How to Begin, Build and Manage a Catholic Network in the New Digital Continent

Introduction

Although knowledge and experience of small web site development depends on the uniqueness of each developer's talent and wisdom, there is one basic reality that all web developers will have to acknowledge: that the web space (or marketspace) in which all blogs, sites and networks operate, is really just supplementary to actual data, operations, and transactions in the physical world (or marketplace). Interpersonal communication is still primary over electronic communication or virtual experience. This article will seek to establish this conservative truth, based on knowledge and experience obtained over a span of eight years. It will also share how you can begin, build and manage a Catholic network in the new digital continent for the cause of peace.

1. A web development project is like a 'series connection'

In basic electronics, we are taught about series and parallel connections. Applied in the concrete, this is how most Christmas lights are structured. Traditional Christmas lights are connected in either series or parallel connection. If a Christmas light system is in series, when one bulb fails to light up, the rest of the bulbs in the Christmas light system will also not light up. To correct this situation, all you need to do is to replace the bulb that does not light up. On the other hand, if the Christmas light system is in parallel connection, when one bulb malfunctions, the Christmas light system as a whole still works. You can have your Christmas lights continually working even with two or more light bulbs not functioning. So that the Christmas tree does not appear less bright, or to have uniformity in the light system, you only need to replace those bulbs that do not work.

A web development project is like a 'series connection'. The first element in this 'series' is electricity. Electricity makes your PC desktop work. Within this PC is a modem. The modem helps you connect locally to a broadband connection. After this connection has been established, your broadband service then connects you to the internet. When the PC is already connected to the internet (what they term 'online'), only then can you work on your blog, site and network through your web hosting or blog hosting service. Your web or blog host provides the servers that publish your blog or site on the Web. So if any one element in this 'series' of connections malfunctions, you will not be able to continue your web development work - at least for a certain period of time until the element that does not function in the series is operative again.

Because of the possible consequences this can result in due to this "series connection" in web development, going into web development with the objective of networking would be feasible and not stressful. Entering into something that would involve financial transactions online involves a greater risk. This article is however not meant to discourage those who want to sell Catholic books, music, videos, DVDs, and other items online. There is just a greater risk involved when you go into web development beyond simply blogging, writing Catholic articles, and social networking online.

2. Writing web content with tact and diplomacy

As in any interpersonal encounter, we need to also practice a lot of tact and diplomacy when writing web content. Any offensive word, term or phrase directed to a certain social group or party can provoke anger. As the wise men of the Bible teach us: when we foolishly provoke anger, it can lead to bloodshed. And 'bloodshed' on the Web can be done in many ways: destruction of your web site's reputation; a web page that is hacked and redirected to a malicious site; all sorts of viruses and malware sent to the servers that host your site; and many more.

So, in writing web content or blog posts, it would be good to avoid controversial issues of a sensitive subject, as this will only lead to a spirit of discord, disharmony and negative responses from readers sensitive to a particular issue or controversy. The best direction is to write what would be beneficial to many - something that speaks of a universal value, such as the cause of peace that John Paul II wants those in the internet to promote.

3. The Web is not a 'desert' anymore

Before social networking evolved into something important in the Web, the Web was like a 'desert' - with just a few lists and forums where people gather and communicate. But even when the Web was like a 'desert' before the turn of the millenium, if you say a wrong word that may offend other religious groups online, you might have to 'fight' for your 'space' on the Web. This is especially important if you profile yourself highly as a Catholic on the universal Web. If we are not careful with our words, we may be at loggerheads with some members of religious groups who adhere to religious principles opposite to what the Catholic faith pronounces. But once you are able to stand your ground, you can 'settle' in your space on the Web. All that needs to be done is to maintain tact and diplomacy with others who are with you in your network.

'Prevention is better than cure'
To prevent strife and discord to enter your network, the best is to be tactful, discrete and diplomatic with your words online. But if ever you encounter anyone opposing you for your Catholic stand, the best defense is the wisdom to stand your ground well and defend your Catholic stance through intelligent strategic moves. It takes time to make stable a Catholic blog, site and network. But once you are able to stabilize these, you can have a solid platform on which to network with other Catholics online. Be vigilant and watchful however that your network and space on the Web is protected with a combination of intelligence, wisdom, experience, tact and a diplomatic spirit.

Conclusion

These are some of the important matters to consider when you begin and build a Catholic blog, site and network. There other matters to consider also in proceeding with a Catholic web development and social networking project. The three mentioned above are some basic ones to consider more thoroughly. John Paul II says that the Net is like the "new frontiers of other times". It too "is full of the interplay of danger and promise." But if we are guided by prayer and the gift of faith, constantly hoping that there is more promise in the internet, we can avoid all the serious dangers that it may impose on us and rather obtain more God's blessings as we faithfully share the Gospel on the Net.

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