Networking with Catholics in the New Digital Continent

Introduction

As many became aware of social networking in the "new digital continent" Pope Benedict XVI speaks of, in his 43rd World Communications Day Message, social networking is often equated with sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn, Friendster, and Hi5. But the concept and application of networking can be widened, if Catholics can venture into small Catholic web site development. This article will help anyone build a small Catholic network (in its most complete sense), if he roots his social networking activities in small and basic web development.

Networking defined

Jon Warner in his book "The Networking Pocketbook", says that "networking is an altruistic activity involving giving and sharing, rather than taking". Warner adds that the best networking type of person, is one who is a relationship builder, and one who sees networking as a long-term commitment to knowing more about oneself and others, and what one may be able to do together with others, that one couldn't do (or couldn't do as well) alone.

Networking through basic and small Catholic web site development

If anyone learns the basics of web development (standard web site design, blogging, web content writing, client-side or server-side scripting, search engine optimization techniques), then he will also discover a broader network on the Web - a network which already has a good reputation and track record, in delivering services to small web developers. These small web developers can be able to network well with other web developers online who also have as their purpose the evangelization of the new digital continent. With a web site and blog as a one's own platform for more stable networking activities, anyone into social networking can learn not only about sharing photos, links, videos, audio files, and what his friends are currently busying themselves with, but also discover how to be part of the Web in its most basic and foundational structure.

What can be learned about web development

When anyone decides to venture into learning web development, he will become a networker on the Web in its fullest and most complete sense. For he can share more of the knowledge he learns on how the Web is progressing, developing, and evolving into a more efficient and productive environment for the family, business, Church-related activities, and cause-oriented activities. As a Catholic web developer, anyone can become part of the Web's progress and evolution, and at the same time contribute to the mission of the Church, to proclaim the gospel on the Net, and to promote a culture of peace, dialogue, respect and friendship.

Some suggestions

If you wish to learn first how to be rooted in the Web without necessarily going into basic Catholic web development proper, then you may be interested to download our free Catholic eBook. This Catholic eBook gives information to anyone who wants to establish a sure-footed presence on the Web before it evolved into a very socially-structured environment. Some links in the eBook may have become outdated due to the closing of a few sites. As a whole, the core sites mentioned in the eBook are still continuously developing and upgrading their services, to accommodate the need of people for social interaction on the Web.

Other articles on social networking

• More Ways to Organize and Grow Your Catholic Social Networks
• Sharing Content and Links Through 3 Popular Social Networks
• Adding FriendFeed to Your Facebook Profile

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Get more ideas and updates on basic and small Catholic web site development, blogging, social networking, and web applications from:

• Friendfeed: Provides content ideas from Catholic news and technology updates
• Site feed: Discover ideas on blogging, web site development, social networking, and web applications
• A post at Catholic Internet Mission blog periodically summarizes all the articles and content in our site feed. To visit, search or subscribe to the blog, click here
• Search Site: Search our network for web content writing ideas, or get networking ideas and updates at Google Friend Connect

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