Currently viewing the category:
"Media"
I’ve been observing the kind of stuff that gets posted on FaceBook or other social media. It made me think a lot about how easy it is for anyone to become a publisher. I like how it empowers us to have a voice.
Along with freedom comes responsibility. We need to be aware of the power that we have in our hands and to be able to tell if a public platform is the place to air our thoughts. A good principle for me is:
…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
I like to replace the word think with publish.
Certainly, there is a place and need for social issues to be raised to help public become aware of them in order for change to take place. What I am disturbed about, however, is the way personal issues are vented out on FaceBook’s “What’s on your mind?” or other social media.
If we have a personal issue with someone that needs resolving, FaceBook or blogs aren’t the best platforms for expressing our angst or anger. When private or domestic issues become public, we make it hard or even impossible for the issues to be resolved or for healing and reconciliation to happen.
The repercussion on ourselves too isn’t going to help us. What if a potential employer or client reads my post? What would a total stranger conclude from the ONE statement I made? How will they view ME or the person I’m posting about? Is that what I want to be remembered for?
As much as I am able, I try to talk to the person privately. Hitting the “enter” button is not an option for me in such matters. I like to work at finding a win-win solution. It take a lot more courage to talk to the person face-to-face. I’m grateful that the efforts I’ve put in to clarify things privately has reaped rewards beyond measure. Now that’s something to publish about!
…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—publish about such things.
I finally worked on the back-end for my blog. It’s been fun meddling with the many WordPress Plugins created and made freely available for people like me.
I discovered Cooliris Express – “a tool that enables users of all skill levels to quickly and easily embed a Flash-based Cooliris Wall with their custom content on any website, blog, or social network.” Very nice! Here’s what I did with mine.
Thanks developers 
Everything good, we share it with people. Everything else, we give to the Lord. – Aunty Say Bay
Aunty Say Bay’s reaction and response to hardships, trials, and difficult people is always kind and gentle, and the words she says life-giving. I don’t know how she does it but it’s what I want to live by in my inter-personal relationships.
The Internet is another place for interacting with people. Powerful tools have been put in our hands. Educator and Media Specialist Jason Ohler says, “Committing a bad story to digital media is like giving a bad guitar player a bigger amplifier.” It’s amazing what a Tweet or a quick “What’s on your mind?” in FaceBook can say.
What are you Tweeting?
2010 has been a year of adventures for me…
- January – Aurelia and I taught our first public digital storytelling workshop under the National Book Development Council of Singapore.
- April – I registered Digital Storytelling Asia as a sole proprietor / entrepreneur.
- July to August – Aurelia and I made our 46-day journey to the USA. We spent time with friends, got further training at the Center for Digital Storytelling (CDS), taught a digital storytelling (DS) workshop to Navigator staff, and made a presentation to 90+ Christians involved with the Arts and Media.
- September – I left the Navigators Singapore officially after 22 years of ministry.
- September – Aurelia and I co-directed the Asian Digital Storytelling Congress held at the National Museum and organised by the National Book Development Council of Singapore. God linked me with key movers of digital storytelling. We are now linked on four continents (USA, Australia, UK, and Asia). God gave me a digital storytelling mentor (formerly from BBC UK). He is a man who loves Jesus. CDS (USA) where the digital storytelling movement started endorsed Digital Storytelling Asia.
- October – I turned 50 on 8 October.
- Aurelia went back to the Philippines after the Ministry of Manpower rejected her application to renew her employment pass with the Navigators.
- November – I had to run Digital Storytelling Asia alone… God started to bring others with a vision and heart for to tell stories. We began to meet weekly. I was invited me to introduce digital storytelling to 30+ people from 18 countries who are involved with arts and media.
- December - God approved Aurelia’s Employment Pass application. She is now a staff member of Digital Storytelling Asia!
- In all Au and I have run 13 workshops since March 2009 – in Singapore, Philippines, and the USA.
What a year!
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
I have been thinking about starting a podcast. The first thing I wanted to know was how to get all the plugins and folders set up. It has been two grueling days of trial and error. I am very pleased to say I have successfully installed my Audio Player on my own.
With appreciation to plugin developer Martin Laine and musician Aislinn whose music I’ve used while trying out the plugins.
