There is definitely something working within our OC/IC context that inhibits engagement generally, and sustained engagement particularly. I am not entirely certain what this “something” is, I have some working theories and would very much like to read yours. However, I find it disheartening to compare our sites (or lack thereof) with, for example, Episcopal, Gnostic, or Eastern Christian sites. Where theirs are hopping with activity – some of it interesting – in our corner it’s a dark, silent night in a cold empty desert!

I know that there is an overflowing well of creativity, thoughtfulness, and energy within our community; mainly because I’ve spoken to, emailed, and Facebook message swapped with so many of us. I am also fully aware that there is a quantity X99 of Nutters in the movement; but folks, I’ve got news – we are not unique in this arena, EVERY tradition has them – the fact that so many nutters also have web sites admirably demonstrates the point. While we don’t have the institutional mechanisms to rehabilitate nutters, or when needs be to dispense with them, we do have an effective tool at our disposal: a voice of sanity. Through engagement, collaboration, and friendship we can build a positive momentum that will not only express our best OC/IC voice(s) but which will create solid resources serving the needs of our communities. By cultivating this positive momentum, the quality OC/IC voices will collectively overshadow the ranting and antics of His Most Serene Holiness, Grand Pubah Mar Elijah-Athanasios-Vilatte XXIV and act as an effective form of quality control.

Encouraging conversation in God-blogging is perhaps the most difficult aspect of the project. You’ve got your niche, you’ve developed a discipline of writing, and you know people are reading it because your stats tell you so. Why then is there relative silence on site? Over the next few posts I’ll try to draw together some tips from the pros, and from the experience of working on this site.