So tell me, what are your favorite on line communities?
{And yes, of course your own blog counts!}
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I’m sharing some of my thoughts about social media this week. You can read post 1 here “Relationship not Solicitation” and 2 over here “Conversation not Pitch, Nagging or Complaining.”
Want to follow this social media series? Sign up to get my posts emailed to your doorstep right here Or delivered to your reader of choice. Or just like us on Facebook.
The first community I found was inCourage. My fave by far because I’ve met and connected with so many wonderful ladies. Now there are branches and budding flowers growing as I make lasting friendships. Occasionally, little birds will come and settle on a branch and then fly off and they are wonderful too. My heart is forever changed.
Oh that makes me so happy to hear! :)
I share a similar story. (in)courage was the first community I ever became a part of. My story was welcomed and I wasn’t sent away feeling a not-good-enough writer. That spurred me to keep writing and keep honing. I’ve started to see the connections I’ve made as friends, and it has truly changed my life. Truly.
Through (in)courage I found Ann Voskamp and what she had to say was powerful. Raw and meaningful.
Then I found Emily at Chatting At The Sky and questioned Grace with her, and without realizing it my blog title found a name through my own journey.
As I start to branch out and connect in other communities (like The High Calling and People Of The Second Chance, and even through Twitter), I am incredibly grateful for each.
Kindreds!
Actually, I’m hoping to find a good community via the comments here. There aren’t many for non-dad male bloggers. =(
Adrian, Not sure if you’ll see this, but I have some potential blogger friends for you. Leave a comment here, or come over and click on my contact tab. Keep at it, bro! Your voice is important!
This is me leaving a comment! =)
I love the Faith Jams at FaithBarista.com on Thursdays. Some of my favorite posts are from Bonnie’s prompts and often about things I would never have chosen. And I love reading everyone’s posts even if I don’t write anything.
“That’s My Answer” (http://thatsmyanswer.com/) is a question-and-answer site that has been my first stop every morning for many years.
I honestly have been afraid to commit too much to a community – I love what I see at (in)courage and have been honoured and blessed to have some words shared there back in October, but I haven’t committed to the community itself yet.
I also really like Deeper Story – deeperstory.com (Adrian, you might like it – there’s room for everyone, not just parents).
I love blog-hopping with every Five Minute Friday – I try to read a few scattered throughout the hundred or so that link up, and not just the first ones of the last ones. Sometimes I find blogs that strike a deep chord and follow, other times, I just leave encouragement.
My favorite community is on Twitter. I feel like I can talk to anyone and be who I am without fear of judgement or retribution (unlike my Facebook community, where I have to put on a “facade” because of family.)
What’s really sad is that in *some* (not yours!) other communities – Christian ones in particular – I have not felt welcomed. It’s pretty sad that my friends of other faiths hold their arms open better than those that scream the faith in their communities.
I hear you, Julie. Twitter is a great place to connect with people – but I do find it a little bit limiting because of the character limitation. But maybe I’m just verbose.
I really like reading people’s comments on the UCB (United Christian Broadcasters) page on Facebook. The people seem really friendly.
I went through a phase where I subscribed to lots of blogs, but I haven’t managed to keep up with them all; this one and (in)courage I’ve kept up with though. I’ve added some posts from (in)courage to my favourites and shared some with friends. Sometimes God brings things into your inbox just when you need them; I remember a guest-post called “Holy Tempering” encouraged me when I was feeling down.
After reading the other comments I’m going to have to try (in)courage. My favorite online community is Raverly. It’s an online community for knitters and those who crotech (is crotecher a work?) I’ve learned so many new techniques and have been able to upload my own knitting desings.
Oh (in)courage is my other online home and you will love love love it, I promise! Do come over for a visit!
This year has been one of transition for me and I have loved the consistency of online communities. I love facebook because I have amazing friends/bloggers/lovers of Jesus! I have loved Five Minute Fridays as a new blogger (thank you!!!!!), Top Ten Tuesdays at ohamanda.com and also impressyourkids.com. (in)courage is an incredible community and recently I have been following womenlivingwell.org through gracefullmama.com- a real life friend.
Loving this blog series as I feel like I just stumbled into blogging and now I am re-evaluating and seeking to please my Jesus fully!
I’m curious – what is (in)courage?
A good way to think about (in)courage is a little bit like a beach house – that place where girl friends can hang out with their dirty, sandy feet up on the coffee table and share their stories, hopes, worries, and joys. I’m the community manager over there and can totally vouch for its awesomeness!! http://www.incourage.me
Let’s see. Two of my favorites are Graceful and FaithColoredGlasses. TheVeryWorstMissionary is fun, because it usually has so many comments, and often has controversial topics. WithoutWax.tv has about one in five posts that really strikes me, and generates good discussion.
Then there’s FaceBook, of course. Not nearly as in-depth, but it’s a good place to connect with friends and family who aren’t into blogging.
Then there’s my own site…that’s sort of sad in that it’s poorly organized and doesn’t get much traffic…but sort of exciting because it has so much potential and has come so far in three months. It’s still my favorite…because all the readers have such great taste…I mean Grace! ;^}
I love the community over at the 3in30 Challenge! People from all walks of life gathering together to encourage one another as each works on personal goals… a great community of encouragement and accountability!