The Bloggernacle Dilemma

There was a time when the blog group known as "Bloggernacle," that is a play on Tabernacle if anyone doesn't already know, was a very busy place. It didn't take long for comments to be piled up on each other. This was especially the case with big group blogs and those that started the trend. Even now they get a good sized participation, but not nearly as much as in the past. Many of the single blogs have dropped down to one or two comments when an article is posted. Still other blogs have simply dimmed away and have not been replaced. All this could be chalked up to the season, but it has been going on for several months.

Several questions could be asked about this, although no actual study has been done. It could very well be subjective observation. It’s not as if this blog ever generated much of a buzz. Yet, there are several "regular" reads that are not producing much work, if any at all.

Possibly those who participate have become bored by the community chat. Sometimes it does seem that topics are picked over time and again. What could be said by most has probably already been said. This is not to say new and interesting posts have not been written, but they have become rare. Then again, that is another subjective observation that can easily be rejected. The more controversial topics become a feeding frenzy that quickly dies down filled with the usual suspects.

Another probability is the "circle the wagon" syndrome, where readers latch on to particular blogs and don't explore others. This is reasonable considering the number of blogs out there to be read. Having to read every one of them in a list and commenting on them, especially with something to say, could be a full time job. It could also be a fun challenge for at least a week. Considering the seeming downshift of the Bloggernacle, perhaps it wouldn't be so hard at this time. There is the idea that "diversification" of single writer blogs have inundated the reader and siphoned off simple commentors. This doesn't seem to be the answer as, again, there aren’t a lot of new faces.

It isn't that any of this is of importance to the real world. There have been a few who, for various reasons, see the Bloggernacle as a kind of support group. What is at issue is all the predictions made early on about the promise of the whole venture. No longer would a person be stuck only with a set of real world people who probably don't have the same interests or needs. Particularly with Latter-day Saints, a more open and talkative "Ward" would develop that gets past simple Sunday School discussions. The blog is especially suited for the "create your own systematic theology" that Mormonism often exhibits. Of course the danger is sometimes not telling apart the orthodox from the speculative and worse. That is partly why the "Straight and Narrow Blog" was created; to offer a more controlled discussion and topic check. It evolved to have a less defensive posture, but still remains faithful to the LDS Church and its teachings. It seems "The Blogger of Jared morphed into the intentions of this blog.

Where does the Bloggernacle go from here? That depends on the reality of the observation. It could move to another place. Writers could spread out and try to make a niche for themselves. Only the strongest and most popular could survive - with a few determined stragglers. Like Web Pages before it, the blog could be replaced by a new Internet communication structure. Yet, it could be the slowing down is just a short trend that will pick back up with time. As the saying goes, only the future can tell.

The Roles We Play

This is a copy of a post I wrote for "Blogger of Jared."

There are many roles available for people to pick and choose to define themselves and others. Sometimes there is more than one role we are actively playing at a time. There are even circumstances when one role is in direct contradiction to others. It can often become confusing.

Despite all of the various ways to define a person, there is always the chance we could label with too broad a brush. The worst scenario is stereotyping; where expectations are imagined without considering all other possibilities. This can stifle any chance of getting to know a person beyond what has already been decided. Jesus was a master at looking at a person who already had a particular "reputation" and seeing if there was something more:

7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

Announcement: Book of Mormon Blog Symposium

I would like to announce a blog symposium here with the Book of Mormon as the subject matter. This would include more than simple Sunday School lessons or testimonials. What I am intending is some short analysis of one of the 15 books, main and unique message of one of the prophets, or a topic that is not usually discussed. The intention is based on my belief that the Book of Mormon has been read by millions, but understood by few in its scope. Discussion will include:

- New essays written by me about the purpose of the Book of Mormon and what we can learn from its words.

- A variety of guest posts presenting different veiwpoints for a more in-depth look at this ancient scripture for modern readers.

- Discussions about blog articles from around the bloggernacle that touch on Book of Mormon teachings.

If you would like to participate by including your own essays, e-mail a request to "melanath@yahoo.com" to join the symposium. Include a short (2 to 3 sentence) description of what you would like to write. The short essay will be posted at my "Straight and Narrow Blog" with your byline and site link if you have one.


The Book of Mormon Blog Symposium will go from Sunday, Sept. 17 to Wednesday Oct. 25, with a new article published each Sunday and Wednesday. Come over to read and make your own comments during this project.

Apologetics: Vacuous Study of Minutiae

Looking through other blogs, I am always on the lookout for any place to add to my roster. As stated a few times, my interests are in the more conservative and orthodox writers. There are some that I visit nearly on a regular basis, but have not listed. This isn't from any lack of agreeable positions. While questioning why I don't link to them, my thoughts drift to an opinion I have had for some time. Apologetics (of the "Mormon" kind) has been very interesting and useful. My personal library contains a few of my favorites. Ultimately, however, they seem to be lacking in spiritual benefits.

Some examples of sites that I go to and sometimes enjoy, but don't link include Mormanity, SHIELDS, and FARMS where apologetics are the main subject. Another example that doesn't seem to fit my interest is No Death Before the Fall as a one note discussion even if more conservative in orthodoxy (I am not sure if I agree with it's position). All of these touch more or less on the idea of refuting the critics and doubters of the LDS faith. Yet, I don't feel an overwhelming need to read them beyond an occasional peek.

With some soul searching I have concluded that much of what they say does not touch me at a root level. Sure, FARMS has been a lifelong obsession with me. What it doesn't do is make me want to live my life any better or closer to God than before I read most of the material. The reason for this is hard to put down on paper. My guess is that they don't study the actual teachings of the Scriptures or provide guidance for those looking for meaning behind doctrines and teachings.

There are some instances where apologetics goes beyond the mere esoteric, theoretical, and intellectual. Half of Hugh Nibley's writings for me have more than the mere mosaic of evidence, and say things about humanity and our spiritual relation to God. His predecessors often don't have that same grasp of the importance of what they are trying to defend. At least not in their writings. They list this discovery and talk about that similarity with the detached excitement of spectators.

Improving the dialogue in apologetics is a tricky proposition. On the one hand, they don't exist to deliver sermons or moral lessons. It is a blunt instrument meant to block the blows of other blunt weapons against faith. In some ways the subject matter is determined by "the enemies" goals and arguments. Yet, they are dealing with faith and religion where morality and theology are what make the fight important. That should at least make those engaged in the business think of things better to say than what kind of swords people carried. Many people might be able to recognize instances of parallelism, but how many can explain the meaning of the teachings between the lines? It can be a vacuous study of minutiae.

Such poor conditions of an otherwise robust and professional endeavor have given me pause. They are an important part of my faith development, but do not contribute much to the enlargement of my soul. I wish those in the apologetics business success and I will continue to read them whenever they catch my interest. They have my deepest respect and gratitude. I would just like it to become more inspirational.

Putting a Toe back in the Water

It has been about a month since I last wrote anything. After so much work (and it does take time to do these things if you are doing them right) I felt a need to back away. There were too many other things that were more importance in my life. Not that there wasn't time enough for blogging and doing something else. Rather, I was emotionally drained from writing what was essentially ignored. My motivations for keeping the blog going were challenged. Finally, I decided to take a break to question why I was working so hard with limited results.

slight rant: At first I was going to be a voice for the bloggernacle's disenfranchised Conservative voice. It didn't backfire, as much as fizzle. I blame this partly on the Mormon Archipelego where if you aren't on that, you aren't getting noticed. I tried to have my blog placed on at least the nasceant section, sending an e-mail to the exclusive club. Alas, the "powers that be" didn't even have the courtesy of writing back saying not interested. I even sent a short-short story to "Popcorn Popping" and didn't get any "return-to-sender" message. Is there a conspiracy? I don't know.

However, I am going to give this another try. My new motivation is simply that I am a writer. No matter who reads or doesn't read my stuff, there is no way for me to get away from my passion. Not that I was ever away from typing what was in my mind. The time I wasn't here, my computer keyboard was busy editing my finished novel. Soon my computer will start working on my second novel again; having finished three chapters previously.

Will I be consistant? Probably not like before where I missed one week at the most. Thoughts will be written down when I feel like it; more than out of a sad obligation toward an audience that doesn't exist. For those who might care, be watching for my first REAL blog return the first week of next month. It is going to be a comparative look at the three most important and informative biographies of Joseph Smith (and the only ones worth reading if you are going to read any of them). You can probably guess what two out of the three are, and not be surprised by the third.

Addendum: It would be nice to hear from others who feel "left out" of the sandbox. Post your grievences and your blogs here if you would like. Perhaps you can be placed on my "other Bloggers" section. At the least I will come visit you and leave a nice comment. Of course, if you haven't noticed already, my preference is for the more Conservative and less Diary writers.

Morality of Technology

I was listening to a Sunday School lesson and a comment by the teacher made me pause. He said, to paraphrase, technology is not good or evil only by how it is used. This isn't the first time the statement has been made. For example:

In contrast, as we look at the media today from any vantage point, I think we would have to say that Lucifer’s influence is far more prevalent than the Lord’s. We are in a war. This war is the same war that raged in the premortal world. Lucifer and his followers are committed to an evil direction. . .

. . . As we consider the importance of nourishing our intellects with the promising potential of superhighway resources, we must be ever cautious about our choices of programs and the impact of media upon our lives. Those who understand our Heavenly Father’s eternal plan for the joy and happiness of His children will be better prepared to not only make good choices but also provide good choices as the information superhighway rolls across the world. The computer, television, satellite, microchip, and even the telephone all can bless and enhance our lives, or can make them miserable.

- M. Russell Ballard, “Filling the World with Goodness and Truth,” Ensign, July 1996, 10

There is little question that technology has its advantages. The New Testament is full of Paul complaining of his inability to teach to various congregations because of the time it took for words or persons to travel. Today a modern Apostle can be heard almost instantaneously or travel to the far reaches of the world in only days. Problem areas are easily accessable and organization a simple click on the keyboard. Through the marvel of television and satallites the words of Apostles and Prophets cannot be mistaken. Faces can become as familiar as if they had visited in person.

Despite all that, one must look at technology with the criterion of "use" to see if it is more good or evil. My conclusion is that technology is mostly evil. Television, radio, and the Internet are largely filled with pornography, hatred, violence, and "satanic" ideology. Most other inventions have complicated our lives at the same time it has made them easier - as recent disasters have proven such complete lack of survival skills without vast amounts of outside help. Even though we now have controlled or eradicated ancient deseases or physical problems, weapons have become deadlier to the point of easily destroying humanity off the face of the Earth. Technology has even created greater gaps between the rich and the poor, with more toys available and less things the poor can do without.

One possible solution is to seriously limit the amount of radio, television, and Internet within our lives. Become more aquanted with making things by hand and interacting face to face as friends and neighbors. Humanity has become a vast network, but not a commmunity. Often Mormons are mistaken for Amish who reject most modern inventions. Perhaps that isn't a bad group to be associated. It is time for Latter-day Saints to become less willing to take technology for granted. We are too lazy with important things, too busy with superficial things, and too distracted from spritual things. Indications are that both our physical and spiritual health is at risk.

I would recommend reading Find Your Own Grove, although I disagree with its conclusions. The problem is not our inability to interact with nature, but to find silence that is important to contemplation. Too many voices are shouting for our attention and we allow them too much space. Lets share some ideas how to declutter the techno-jungle and pop-culture pandering.

Where the Orthodox Bloggers?

Today I was trying to update my list on the side that linked to other bloggs and foung it hard to find any of interest. None of them looked very promising in my search for bloggs with closer viewpoints as my own. It seems that Orthodox Mormonism doesn't thrive well on the Internet Ether. I have tried to come up with some reason for this.

Perhaps most orthodox Mormons like to live rather than talk. Conservatives of all stripes are not known for erudite expansion of their thoughts and ideas. This has given the Liberals, who do love to talk, plenty of false ammunition that Conservatives don't think. The truth is that Conservatives believe in doing rather than saying. They don't do much writing, they don't do much active protesting (although that has slowly changed), and they don't do nearly as much navel gazing. What they do tend to do is act on their thoughts and ideas in such ways that Liberal always seem reactionary. Thus, I believe, to blog is not something that Orthodox Mormons tend to appriciate. Instead they go to Church, read their Scriptures, Home and Visiting teach, go to work and earn money, raise children, and basically live the teachings of the LDS Church rather than discuss them.

I am not sure how this is effecting the Church members themselves. If the general Conservative Mormon doesn't care for blogging, they won't make bloggs. Sadly, this quiets the voices that reflect the mainstream of Mormonism. For instance, at BBC, the question was asked what books would be used to introduce Mormonism to outsiders for a better understanding? The list was of obscure history books of little value to actually understanding mainstream Mormonism. To be sure, some of them were good for those who are already familiar with Mormon readings of history. However, none of them capture the actual heart and spirit of Mormonism as represented by every day mainstream followers who actually live the religion. The point is that what is representative of a particular brand of Mormonism, the self-satified over educated and usually less Church active Internet devotees, is not what actually exists in the same numbers in the real world. Interestingly, most of the more Conservative Mormons who do have blogs concentrate on politics more than religion. Doctrinal and Religious discussions go untouched other than as possible background material. The possibilities for Mormonism seem to go unheaded by all but those who are less Orthodox in their views.

The blog world can be seen as a fulfilment of some Orthodox Mormon activities. The first is missionary work where the word is spread to those who are not members of the Church. True, it is probably less of a hit than even door knocking. People have to find you rather than you find them. Still, it is better to try than ignore yet another media outlet that can spread the word. Because of the nature of the blog world, it can also act as a public diary. This has its own problems as privacy concerns can keep it fully functioning. This can be overcome if the poster is prudent in what they decided to write, mostly keeping to gospel insights and observations.

I suppose I am calling for two things. First, if anyone has any ideas where I can find more Orthodox Blogs than please tell me. I am trying to increase my link possibilities and expand productive discussions. Second, more people who hold Orthodox Mormon views should go out there in cyber-space and be heard. We must become more communicative if we are to make any impact for the next generation who are more technologically friendly. Then again, perhaps actions speak louder than words and blogging is unnecessary. Only the future can tell.

Mission Statement for this Blog

Welcome to a blog where the goal is for Conservative voices to be heard with respect and security. For whatever reason the Blog has become infested with usual Liberal noise and confusion, even among those places dedicated to the Restored Gospel. That might have been happenstance, but what you hear here is by design.

The goal is to invite as many Conservative commentators as show interest. Liberals will be allowed to comment under at least two conditions. The first is based on a quota of participants. There must be more Conservatives or a weeding process might be done. Liberals must show restraint in responses as there is a fine line between "loyal" opposition and rebellion. Also, they must with any participant be respectful and use no foul language.

Questions of what constitutes a Conservative voice is the responsibility of the host, although it can be discussed. This Blog is an experiment at the moment, and any ideas how to serve its mission are welcome. It can only work if Conservatives participate and invite others with similar viewpoints. Perhaps if this grows other blog directors may be added.

Finally, this Blog is designated for discussing issues of importance to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed "Mormons"), and not ecumenical. Exceptions might be granted with permission.