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myspace part 2

Hm. Since I started blogging, I've occasionally had phone calls from people about my blog. So far, these calls had been for purposes of someone writing an article about blogging, or something similarly research/blogging oriented.

Today I got a phone call from the gentleman who commented anonymously on my previous post about myspace. He did identify himself on his call, but since he chose to comment anonymously here I won't share his name. He, as you can gather from his comments, was quite upset that I would encourage people to use myspace, because some profiles listed on myspace have objectionable material.

I shared with him my view: I see myspace as another medium - another tool to use on the internet. It can be abused, of course, and misused. IMing has resulted in similar problems for some people, online journals like livejournal can be used in similar ways, chat rooms, etc., are all susceptible to abuse by some. But I don't think this means we need to abandon the medium, the tool, altogether, or condemn it, or discourage use outright, especially when the benefits of the tool or medium can be so positive. There are just under 60,000 groups on myspace, for example, that are about religion and faith and related topics. No, they aren't all Christian groups. But there are 60,000 groups of people on myspace who are using this tool to talk about what they do and don't believe.

The gentleman hung up, from my perception, frustrated that I wasn't persuaded by what he said. We disagree. I'm glad to say that I'd discourage abusing/misusing myspace, but I can't say that it shouldn't be used altogether. I don't know what else to say about it.

Where would you "draw the line"? When would you reject a tool/medium in itself rather than speak out against misuses of the tool, speak out against bad/harmful content? I still think having a pastoral presence is a better strategy. What do you think?

Comments

St. Casserole said…
Pastoral presence is best. You know what you are doing and why.
Good for you. Sorry life isn't simpler for him.
Anonymous said…
I totaly agree with you, if we were to withdraw from every uncomfortable and challenging place or situation we are reduced to a ghetto mentality where we barricade ourselves in against the world...
consider this a postmodern mission field... we need to be there.
You make some good points. I think Mr. A-non-mouse showed his judgement when he posted links to not appropriate for children links. If he desires to be the enforcer of good taste and decency, fine for him, but if your youth are using it as a means of communications that they see as the current fad, even better. They are talking about things, I see this as good. If they talking about Christ, even better!
PS thanks for the tip on the sunscreen/bug stuff. It worked well.
Anonymous said…
Love your blog ! This is my first time reading it.So i had to comment. Keep up the good work.Oh and as a fellow myspacer, check out MySpaceScams.com

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