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This is not a political story.  Rather, this is a look at how the candidates and media outlets are finally moving into the new media realms to reach their viewers.  NBC news reports that more people have watched Tina Fay parodies of Sarah Palin on Saturday Nigh Live than have actually watched the broadcast of the program.  Checking the SNL website reports 2.4 million views.  Various youtube posts and reposts of the same videos easily take the total over 5 million views of the same content and it only aired two days ago!  The internet is quickly becoming a place to go to view things.

In my own life when discussing tv shows or movies with friends the question is no longer:  did you see that show?  the question is:  have you seen it yet?  because there are so many ways to get content now.  With a few exceptions, or if I just happen to be in front of the TV I hardly watch the TV in a traditional way.  I get all my news from podcasts, most of the big networks and CNN.  I watch and listen to content from podcast networks like Revision3 and TWiT and I have a cable company supplied DVR (which is less reliable than anything else).

The campaigns as well have been using the internet to get the word out, Obama's use of twitter to announce his VP nomination and both candidates websites have been destinations for supporters, media and the rare undecided voter.

But what does all this have to do with the church?  Well, what it says more than anything is that the people who make up our churches are using digital media and the internet more and more in their daily lives.  They're skipping commercials on their tivo's, they're staying connected to friends and family in more ways than ever and faster than ever.  The idea that it's only the young people is no longer true.  Every age, race, gender and political affiliation is using the internet and everyone on the internet has seen a dancing cat on youtube by now.  The challenge for churches is to use those tools as well, and allow your congeration to shape that.

So, what is your church doing?  Are you on twitter? facebook? myspace? are you podcasting?  is your website a destination for information and community?  Let us know in the comments and feel free to send us email feedback as well.  If you like or don't like this sort of thing from us we want to hear from you. 

Hello, October!

Hello interwebs and hello LifeWay.  My name is Micah Drushal and I'm LifeWay's newest Digital Media Producer.  Basically what that means is that I'll be getting new and existing content online for purchase and download.  Written Bible studies as PDF, videos and audio all for your lovely digital eyes.



So, how did I get here?  Well I graduated from Campbellsville University in May 2007 with a Bachelors in Cinema/Television.  Since then I have been doing freelance video production and some part-time retail.  In addition to formal training I have been working with computers and video as long as the internet has been around.  I did my first "professional" work in 2002, a wedding video.  It was terrible, I don't do weddings anymore.

But I do Digital Media!  So get ready people cause here it comes.  As soon as Aaron tells me how all this stuff works.  Feel free to email me micah.drushal@lifeway.com and you can check out my other web personalities at micahd.tumblr.com .

Thanks, and that's all for now.

Micah d.
John.12.28

Welcome to LifeWay's Digital Media Blog!

I'm Aaron Linne, the lead digital media producer here at LifeWay.  What that means is I'm involved in the day-to-day process and work of creating and releasing our digital content.  From our site we distribute downloadable Bible studies, video elements for worship services, PDF workbooks and guides, and plenty of music resources.

For the past year we've been in the beginnings of our digital iniative, and have found that - without reservation - more and more churches are wanting more and more digital content.  We see the digital landscape continuing to grow for both us at LifeWay and the Church as a whole.  Our hope is that this blog can help keep you informed with what LifeWay's doing to help meet your digital needs.

While this post is our first official post for the blog, you may notice that there is a number of preceeding posts announcing our product releases and containing our LifeWay Conversations videos.  In the past, as a LifeWay enthusiast, I was placing this content on my personal blog.  Now that we've opened up this blog, you'll be able to find the latest news on our digital offerings right here.

Our LifeWay Conversations is a series of videos with various LifeWay talent talking about their passions, products and roles.  I love being able to give a truly open, unedited look into the work that goes on here in our Nashville offices.

We'll also be looking at the digital medium as a whole on here, and how it intersects with our churches and lives.  The primary call of LifeWay's Church Resources Division is to support our churches; I hope this blog can serve as a resource to help your church navigate the ever-increasing digital waves.

Thanks for stopping by, and please feel free to say "hi."  The more feedback you give, the more we can engage your needs.  Enjoy!