We live in an era of competition or at least so we are told.
Most people at this stage will say that the introduction of Ryanair brought cheap travel for millions of people.
It's not an argument that always holds. Has a multiplicity of banks meant cheaper banking?
That's the world of economics and business.
A fellow Dominican has commented that this blog is 'not the way we do things'. It is a legitimate comment and worth noting.
But why is it in the world of the church there is so little open discussion and 'difference'.
Some weeks ago this blog criticised the Irish Dominican web page. For a long time it has been poorly managed, is out of date and contains little or no interesting information.
What happens? At least according to the current site, readers are being told that the site is being updated.
Of course there has to be open and honest criticism, even annoyance with ineptitude. That's life.
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3 comments:
The world is changing. I know that is a cliche, but I really don't think any of us are quite aware yet about the depth of change going on as a result of the rise of the Internet. The business world is very much aware of it, and what is happening is staggering. In yesterday's British Telegraph newspaper, I read an incredibly interesting article about the difference the 'net is making to busineses and individuals in the UK in the way it is opening up opportunities for them to outsource small jobs they need doing to workers all over the world they can then keep in contact with by email. One guy wanted illustrations done for a book he was writing, and was quoted �10,000 for the privilege. He contacted an outsourcing site on the 'net which then found him an excellent illustrator in the Ukraine who did a superb job for just �410! That was just one example amongst many fascinating ones.
The possibilities of the 'net for the Church are still emerging, but I believe that they will be profound. Only a few weeks ago I was invited to lead a service on a virtual church. I and others logged on, and using avatars, or icons of ourselves, I conducted the service and was able to stream music into the virtual forum. I could have used my own voice if I had wanted to, but didn't know enough to do this, so I typed up my sermon and released it a few lines at a time and then people were able to discuss and ask questions. It was an amazing exercise and worked very well. Those who logged on were from all over Europe. The website featured a mock-up of a church interior, and the avatars could be seen to move about as instructions were sent by the click of a mouse.
Now, none of us would want that to be our normal Sunday experience. Don't get me wrong. I'd hate it. But, for the odd occasion, it opens up many possibilities. For example, a number of people could get together to discuss a particular issue and to have input from experts who would otherwise have to travel long distances. I give it as only one example, and I believe just the tip of the iceberg, of a coming revolution in how we do church.
Blogs also have their exciting possibilities, and while many are frightened of the technological revolution, it will soon become much more than merely providing presentation facilities for websites. Once people start using the 'net to share information, organise and discuss the unimaginable, the revolution won't be able to be stopped.
Sean
Congratulations Michael, you're blog is obviously having an impact.
The outsurcing can be frightening.
Independent Newspapers has bought a newspaper in India. How long will it be before lay-out of Irish titles will be done in India?
They have already begun to outsources sub-editing to private companies wihin the Irish State. But what next?
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