Simplicity. One Burger at a Time
Johnnie's Burger, Photo: Roadfood.com
I found myself thumbing through a dated copy of my wife’s Food Network Magazine the other day. The feature story was focused on the country’s best hamburgers — specifically, where to find the best burger in each state. To my surprise, I learned that Johnnie’s Grill in El Reno, Oklahoma was considered best of the Sooner state. I have very fond memories of Johnnie’s onion burgers and coney dogs. It was always a treat for me to stop at Johnnies during family trips to see my grandmother, who to my luck lived just down the street from the historic Route 66 stop.
The beauty of a Johnnie’s burger is its simplicity. I learned that Oklahomans during the Depression would make ends meet by mixing large quantities of onions into their ground beef, creating the onion burger. Johnnie’s has continued this tradition, topping the burger with mustard and a warm bun heated on the grill top. It’s simple and perfect.
Johnnie's Coney, Photo: Roadfood.com
The simplicity of a Johnnie’s burger got me thinking, and I was once again reminded that most products and services that I appreciate and covet, at their heart, are very simple. I continually see organizations spending enormous amounts of money to over think the obvious. Often, we’re in such a rush to fix what is broken or overtake the competition, we overdevelop, losing sight of the original intent. In many cases, all people really want is a burger topped with mustard. You just have to take the time to ask.
Just a side note, the second best burger in the country can be found just down the street from Johnnie’s at Robert’s Grill. There’s something to say about imitation – not sure who’s the imitator in this case. Good is good.
Finding the Good in Balloon Boy
So this last week I’ve spent a fair bit of time struggling with the events surrounding Balloon Boy, Falcon Heene. Not that you need the reminder, but I’m speaking of the spectacle that occurred near Fort Collins, Colorado last week. Richard and Mayumi Heene reported to the media and authorities that their son, Falcon, was floating un-tethered across the plains of Colorado in a weather balloon. As a parent of three, my heart sank at the thought. I, like so many other wonks that are glued to TweetDeck throughout the day, followed the chatter online, turning from time-to-time to watch CNN’s live video feed on the television.
I feel like I’ve been duped. And we all had. Not that the boy actually wasn’t in the balloon, but that someone had calculated and planned the scheme. By this point, we should all be conditioned to second guess and question the often sensationalized 24/7 coverage of news that we are bombarded with every day, but this was very different. This was the story of a child. When a child is in danger you don’t question, you take action. The crime here is that Richard and Mayumi Heene cried wolf, compromising the security of their child, and breaking a sacred trust with their neighbors and friends.
I’m resigned that I will not simply pass this off as another publicity stunt. There’s a teaching/learning moment here.
In times of tragedy, and even publicity stunts, there are moments of true compassion. As I watched the online chatter and the live video feed, I witnessed hundreds of thousands of people rallied together in prayer for the safe return of this boy. This gives me hope that in a world where parents are willing to exploit their children to make a buck, deep in our hearts, many of us still possess true love and compassion for our neighbor. So when I reflect on the story of the Balloon Boy, I will think of the Adam’s County sheriff chasing down an empty balloon across Colorado’s dusty plains. He symbolizes what many of us wanted to do at the time - it’s faith in action in its truest form.
‘Because … that’s the way we’ve always done it’
I was reading in the New York Times the other day how the European Union ruled that the standard incandescent frosted light bulbs will no longer be available for sale in Europe. Stores may sell their remaining inventory, but shelves will soon be stocked with the more energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps.
According to the article, “… some Europeans are eagerly jumping on the bandwagon, others are panicking and have been stockpiling the old-style bulbs for aesthetic or practical reasons. Others are resigned to the switch, if grudgingly.”
As I was reading, I was quickly reminded of the many church leaders who have reacted negatively to the emergence of new technologies. In the early years of web development, I would continually hear, “Because … that’s the way we’ve always done it.” This was a pretty common reason given for why not to develop a website. That fear-based excuse is still used today.
Change is difficult. But change is necessary. For those who opt to hoard the last of the incandescent bulbs, or those church leaders who continue to print their bulletins using a mimeograph machine - be aware that the bulbs will eventually expire, or replacement parts will no longer be available.
Both were the brainchild of Thomas Edison, America’s greatest inventor. Imagine what our world might be like today if he had let fear stymie progress.
Remember, change equals opportunity.
My Message of Change at the UCC Web University
This past weekend, I was blessed to have the opportunity to share the keynote message at the UCC Web University in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This was the first in a series of regional web ministry trainings opportunities hosted by the United Church of Christ.
My presentation was titled “Web Ministry: Past, Present, and Future”. While I’ve been working in this field for more than 15 years now – it was a nice opportunity to share how things have changed from my perspective. The common thread that ran throughout the keynote was “change”. Specifically, how technology has changed the landscape of ministry, and how the Church must change to stay relevant.
The subject of “change” is often a risky subject to discuss in large groups – I was very pleased with the response. It was very exciting to participate in dialogue with a group open to new ideas. Blessings.
Below you will find both the slides from my presentation, as well as the transcript from live blogs that were posted to Twitter during the keynote.
Live Twitter Transcript
#webu4:22 PM Aug 28th from web
To flash or not to flash … that is the old tired question
I have a confession — I once developed websites that included flash elements.
Though it’s good to get that off my chest, I’m pleased to say that I never developed a site completely in flash. And in my defense, I have been developing websites for a number of years - and it wasn’t too long ago that a little flash “bling” was the fashion. Just like the avocado-colored appliance, every trend has it day.
While I firmly believe that there are times when the use of flash can increase usability, I would argue that in most cases there is always a better alternative. Somewhat dated articles, I still refer to the Alertbox articles written by Jakob Nielsen as a reminder: The first encouraging me to seek the alternative; the second offering guidelines when there is no other option.
Flash 99% Bad
Jakob Nielsen’s Alertbox, October 29, 2000
Although multimedia has its role on the Web, current Flash technology tends to discourage usability for three reasons: it makes bad design more likely, it breaks with the Web’s fundamental interaction style, and it consumes resources that would be better spent enhancing a site’s core value. Keep Reading
Making Flash Usable for Users With Disabilities
Jakob Nielsen’s Alertbox, October 14, 2002
Flash designs are easier for users with disabilities to use when designers combine visual and textual presentations, minimize incessant movement, decrease spacing between related objects, and simplify features. Keep Reading
Faith Voyeur
Photo Credit: Tyla'75
A gentleman this past weekend at our Ministry 2.0 Kansas City event asked a very interesting question that got me thinking. We had been discussing social media tools and how they can be used to enhance ministry. Many of us, including myself, were touting how a pastor could use Twitter and Facebook to keep an ear to the ground – staying connected to the needs of his/her congregation without having to actively engage in every living moment of their lives. Then came the question, and I’m paraphrasing, “I’m uncomfortable with the invasive nature of social media in the lives of church members. Should the church be involved in this practice?” I have to admit, the question caught me off guard. I responded with, in retrospect, what was a non-answer – explaining that the etiquette of social media is still in its infancy and that questions like his will be answered over time. I also sweetened my answer with some jargon about how the millennial generation is transparent online.
So Sunday, during my 9 hour drive home, I spent some time pondering his question. This is the beginnings of how I would have liked to have responded.
I do believe that the etiquette of social media is being established and will continue well into the future – much like the rules of online bulletin boards were established years ago. I’ve found that each social media tool has its own rules for the road. I tend to be much more open about my personal life in Facebook than I do in say LinkedIn. For me, Facebook is for connecting with family and friends – LinkedIn is for business associates. And from experience, I know that many of my friends and colleagues have their own gauge of openness. It’s up to each individual to set their gauge – knowing that there are consequences for their actions.
Years ago, I was responsible for managing a directory of pastors and their contact information. From time-to-time I received requests from pastors asking that I not display their contact information – keep in mind that we were only displaying church contact information, not their personal contact information. The same contact information that they displayed in their yellow page advertisement. While I would comply with their request, my views on the role of pastor as public servant were solidified during this time. My view … a pastor lives in the public eye – a calling they have chosen to answer. As such, the public ought to have a way to be in contact.
Each of us makes a choice to open our lives to the world online. Some tweet every living moment, others opt to not participate. It’s not my job to judge which is right or wrong. I do firmly believe that the role of pastor has become much more complex and is an uphill battle to keep people focused on Christ’s Message. Call me a hardliner on the subject, but if you’re willing to share your life online – be prepared for the world to be watching … including your pastor.
Counting my blessings
Ella Carlisle
Every few months I flip through the photos that have accumulated on my cell phone. This is mostly an exercise to weed for the out of focus, or the “I think I closed my eyes” photos. But this time I ran across the grainy photo that you see above. It’s a photo of my two-year-old daughter, Ella — at the time the photo was taken she was 18-months old. It was also taken on the most humbling day of my life.
On May 29, 2008, Ella was diagnosed with hip dysplasia – a deformation or misalignment of the hip joint. In layman’s terms, she was born without a hip joint. The photo was taken about thirty minutes before my wife, Shannon, and I heard the news. Needless to say, we were devastated and totally unprepared.
Over the course of 2008, our lives changed significantly. We were in and out of Nashville’s Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital for procedures and check-ups. Many of our friends and family halted their lives to help us cope — which we will forever be grateful. The doctors and nurses at Children’s were amazing – always willing to answer our questions, thus easing our concerns along the way.
A year later, I’m humbled by the experience. In one day I learned how precious life is and since have been reminded how blessed I am to have an amazing wife and loving family. Ella still isn’t out of the woods; she’ll have the pins removed from her hip this fall – I am assured though knowing that my family is surrounded by loving arms. We are blessed.
How a campaign should work
In recent months, I’ve seen more and more companies developing highly creative ways to express a message. The use of technology to share these messages are a welcome change to a very tired marketing landscape. They are setting the bar very high. Seems to me that the days are numbered for organizations who have gotten away with masking their irrelevancy with what looks to be relevant branding. Once you open the door and you look in, it’s all smoke and mirrors. Check out what Honda has done with their “Let is Shine” campaign.
Honda Insight - Let It Shine from Honda on Vimeo.
Now learn how the “Let it Shine” spot was made.
Honda Insight - The Making of “Let it Shine” from Honda on Vimeo.
Is your church prepared for a flu epidemic?
View H1N1 Swine Flu in a larger map
As news of the swine flu outbreak in Mexico City surfaced late last week, I naturally began to consider steps I would take to protect my family. My first inclination, isolate, keep them in the house to reduce contact with others. As a father, it’s natural for me to react this way. As a Christian, I’m charged to reach out and help others. So I’m left in a quandary. Isolate and keep my family safe, or seek ways to help those in need?
This morning’s news shared how the people of Mexico City have been advised to stay home and not gather in groups. A city of 4 million is now very quiet. Traffic has been significantly reduced and people are isolating from the outside world. Church was cancelled and businesses shut their doors.
In 2008, I consulted with a congregation as they developed their first disaster response plan. Specifically, they asked that I work with them to coordinate their communications plan. Before coming on board, they had brainstormed all the likely scenarios: tornado, fire and flood. Never once was flu epidemic discussed. It’s not something we see on television or in our daily lives, so it can’t happen to us, right?
When I heard that Catholic congregations in Mexico City were encouraged to cancel services, it opened a flood-gate of questions. Mainly, how can a church be in ministry when the most effective means to reduce spread of the flu virus and keep the community safe is to not congregate? So many churches rely heavily on the model of congregating in a “place of worship”. I’m not defying this model, but am challenging our notion of congregation.
Imagine weeks of quarantine, where you and members of your church are potentially unable to meet on Sunday morning or during the week. Lots of questions arise. How to deliver a message and stay in contact? How to support those who are dealing with death and sickness? How do you coordinate relief efforts? The questions can be endless.
I am not an alarmist, and that is certainly not my goal with this blog post. And I am not going to give you the traditional top 25 list of things to do in case of emergency. Search Google, you’ll find them aplenty. Plus, it’s my experience that every congregation has their own set of unique needs. I’m sharing this message in hopes that church leaders wake up and understand that communications is no longer an afterthought. Tools of the Internet and messaging may be your only means by which to effectively reach those in need during times of disaster like this.
Is your congregation prepared to communicate with one another and gather online during times of disaster? Does your church disaster plan include steps for flu epidemic preparedness? There’s no harm in preparing for what could be an unlikely circumstance.
Finally, I hope you’ll join me by including those who are dealing with the affects of the swine flu in your prayers. Blessings.
Remembering Columbine: A view from my office chair
Photo: Matt Brett
This morning I find myself sitting in my office chair working as I reflect on the tragic events at Columbine High School ten years ago today. Though our view of violence has been amplified since 1999, the continued threat has only increased. Unfortunately it seems, news reports like the one I heard this morning on NPR are all that shake me from the lull. It’s easy to fall into the responsibilities of life and forget that the world is ripe with children who are screaming out for someone to listen and love them.
My office chair has become a metaphor to me. That’s where I heard the news of Columbine, and watched as planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers. I also found myself in the same spot as I filed my report on the Timothy McVeigh execution. The full cycle of violence, all from an office chair.
Columbine hits hard because I grew up near the school. I attended Lakewood High School, one of many high schools in one of the nation’s largest county school systems. I played basketball tournaments in the Columbine gym and football on their grass fields. I’m no different than any of the other thousands of kids that recall similar memories of Columbine. I suspect deep down everyone who lived, worked, or played near the school represses the sense that I/we could have done something to prevent what happened that day.
For ten years I’ve lived under the assumption that Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were deeply disturbed psychopaths who met by chance. Dave Cullen’s new book Columbine depicts a very different story. While Harris was a textbook psychopath, Klebold’s makeup was very different. His diary shares the story of a deeply depressed young man who is constantly writing about love and a world not willing to show him any.
So here I am ten years later blogging from my office chair about the tragedies of Columbine. That voice I hear deep inside during times of prayer and reflection is telling me to get up from my chair and go hug my children, and tell them how much I love them. I hope you will do the same today and every day. Blessings.
