free to comment with reviews you have.

This book does not address the "how to" of technologies, but rather what it means that we use them, how it has affected our perception/approach to truth, and how it affects our soul. As I said, I haven't read it, so I can't give you too many more details, but the basic concept could make a great starting point for a Sunday school, confirmation, adult forumn, or other type of educational discussion dealing with how we use the internet and what role we let it play in our lives!

How to Seal a Newsletter

2007-12-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

You print your newsletter, you fold them up, then stick them shut so they stay folded. I have a feeling many congregations just take the tape dispenser, seal their newsletters, and send them away. Have you ever tried to actually open a newsletter sealed this way?

Don't get me wrong, tape can be just fine, but some clear tapes are not designed to rip very easily and guess what, THEY DON'T! To save your members a headache (and reduce the chances of them ripping the newsletter to shreds either by trying to open it or through frustration), test out your tape. If you need a sharp object to open it, get different tape or try perforated seals, like the ones from Communication Resources.

Effective Communication: A Guide for Congregations

2007-11-28T09:10:00.000-08:00

An ongoing project in the ELCA is a guide to effective communication for congregations. This resource is available online at www.elca.org/communication/effectivecommunication.html. Make sure to click on the table of contents link and look through the information currently available.

This is just one of many resources available to communicators. Visit the synod communicators' resource page for a list of many other resources.

Importance of Being Linked

2007-11-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time I saw "Links" pages on websites and hated them. I don't care what websites you like to go to. Now, however, I understand why they exist, though I stll prefer to achieve the same goal in other ways.

Have you ever wondered how Google and other search engines decide what results to show you when you search for something? There's actually a very complicated system to determine ranking, but one of the many factors includes how often a site is linked from other sites. If your site is linked to from other sites (preferably other sites that Google et al. like), then you will be liked better because it makes you look legitimate. Basically you're cool because others think your cool.

This is one of the reasons that the synod has a page listing all the congregations' websites and why, as often as possible, a congregation's website is linked when the name appears on the synod website.

Why do you want to be liked? Well, if your website is only for your members, it doesn't really matter. If, however, you want people to find you if they search for your town name and "church" or "Lutheran church" or even "Grace Lutheran Church" (in case you didn't know, there are MANY), then you'd rather be liked.

To make sure you're taking advantage of linking, here are some ideas:

Most importantly, check out the synod listing to make sure your congregation's site is known.
When you fill out your congregational report this year, include your website (this will get it listed on the ELCA.org congregation finder.
See if your local Chamber of Commerce has a website that will list congregations.
If your congregation has separate sites (for example, if the youth have their own site) link the sites to each other.
Suggest to members that they include your site on their personal webpages, MySpace or Facebook profiles, or anywhere else they are online.
Keep your eyes and ears open for any other opportunities to list your site.

Just as being popular in school isn't the end-all-be-all of life, neither is being popular with Google, but it sure helps!

The Church and Web Technology

2007-10-31T12:08:00.000-07:00

So you haven't heard from me in weeks and now I'm posting twice in one day. Ironic I know, but I came across this right after posting the last one and just wanted to share it.

We have talked more and more in the past few years about the importance of technology for the church. The article linked below talks about how technology has changed religion in this century and some websites that have been part of the process, including GodTube (similar to YouTube with Christian-based content), the fastest-growing site on the Web, and MyChurch.org, a Facebook-like social networking site for churches and Christians. We've talked about the possibilities of GoogleVideo and YouTube for publishing video as well as MySpace and Facebook for networking, so you may want to check some of these sites out for other alternatives. MyChurch.org could even serve as a free website for your church if you're not ready for your own site yet!

Now, to the point, the article is God Goes Online from MSN. Enjoy!

Public Records vs. News

2007-10-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

Many times we get confused between what the records of the church are versus what is actually the news of the church when we publish our newsletters (and sometimes even bulletins). Remember that these items are meant to be engaging and serve the purpose of informing congregation members. Council or other committee minutes, lists of what happened, and (especially!) expense records are NOT news. Those are records that your congregation should have access to, so feel free to publish their location, but don't publish them as is.

Instead, publish the highlights. One example I see frequently is a page dedicated to, "the women of the church did a. b. c. last month" or the youth met six times in September. Yeah, so? Read your local newspaper for examples of how to write something newsworthy. Below is a basic rundown of what to think about:

What of this is actually interesting versus just something that shouldn't be kept secret (often our fear when NOT publishing something)?
What is the most important information? This should go first. Details and quotes can follow.
Are there other bits from the meeting/group/etc. that could be listed at the end of the story to tie in and inform but not be the focus of the story?

And finally, you know this stuff but can't get it through to the people that give you the information? You're not alone. Feel free to share this with them!

Variety of Communications

2007-09-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

What kinds of communications does your congregation have? Newsletter, bulletin, website, posters/flyers, verbal announcements, among other options. This is a pretty standard list because many congregations do the same things and on the same schedule, just with small differences.

As the program year gets underway, it's a good time to look at the communication vehicles you use. Just because most congregations do a monthly print newsletter doesn't mean every one should. Just because everyone else is getting a web presence doesn't mean a website is necessary for every congregation. Explore new methods but only consider ones that will benefit your congregation.

Some new ideas include starting a congregation e-mail list for a weekly e-newsletter or just periodic reminders and announcements, shortening your newsletter, sending out really short weekly newsletters, or starting a page on MySpace instead of a website.

Looking for ways to evaluate how well your current communication works? Think about a communication audit! The Southeastern Minnesota Synod Communicators will meet to discuss this on September 13.

ELCA Helps Promote Your Congregation

2007-08-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the ELCA offers print ads and TV and Radio public service announcements for use by congregations? The ELCA communication page includes all of this content.

The print ads were designed for newspaper placement, but there are other possibilities for their use as well. Use the different sizes available to create posters, bulletin inserts, door-hangers, fliers and direct mail pieces. The ads are designed with space at the bottom for your congregation’s address and phone number, worship schedule, Web site, or any other information you think your audience may need to find you.

Use the video and radio public service announcements as a part of your congregation's evangelism ministry by placing them on your local stations. These talk about God's love, prayer, parenting, and thinking about important questions in our lives.

Getting Found on Google Maps

2007-08-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be great if people visiting your congregaion could actually FIND you? You can actually add your congregation's location and information to Google Maps. It's a simple process of filling out a web form. Note that some congregations in our synod may not work yet as the new rural addressing system is taking a while to update, but still give it a try!

E-mail Etiquette

2007-07-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I get an inbox full of e-mails everyday. Though I like the "one-touch" method (only handling something once, deal with it the first time and be done) to save time, it doesn't always happen, especially with e-mail. To help counter this, I tend to go through e-mails quickly, deleting ones that don't seem worthwhile. I was overjoyed to see an article on MSN today about the very things that cause me to bull the delete-button-trigger. Below are a few quick notes on irritating e-mail habits, but for a full report - including the reasonings for each - make sure to read the full article. There are links to 4 parts of a "Be Less Annoying Series" - don't forget to click on them!

ALL CAPITALS
Long or obscure subjects
No subject
More "forwards" than "real" e-mails (especially the urban legends ones, check Snopes.com before sending, but generally assume any forwards are fake anyway) - ok that was mostly my own comment!
HUGE e-mails (as in ones that have been forwarded or replied to so many times it fills up your entire inbox)
Long signatures
No signature
> > > > > When
> > > > > > messages
> > > > > > > are
> > > > > > > > forwarded
> > > > > > > > > too
> > > > > > > > > > many
> > > > > > > > > > > times (just delete!)
Sharing e-mail addresses (who is this coming from?)
E-mails with one loooooooooooong paragraph instead of several short ones
What's the point? Summaraize or say right away.
And one more of my own - Who are you anyway? If I don't know you or know why I should care about what you have to say, you better tell me!

Use these, share these, or send this link to someone who drives you crazy!

Buyer Beware - Questionable Customer Service in Ad Company

2007-06-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

Some congregations in our synods have been solicited by a company selling ad space in flyers for restaurants. Despite having a credible local reference, at least one local congregation has had a very bad experience with them, neither getting what they paid for nor a refund.

The purpose of this space is not to complain about every last poor customer service experience (let me know if you want to hear some, I've got plenty!), but this is one company that you may want to stay away from.

The company goes under several names, including Northwest Publishing, Table Topics, Trivia Page, NWP and Table Topics Inc.

If you want more details, contact Kristin Knudson, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 507-289-1841 or communications@gloria-dei.com.

2008 ELCA Communicators' Conference

2007-04-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

We've talked before about the great opportunity to attend the ELCA Communicators' Conference in Chicago. The dates for the 2008 event are now set - August 7 - 10, 2008. Mark your calendars now and start exploring your options to see if you can go.

The 2006 cost was $500 per person, and we may be able to coordinate free transportation.

So get out the calendars, pick up the phone or send that e-mail, but I probably wouldn't start packing your bags just yet!

Photobucket to Share Photos and Video

2007-03-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you're the last to know about the new "it" website? Well, you may not be the first, but you are the 38 million and second person to know about this one (38 million members so far, then I found out, and now you!).

There are online sites that offer to host your photos, host your videos, or host your blog, but sometimes they won't do more than one. Photobucket is a site that is quietly growing in popularity, particularly among those who use social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook. If you're looking for a way to store your congregations photos or video clips, check them out at Photobucket.com. Also, read what CCN has to say about "The biggest Web site you've never heard of."

Share "Common Knowledge"

2007-03-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

You've been in your congregation so long that you know everyone and everything in the life of the church. Too bad not everyone does.

As I continue to experience being new to a congregation and as I read newsletters from around the synod, I see a lot of things that leave me wondering what's going on. My suggestion today is twofold:

1. When putting a blurb in a newsletter or bulletin, include all relevant information. Don't just say, "Sign your kids up for Sunday school. Talk to Sandy." I have no idea what that means. For this announcement, say something more like "Sign your kids ages 3-13 up for Sunday school (Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 10 a.m.) by August 20. Talk to Sandy Smith or call the church office at 555-1234" (I left Sandy's information out in case she doesn't want her phone number published). This announcement isn't much longer, but it tells people a little more about who to talk to and gives them another way if they don't know Sandy.

The other part of including all relevant information is explaining what an event is. Don't just say "Come to the bazaar this Saturday." Some people may not know what a bazaar is, or what your congregation's bazaar is like. Tell them!

2. There is a lot of knowledge in a church that isn't shared regularly because it is ongoing. For example, a lot of people may not know about your alter guild or cemetery board because these committees do their thing, and aren't really talked about like the congregation council might be. Consider highlighting some of these groups in your newsletters once in a while or even on bulletin boards in the church. Maybe include a "Did you know?" column in your newsletter and share one piece of "common knowledge" every month. Keep it short, though, many of your readers are still the "oldies but goodies" (the people who DO know EVERYthing) and they probably already know this info.

A Special Place for Details

2007-02-26T13:17:00.000-08:00

You know that place in magazines, usually on the same page as the table of contents or maybe the editor's contribution, that includes the publication's name, contact information, the editor(s)' name and information, etc.? This is the standard for many publications, but not always for church publications.

Make sure you have one consistent place for all the important information in your newsletter and on your website. Below is a checklist for things to include:

Church name
Address (include city, state and zip)
Phone number
Fax number (optional)
General church e-mail (if applicable)
Key players for the church (pastor(s), music director, Sunday school director, council president maybe, etc.) - on a website this is probably a separate page.
YOUR information (this can be included with the above, but make sure it specifies that you're the editor and you probably want it to be near or duplicated by the following...) - I have included a "Questions about this website, contact..." bit on EVERY page of our website.
Newsletter deadlines - good to have somewhere on a website.

The last two are the real inspiration for this post, though the others are really important too. I see many newsletters that don't tell me how to contact the person responsible for the content. Don't assume that your members know who should get the information or how you want to get it. And yes, you should repeat that every month.

While we're on the subject, you should consider adding footers to the bottom of every page (except the first page). Include the church's name and/or the publication's name and the page number. Especially if folding disorients the reader a little, this will help them know where they are. Including the church name helps them remember what they reading and where it came from if they should take a page out or copy it.

Happy editing!

Identify Yourself!

2007-02-12T07:13:00.000-08:00

This tip is for anyone who communicates by e-mail, not just those labeled "communicators." When you e-mail someone, make sure you identify yourself! I may just need to vent after several e-mails in the last few weeks violated this courtesy, but that does not diminish the importance of this simple act.

Remeber that if you're e-mailing someone you have never e-mailed or for whom that is the slightest change he or she may not immediately identify you, include your name and your connection to him or her in the BODY OF THE MESSAGE. I emphasize that because some people rely on their e-mail address to identify their name for them, but that does not suffice. The only time you can get away with not identifying your name is when replying to a message. You can also use your own judgement for close relationships.

The messages I have received recently that are particularly troublesome are the ones in which people ask their information to be published, but I don't know who they are, what their organization is (and how it would connect to the synod), or why I should publish their information. My inclination in these circumstances is to just hit "delete."

So remember:
Unless it's completed
You might get deleted!

KISS

2007-02-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

As our minds turn to chocolates, flowers, and other forms of romance, let's think about applying the KISS principle to your communication:

Keep
It
Simple
S____ (stupid, silly, etc.)

When was the last time you sat down with a newsletter to really take your time and read it? Or when was the last time you read the full, four-page long story on the internet?

In an age where we're constantly rushing and millions of things are competing for our attention, getting your message across simply and unhindered by fancy designs is of the utmost importance.

We're also faced with fancy new technologies that allow us to use 87 different fonts in each newsletter and have amazing animated graphics on our websites. In reality, these things just distract from our message.

Say the message, cut out the fluff, use a simple, attractive design, and move on with life. It makes your job faster and more effective.