Not long ago, a blog that I read daily made an important statement – “If you’re a content provider or program producer, you need to give serious thought to how your program is being distributed.  It’s a new world out there.”  This advice has special meaning to churches with television programs – it is and always has been all about where the people are and how to reach them. (continue reading…)

Last week Skot Welch and I found out about candidate (Republican 2nd congressional district) Jay Riemersma’s position on the DREAM Act – Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors.  What follows is an open letter to Mr. Riermersma and a call for him to substantiate his view of  immigration reform and the real challenges on our southern border.

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Last week I participated in a discussion on LinkedIn called “America was not formed as a Christian nation.”  An edited version of that discussion follows which includes a comment from one of the participants and my response.

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Meet Justin Kurtz who until last February was just another student going to Western Michigan University.  He awoke one morning to find his car had been towed from his apartment complex by a company called T & J Towing even though he had the correct permit fixed to his windshield.  Sometimes a story emerges that reinforces the power of generational media on a scale that’s hard to imagine.  Read on if you dare! (continue reading…)

It’s called “Industry Jargon.”  We all have terms which in the context of our work make perfect sense to “us,” but mean nothing to the population at large.  So when I say “long form,” from a traditional radio/television point of view I need to explain exactly what I mean and why it’s so important in understanding the web driven “short form” that will dominate the future. (continue reading…)

I was honored to participate in innovation training last week at the request of Christian Life Center in Kalamazoo, one of my clients.  It was a fun packed, high energy two days  led by Andy Hinkley who skillfully guided church leaders through the steps in creating a responsive culture of creativity.  Within this atmosphere something spontaneous happened – I’ll call it the “Stan Plan” – which could change the way ministry is done in the 21st century. (continue reading…)

Why?  It’s a question that every 3 year old asks in wonder and real curiosity; why is the sky blue?  Why are trees green?  Sadly as we ‘mature,’ we stop asking because somehow we think we know most of the ‘whys.’  In reality, it is the most critical and sustainable question you can ask.  Why?  Because “the secret to creativity (and innovation) is curiosity.” (Seth Godin) (continue reading…)

Occasionally I respond to ‘The Detroit Blog’ managed by a group of writers from Time Inc. that is all about attempts to save a city which is by all accounts on life support.  What follows is my response to a post called “A Weakening Pulse” – about the need for one consistent message that focuses everyone.  I begin by quoting blooger Karen Dybis about how urgent this message needs to be. (continue reading…)

It’s a simple game that almost everybody who’s ever been on a playground or backyard basketball court understands.  Known variously as ‘HORSE’, ‘PIG’ or ‘HANGMAN’ – you and an opponent shoot baskets in varying degrees of difficulty.  When you miss – you get a letter – keep missing, get all the letters (that spell horse, pig or hangman) – you loose.  Last week, during the Final Four half time show – Barack Obama played the game with Clark Kellogg (CBS Sports Analyst).  In more ways than one, the name of the game was changed.

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With the passage of the health care reform bill, the devolution of national political dialog seemed to take an ugly turn.  Republicans in full battle mode with their lovable street fighting partners – the tea partiers – caused some really scary moments; like spitting, racial epithets and death threats all directed at Democrats who voted for the bill.  In an atmosphere and environment far worse than high school – you wonder if someone will take responsibility and put an end to it – so far no one has.

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