Geeks and God Podcast

Being Productive

Matt Farina — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:00:48 -0400

Have you noticed how unproductive the technology we love can make us? We start twittering and loose track of time. Or, we get into instant message conversations that distract us from doing the work at hand. How so often we feel like we got a lot done but didn't really accomplish very much.

In this episode we talk about being productive and using technology to help us be productive. This isn't just a matter of what technology we use but how we use the technology that's out there in an effective manner to get things done.

Before we dive into getting things done we talk about some listener feedback and the lack of pictures of Christian living on the Internet. Could the new Geeks and God flickr group be part of the solution? Come join us for another fun filled episode and find out.

Episode Links

Drupal 6 Overview

Matt Farina — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:19:29 -0400

After months of sitting on drupal 6 we're finally talking about it. There is a saying in drupal which describes the differences between versions. "The drop is always moving." When drupal goes from one major release to the next expect and enjoy significant changes.

We start off attempting to explain this philosophy and then dive into some of the new and exciting changes. If you're a module or theme developer this release is like a breath of fresh air compared to drupal 5. With each new release things get better and better. This new release has more new good stuff in it than we could begin to cover but we try to hit on some fun big points like the theming, new features in core (actions rule), performance improvements (like a mac each new release is faster on the same hardware), and more.

We finish it off with a little peak into what we might get in drupal 7, the version currently being developed by the drupal ninjas. So, come join us for another fun filled episode where we get dunked in a tank of drupal fun.

Episode Links

Switching Webhosts

Matt Farina — Mon, 9 Jun 2008 07:14:20 -0400

Changing web hosts can be a real pain. The logistics alone are enough to stop someone from making the switch. In this weeks episode we walk though changing web hosts. We start with how you know there is better out there and when you should change. It turns out, when you look at the market, there are a lot of opportunities for churches and ministries to be on more cost effective solution.

Then move on to walk through a fast way to make the switch keeping your downtime as small as possible. This is our 8 step method.

Before we dive into changing web hosts we talk about using a CSS framework and the new drupal starter module called blueprint. Come join us for another roaring episode of Geeks and God.

Episode Links

Jquery & Drupal Basics

Matt Farina — Mon, 2 Jun 2008 07:00:37 -0400

Are you ready to drink a new flavor of tasty kool aid? This week we talk about jQuery, the JavaScript library bundled with drupal. If you've wondered how drupal has those resizing text fields, it's autocomplete fields, and drag and drop interfaces we need to look no further than jQuery. It's what's making the magic happen.

jQuery provides us a powerful way to write snippets of JavaScript that can do a whole lot. They can update sections of an already loaded webpage, like the homepage for Mothers Click or they can be used to create some advanced functionality, like the htmlbox wysiwyg editor.

In this weeks episode we give an overview of what jQuery is and talk about how to use it from within drupal. We thought some of the material needed some examples for you, our listeners, to see. You can find those examples in the article "jQuery and Drupal" on InnovatingTomorrow.net.

Episode Links

Previous Javascript Episode

Living Green

Matt Farina — Mon, 26 May 2008 11:52:52 -0400

This may be the most controversial episode of Geeks and God to date. In this episode we say, "Go Green!" and we're not routing for our school colors. This is an episode about technology and our interactions with the ecosystem we live in. We talk about why it matters and talk about a start to what we can do about it.

If you are itching to respond to our episode links or the topic in general we ask that you listen to the episode first. For some reason this topic seems to bring out a lot of arguments. It's become a political fire zone. It's a topic filled with opinions and passion. We attempt to take this topic outside the usual context and this difference matters.

In an effort to share some love of Gods creation, what ways do you see that we can live in better harmony through technology with this ecosystem we live in?

Before we dive in to this firestorm topic, we respond to some listener feedback including an opportunity to look at word of mouth in the online world.

Episode Links

Web 2.0 Services

Matt Farina — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:42:12 -0400

In this weeks episode we have a little fun. This week we talk about web applications and services that rock our socks off. These are some of our favorite sites and services to use.

Now that we've shown you ours, what are your favorite web 2.0 sites and services?

Yahoo Pipes, Tumblr, Twitter, Good Reads, Remember The Milk, Photo Color Schemer, Stripe Generator, Splashup, Pandora, iLike, Skitch, Stumbleupon, Bright Kite, Mint, Live Maps, Zoho, Slide Share, Jott, Skribit, Evernote, Sky Drive

Episode Links

see shownotes for links

Screencasting

Matt Farina — Mon, 12 May 2008 07:22:39 -0400

Have you ever tried to remotely explain something to someone and just wish you could show them? Have you ever put a tutorial online and wanted to show them rather than write your way through something? If you have then creating screencasts is an answer to your problem.

Screencasts are a powerful and user friendly tool for sharing video from your computer screen. Instead of screenshots accompanied by writing they are video accompanied by audio. In todays episode we talk about where screencasts can be a powerful tool for the church, a workflow for creating screencasts, and the tools needed to make them.

Before we dive into screencasts, Matt and Rob talk about the way they view web creations differently and how these different perspectives play into the things they build.

Episode Links

Case Study: Fshbwl.com

Matt Farina — Mon, 5 May 2008 07:47:36 -0400

The fshbwl was a unique project for many reasons. It was one of the occasions where Matt was the project lead rather than Rob. In building it we did some things differently than we'd ever done before. And, it was built in more than a week but well less than 3 months. In this weeks episode we discuss building a website in a different way. Some modules are different, parts of the approach are different, and a number of the things on the site turn out differently. This even leads Matt and Rob to discuss their differing views on inline content. Differing views? Could this be a royal rumble?

But, before we dive into building the fshbwl we talk about building a site in a week. Is this a contradiction from what we talked about just a few weeks ago? You'll have to come listen to find out.

Episode Links

Case Study: GeeksAndGod.com

Matt Farina — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:00:00 -0400

We've been asked how we created GeeksandGod.com a number of times and always shied away from talking about it. It's not that there was some deep dark secret or that we didn't want to share some super sweet technique. It was nothing like that at all. To be frankly honest, we just didn't think GeeksandGod.com was a very good example to share with people.

In this episode we take our case study in a different direction. We talk about how GeeksandGod.com started, where it has come, what we did, what that meant, and how we would do things different now. We, also, talk about a lesson that we hope every developer learns and we see embodied in GeeksandGod.com everyday.

Before we dive into another case study we talk about widgets. Those fun little programs that can actually have a purpose. Come join us for another fun filled and action packed episode of Geeks and God.

Episode Links

Case Study: Muddy River Media.org

Matt Farina — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:20:03 -0400

Have you ever looked at a website and wondered, "How did they do that?" In todays episode we explain how we built MuddyRiverMedia.org. You've been asking us for years how we built certain sites. Most of the time we shy away because so much of the fun stuff is site specific. This time around we dig in, we talk about modules, we talk about theming, and we talk about the concepts where we got into some crazy site specific scripting magic. There is less than many of you would think.

If there is an area you would like more detail on please ask. If there is an area you want us to dig in deeper in future case study episodes please let us know. Over the next few episodes we are doing case studies of different types of sites and the more complete we can make them them more they will help you out.

Before we dive into pulling about this site we have more user feedback and we talk about html email newsletters.

Episode Links

Muddy River Media.org - Concepts

Rob Feature — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:45:33 -0400

Today we start a brand new series in which we look at specific Drupal based CMS websites that your hosts, Rob and MF, have built. The idea here isn't to promote ourselves as site builders, but instead, to give you an inside look at the things we consider when building sites and to give you some behind the scenes info on how we build them.

Today we start with MuddyRiverMedia.org, a recent site built by Mustardseed Media. The episode was originally supposed to contain info on both concepts and hands-on geek skillz, but Rob talked too much, so it's broken into 2 episodes, todays lays out the conceptual with special guest Mark Fogerty, owner of MuddyRiverMedia.org

All that plus listener feedback on this week's G&G

Episode Links

Website Preproduction

Matt Farina — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:00:00 -0400

The most important step in building an awesome church website happens before any development work begins. This is the preproduction step. If you're going to hire a contractor, this step happens before you go looking for one. If you are going to have a team in your church build the site, this step happens before you meet with them. In this episode we talk about the ins and outs of website preproduction. This step can mean the difference between a so-so site and one that rocks your socks off.

Before we dive into this oh so important topic we talk about The Fishbowl. The Fishbowl is a new project exploring faith from a number of angles. It's rare that we have a project we developed that matters to more than a local church community. This is one of them and it showcases the power of drupal.

And, for you mac lovers, we talk about Fluid App. A program that can turn any website or web application into a desktop program.

Episode Links

eCommerce

Matt Farina — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 04:56:16 -0400

Sometimes it's all about the money. In this case, it's about the transaction. Online donations are something many churches are asking about. In an effort to make it easier to give we are always looking for ways that fit the lifestyles of our members. Today we talk about online donations and even get into ecommerce, for those churches that want to sell their stuff.

Online transactions can be no small deal. When we factor is transaction fees, software, payment gateways, and all services involved online transactions can quickly escalate into a hairy mess. In this episode we cover the ins and outs of ecommerce.

Before we dive into ecommerce, have you ever herd of Internet Evangelism Day? It's a day for the church to focus in on using the Internet well to spread the word. We talk about this day, which is coming up April 27th, and we answer more listener feedback.

Episode Links

Online Teaching

Matt Farina — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:28:24 -0400

Education is a key element of the church. We have sermons in our worship services. We have bible studies. There are apologists who study science and logic then teach what they learn. In this episode we talk about taking teaching virtual, and I don't mean the kind of teaching where you have to wear equipment or have an avatar. Online teaching is not new to technology or the education world. We explore bringing a new form of education to the church.

Before we dive into online education, we respond to a ton of feedback from our listeners. Come join us for another episode of Geeks and God. Maybe you'll learn something.

Episode Links

Feed Validator

A Pastors Perspective On Community

Matt Farina — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 05:18:35 -0400

Community websites are all the rage these days. We've talked about building them. We've talked about services like MyChurch that help churches have a community web presence. Now, after a few months of having our own community church website we talk with Pastor Dion about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the experience. The past few months has been a learning experience. There have been successes that we never predicted and failures where we assumed there would be a success. As a bonus, we get Dion to talk about his studio style podcast for his local church community. The very kind of podcast we talked about in our Podcasting Your Church series.

Before we dive into church community on the web we talk about the impact of the words please, thank you, and your welcome. These might be some of the most powerful community building words of all.

Episode Links

Sorry, No Links This Week

Geeks In The Church

Matt Farina — Mon, 3 Mar 2008 05:03:26 -0500

Geeks are a perplexing group to church leaders. Some love them and what they bring to the table. Some are driven nuts by geeks ideas. And, some don't know where to begin with geeks and only hear something that sounds like a foreign language come out of them. This week we have Pastor Dion Garrett on the podcast to share a pastors perspective of geeks in the church. For church leaders, we talk about how to work with geeks in ministry and some of the great things they bring to the table. For geeks, we talk about how to work with church leaders so they understand what you are saying and are willing to get behind your ideas.

If you've been frustrated by your church leaders not seeing where technology can help their ministry or by not being able to communicate with the geeks this is the episode for you. Come join us for another fun filled episode of Geeks and God.

Episode Links

No Links This Week

WYSIWYG Editors

Matt Farina — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 23:11:24 -0500

Are WYSIWYG editors a blessing to web users or a freakish experiment gone terribly wrong? That's a question that you can ask 10 people and get 20 different answers to. This week on Geeks and God we dive into WYSIWYG editors talking about the good, the bad, and why so many web designers hate them while so many web users love them. Love and hate may seem like strong words but that's the level of emotion they bring out in some people. Especially web developers.

Plus, we help you set them up in drupal. It's not as easy as strapping on a WYSIWYG editor and running with it. What options do you give someone? What about input filters? What about administrators? And, should you consider a psuedo-WYSIWYG editor instead? Have you even herd of a psuedo-WYSIWYG editor?

Before we dive into WYSIWYG editors we talk about church copyright and a creative commons hymnal. We have a resource that will, hopefully, help you answer the question, is my church stealing copyrighted material? Come join us for another fun fill episode of Geeks and God.

Episode Links

The Virtual Office

Rob Feature — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:26:11 -0500

On today's episode, Rob and MF incurr the wrath of server administrators everywhere. We boldly go to a place that will invite hate e-mail: The Virtual Office.

In our estimation, there is no reason for any church to host any of their own services anymore. Webhosting, e-mail serving, calendars, or even documents. We do our best to defend our point of view, which has the major goal of allowing churches to focus on PEOPLE instead of IT issues and also, in these hard budget times, to save a boat load of money.

Before all this Rob derides our own conference in an attempt to make sure people's expectations are correct, while MF attempts to soften it so people still attend :) (honestly, though, it's going to be a great conference with great information...we may have gone overboard on our disclaimers) All this and more on this weeks G&G!

Episode Links

Living Analog

Rob Feature — Mon, 4 Feb 2008 09:10:58 -0500

On today's episode we unplug. We go analog. We take off the CD and put on the Vinyl (is any of this making sense?) In today's episode we talk about that much needed balance that all geeks need: time where we step out of the virtual and into the real world. If this is as tough for you as it is for MF and Rob, it's definitely an issue that needs to be talked about and addressed...for our spiritual health, physical health, the health of our relationships and the health of our faith.

So, in this episode, we talk about just why we should take time to "live analog". Rob talks about the ideas origins in audio recording and we suggest that unplugging is a great way to feed our creativity and enhance our work. We talk about spending time alone, spending time with familiy, and, darnit, we shame you into turning off your television set and cell phone.

We talk about how turning off the computer when you're not actually working can make a huge difference in learning to live analog. We hit all the obvious topics such as enjoying the outdoors and exercising, and we take it one step further by talking about reading more and finding a 'transitional' activity. We cap it all off by talking about the idea of Sabbath and challenge you to start living analog on your Sabbath day.

Before all this, we hit lots of user feedback and give you a geeky way to celebrate Lent. We then share the oh-so-sad-news that there will be no podcast next week. So take that as a reminder to LIVE ANALOG!

Episode Links

Value Added Content

Rob Feature — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:54:38 -0500

"Can I get fries with that? No. You can't. That's a different kind of Extra Value....

On today's episode, we tackle the frequently asked question: "I created a great website with all kinds of interactivity, but no one in my church uses it..." This is a common problem, and you're not alone. The fact is, churches aren't apt to use a new website if it's simply, well, a website. So, today we talk about the idea of extending your website outside of the normal bounds of the internet.

We talk about why value added content is necessary and address the question: "Why should churches care about this extra content?" We then dive into some different ways you can enhance your website with things such as audio and video, training opportunities, community interactivity, stuff for kids, and device integration.

But before all this, we talk about the possibilites of using Ustream or Talkshoe in the future, we become determined to make audio or video from the upcoming Web 2.0 conference available...and finally we ask a hard question: What are the requirements to be a modern church secretary?

Episode Links

Building Online Community: Leadership

Rob Feature — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:47:25 -0500

Today we wrap up our series on Building Online Community by talking about how, once the website is done and the geeky tools are put away, you lead this community so it's successful and positive.

We talk about how online communities are more grass roots than top-down and we warn you not to expect people to just fall in line and start using the grand site that you talk about. We chat about the importance and methods you can use for getting church staff and leadership on board and talk about how to lead and train people both online and off. MF keeps wanting to do some hand-holding which leads Rob to quickly move onto the topic of the important of patience when leading one of these web communities. We wrap up by talking about the excitement and long term commitment that are necessary if you want to build up your church community online.

Before all this, we remind you that registration is open for the Geeks & God Web 2.0 Conference and we notify you that the dates have been changed to July 24-26 (due to a venue conflict). We talk about your listener feedback, thereby keeping good on our new year's resolutions. Thanks for joining us for yet another fun filled episode!

Episode Links

Building Online Community: Usability

Rob Feature — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 11:05:45 -0500

So, you've built this beautiful and functional community website for your church or ministry. The problem is, you're a geek. Yeah, and I'm a geek. We know how to use geeky CMS websites without any intructions, special menus, training or hand holding. The problem is, not everyone in your church is nearly as computer literate as you are...therefore, we have to make this new website usable for the average congregation member.

That's why, on today's episode, we focus on creating some usability in our community based website. We start by talking about why we should even care about or consider the usability issue and emphasize how important it is that you, yourself, use the site to encounter the same issues that other users will.

We then proceed to talk about navigation and user menus, instructions and training and, well, making sure you're site actually works as advertised. We talk about a little bit of user-hand-holding that should happen and chat about user-paths through the website.

But before all this, Rob profiles the idea of an 'expert-setup templating system' for any church ministries by profiling a new podcast setup he did at his church. All on this week's Geeks & God Podcast....

Episode Links

Building Online Community: Organic Groups

Rob Feature — Mon, 7 Jan 2008 11:27:32 -0500

On today's episode we continue our series about Online Communities by talking about forming small online groups on your church website. We talk about why we call them "organic" groups, tying them to the physical world, what these groups might look like, and what types of content you might put into these groups.

The second half of the show is for our Drupal lovers. We talk, specifically, about how to build online groups using the Organic Groups module. When doing so, we talk about the different setting options on organic groups, add on modules, and some things you can do to customize the layout of the content.

But before all this, we announce that Rob and Matt's new podcast, The Super Average Podcast is now online with the first episode ready to download. Jump over there and check it out today!

Episode Links

Listener Bonanza!

Rob Feature — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:11:23 -0500

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas from MF and Rob to all of you out there in G&GLand. Today's episode was actually not even supposed to happen (we were planning on taking the next two weeks off for the holidays) until Rob looked in the G&G e-mail box...and sheesh! We realized just how poorly we've been doing at staying on top of your questions and comments.

So, we take a one episode break from our Community Website series to bring you this Listener Bonanza! Think of it like a smorgasbord of thoughts, questions, comments, ideas, likes and dislikes from all of you kind enough to write or call in recently. We talk about everything from headphone models to wordpress installs, our (possibly incorrect) view on pastors to the future of the show. It's packed full of random tidbits provided by YOU!

Before all this, though, we talk about the Web 2.0 conference which will happen July 17-19, 2008 and the website (launching by January 1st). We talk about a couple of ideas for new podcast episodes in the future, and Rob has waay too much fun in creating the new Geeks & God Swag Store (many more products coming soon). Kick back, and enjoy this buffet of geekdom...here on Geeks and God.

Episode Links

Building Online Community: User Profiles

Rob Feature — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:28:38 -0500

Ok, racefans....are we ready to build the core of all community driven websites? Yup, that's right, today we talk all about building user profiles.

On this episode of G&G, we chat about why user profiles are important for creating real community on the web. We gab about what information you should collect and give some ideas on what type of dynamic info could and should go on a user's profile page.

For the second half of the show, you drupal folks are going to be in hog heaven. We talk about 3 approaches you can take to drupal profile setup, and recommend our favorite. We talk about the the core profile module, the bio module, and the combo of usernode and nodeprofile modules.

But, before all that, we weigh the idea of whether privacy concerns on the internet are driven by security...or if maybe it's something else? All on this week's edge-of-your-seat episode of Geeks and God.

Episode Links

Building Online Community: Content

Rob Feature — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:18:03 -0500

In today's episode, we talk all about the building blocks of an online community. We talk about types of content that will make for an interactive and engaging community type. We've got the roundup of usual suspects when we talk about how podcasting, blogging, forums, groups, resources, and a community blogroll can help enhance your church community website.

We also talk about how a community site is going to feel a little less structured (ie. more organic) than the past site structures that we've talked about, with content bleeding over from one area to another.

But before all this, we propose a test: How do you know if your church is ready for a community website?

Episode Links

Forming Online Community: Concepts

Rob Feature — Mon, 3 Dec 2007 08:48:09 -0500

On today's episode we make the big announcement: The Geeks and God Web 2.0 Conference is coming to fruition, and here are some quick details (the only thing still missing is a solid date). It will happen July 2008 at Michigan Theological Seminary (Plymouth, MI). Tickets are $99 for the first two days, and $50 for the third, which is a 'hands on' web building day (Or $100 for the last day without the first two). We were determined to make it cheap enough for everyone to travel and attend...We're totally pumped, and we hope you are too!

After that, we start our series on Forming Online Community by tackling the basic concepts: What do we mean by online community? Why online community? What are the basic aspects of online community? In the process we talk about old concepts becoming new again, how churches and society have changed, and Rob gets pumped when talking about life-integration and niche markets. And, finally we ask: What are your church's barriers to creating an online community? (feel free to answer in the comments below)

It's an action packed day here on Geeks and God...

Episode Links

Bummer. No links today.

Church Site Architecture

Rob Feature — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:50:18 -0500

Is your church website like a house with clothes, toys, and podcasts scattered around the floors of every room? Or, are you the Martha Stewart of webmasters, organizing and categorizing your content for easy use? (sounds like there's a biblical parable there somewhere...)

On today's 'cast, we're going to encourage you to be like Martha Stewart. At least the pre-jail, "I haven't stolen money from anyone yet" version. We talk all about how important it is for your site to have good information architecture and a navigation scheme that's easy to use...thereby not frustrating your visitors by making them sort thru your dirty socks to find the latest blog entry.

Before all this, we announce the enhanced version of the G&G podcast, and we give you the opportunity to support this podcast (just click any link and see the new donate button on the sidebar)

Episode Links

User Contributed Content

Rob Feature — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:05:15 -0500

On today's episode we make an attempt at tackling The Online Church's biggest fear: User Contributed Content.

We're happy to say, not all churches or ministries are afraid of user contributed content. Some understand that it's the only way to have true church community online all week long. However, there's still plenty of churches who shy away because of the perceived dangers of allowing anyone to add things to the church website. This week, we do our best to educate and encourage, looking at some misconceptions of user contributed content and we talk about different methods of adding checks and balances to the process.

But, before all this, we talk about an issue that frustrates us geeky folks when we seek to help our churches advance in the area of technology in ministry. Innovation is slower in the church than it is elsewhere, and we throw out some ideas about why that is.

Episode Links

Creative Faith Community

Drupal Modules To Help:

Captcha & Spam
Userpoints, Flagging System

Podcast Stats and User Feedback

Rob Feature — Mon, 5 Nov 2007 14:10:34 -0500

Are you a stat junkie? If so, you may be in trouble when you get your new podcast online. Today we talk about why podcast statistics are so important, yet we warn that they can be addictive and skew your reasons for podcasting.

We talk all about why tracking your file download and subscription stats can create a two-way conversation between you and your listeners. You can find out what topics they want/need to hear about and get some ideas about which episodes "worked" and which didn't. We also talk about more direct feedback: email, voicemail and more. Staying in touch with your listeners is crucial, and web stats and user feedback are essential pieces to that puzzle.

But, before all that, we talk about a new drupal module and ask the big question: Is podcasting dying?

Episode Links

Delivering Your Podcast

Rob Feature — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:55:14 -0400

So, we've brow-beaten you into creating a studio podcast for your church. Now, you gotta distribute it to the big bad world (or, maybe just your congregation). On today's podcast, we talk about how to deliver your podcast...but maybe not in the way you'd expect.

We DO spend a little bit of time talking about creating an RSS feed for your 'cast and using a CMS or other feed-creation method to get your episodes out there...but, we also spend lots of time talking about unorthodox methods for distributing your show. We suggest using CDs (and un-scary language about them) to bring your congregation along with you as well as a way to use an ISO to deliver the goods.

But, before all this, we talk about this comment on how you should test the waters before dropping a bunch of bling on podcast gear and we weigh the idea of an enhanced version of the G&G podcast (tell us, in the comments, if you want us to do an enhanced version).

Episode Links

Hands On Studio Podcast

Rob Feature — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 17:29:27 -0400

Studio podcasts at your church can be a powerful way to communicate with your congregation and even the world about the greatest message ever and living in the community that God has called us to. That's what we talked about last week when we discussed the theory of studio podcasting. This week we take studio podcasting and get hands on. We talk gear, we talk setup, we talk about spending your money. This episode is all about the tools and workflow of producing a studio podcast. We talk about microphones (including some you might already have sitting around your church), we talk about mixing equipment (wow, has that stuff come down in price in recent years), and we talk about all that connector equipment. Curious about the cost? Well help you answer that question.

But, before we dig into the details we talk about building a podcasting site with drupal and we get into a case study for a church studio podcast (give feedback on it here). Stay tuned... it's Geeks and God...

Episode Links

Church Studio Podcast Theory

Rob Feature — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 08:46:43 -0400

In last weeks episode, we got you all depressed by telling you how ineffective sermon podcasting is. This week, we hope to raise your spirits and inspire you to begin a podcast that can be much more effective: A studio style podcast. We discuss many theories of studio podcasting such as why studio podcasts are good for your memebers and for outreach, what kinds of studio podcasts could you think about doing, and what type of planning should go into a studio podcast.

But we don't stop there...we talk about what kinds of things to look for in a podcast hosting personality, what types of goals you shoud think about in regards to your podcast, and finally, we talk about why it's important that your podcast has a target audience.

Before all that, however, we dive into listener feedback...playing some of your comments that remind us that the G&G listeners are much smarter than the hosts.

Episode Links

Sorry folks, no links this week...

Podcasting Your Sermons and Bible Classes

Rob Feature — Mon, 8 Oct 2007 09:16:33 -0400

Today's podcast offers up a big ol' contradiction. The topic is "How to podcast your sermon or bible class", yet we spend tons of time telling you why sermon and bible class podcasts aren't very effective. I know, I know...so why try?

We like to call sermon podcasts "The Starting Line" for churches. You MUST podcast your sermons because people expect it and it's good for your members. So, if we must do it, yet it's a fairly ineffective endeavor, let's figure out how to make it better, shall we?

So, in this episode, we spend lots of time talking about how to make a dual-use message more effective as a podcast recording. We talk about tailoring it for the web, recording the highest quality signal, and what you can do to deliver the message in the most effective way possible. We wrap up the episode by talking about some how's of recording, and push the countryman E6 microphone in a way that makes you think get a cut of every sale (we don't, I promise).

But, before all this, MF issues a challenge to all our listeners...check out his post for more information.

Episode Links

Why Your Church Should Podcast

Rob Feature — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:25:37 -0400

Horray! We're back from our 2 month hiatus and ready to rock some socks off. While we were gone, we did a bunch of stuff, but one of the things we did was teach some sessions at a worship conference. This conference has inspired two new aspects of the G&G Podcast...

The first way we were inspired was to do another podcasting series. When talking about podcasting, we saw what a hunger there is for good, solid, knowledge in the church community. So, today's podcast, we start by talking all about why your church should podcast. And, we really focus on how us geeks can convince our pastors and leaders that a solid church podcast is really worth the time and energy.

We were also inspired to dream up and start work on creating The Geeks and God Web 2.0 Conference. The planning is now officially underway for this conference which will be held in the Summer of 2008. Jump over to the conference survey and tell us what you want in a web 2.0 conference from G&G.

We're back and we're psyched....welcome to a new season of G&G.

Episode Links

The Need For Speed

Matt Farina — Tue, 7 Aug 2007 05:43:51 -0400

Can a website load fast enough for you? For the average user a website needs to load in less than 10 seconds or they don't bother to look at it. When you're trying to reach people this is a challenge we need to more than overcome. This week we tackle some simple things that any website can do to enhance performance. A small website on a low end host or a website with thousands of hits a day can do things that can give their visitors a boost in speed.

Before we dive into our need for speed, we dive a collaborative effort to get better reoccurring events in drupal. If you are interested in donating to the effort please contact Rob here.

It's another one of those seasons in life for your G&G hosts. Last winter we took a 2 month break and we are, again, going to take a break. We will be back with a new episode the 1st Monday of October. So, strap in.... it's time for Geeks and God.

PS...please excuse the messed up audio in the flash player this week...we're working to fix it...

Episode Links

Audio Processing: Part 2

Rob Feature — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:56:58 -0400

On last week's Geeks and God podcast we dove into some audio processing plugins and hardware boxes and described what it was that those did to your audio. On this week, we try and get a little bit more practical by telling you how to acually use those devices, give advice on settings to start with and much more.

We talk primarily about EQ and compression, but delve into gates, effects, and a few more other things. We talk about compression threshold, ratio and attack release, and we try and give you some good settings to start with. When we talk about EQ, Rob attempts to give you some general ideas about frequency ranges to keep in mind when you're trying to make your audio sound a bit better...

But, before all this, we talk (ahem..or rant) about YouVersion and give some insight into some new OpenDNS features...

Episode Links

You Version.com
OpenDNS.org
Compressor Screen Shot
Gate Screen Shot

Audio Processing: Part 1

Rob Feature — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 08:42:04 -0400

Quite a while ago, a G&G Blog existed. As usually happens, we got lazy and never updated it, so we nixed it....But, looking at our web stats at the time, we saw just how many people frequented Rob's blog entries about Audio Processing basics. So, we figured we'd take the need we saw and try to fill it with a pair of episodes...

This week, we begin with Audio Processing basics. We talk about EQ (equalization), Compressors, DeEssers, Expanders/Gates, Limiters, and Feedback Exterminators. But, alas...we don't stop there.

Rob goes off (possibly unfairly) on people that use (or overuse) effects. We talk about Reverb, Delay, Pitch and Time (we get a little crazy there), Flanger, Chorus and the like... We also talk for a minute about reducing noise in your recordings.

But, before all this, we talk about the problems everyone seems to be having with DVD and Hard Drive based camcorders that those folks at Best Buy are pushing so hard....

Episode Links

Vocation

Rob Feature — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:01:49 -0400

Today's podcast is weird. Flat out. There is almost nothing, except Rob Feature, that resembles every other Geeks and God podcast. MF is still gone, so we have Pastor Joe Burnham sitting in as podcast co-host. We decided not to talk full-on-tech, so we're exploring a more theological topic. Rob gets freaked out because he's all alone talking into a microphone and is recording outside the familiar bounds of the infamous "Podcast Room".

All that aside, we move forward with this unplanned episode, just to keep your geek brains moving. Today we talk with Joe about the concept of "Vocation"...or living the calling God calls to you. We try and dispel the myth that says: If you're not using your Geek-Gifts in church, then you're wasting your time. We talk about everyday interactions and dig into the Bible for some backup on this idea.

So, join us for a very unexpected, unplanned, and unorthodox episode of the Geeks and God Podcast.

Episode Links

Design Tips: Print Design

Rob Feature — Mon, 9 Jul 2007 12:05:16 -0400

On today's Geeks and God podcast we launch into the realm of print design. Postcards, Brochures, Newsletters, and Banners are all discussed and analyzed in an attempt to give you some tips on improving your church image.

We talk about color, bleed, resolution and some tools for creating your print designs. We break down design types (text based, image driven, raster or vector) and talk about the appropriate software for designing each. As you may expect, we slam on MS Publisher and encourage you to use external professional print companies. We also talk branding, spacing, fonts, readability and much more...

But, before all that, we ask the big question: "Who are YOU on the internet?" when we talk about our online persona.

Episode Links

Jakprints

Group Imaging

A past G&G minicast on Resolution

Design Tips: Web Design Part 2

Rob Feature — Mon, 2 Jul 2007 20:18:30 -0400

Today, as MF basks in the Hawaiian sun, we're stuck here, listening to another episode of Geeks and God....argh. But, alas, we try and make the best of it:

On this podcast we talk more about the design side of websites. We talk about why it's important to choose just the right color scheme for your website. We talk about raster vs. vector graphic. We talk UI and trends in web design (are they good or bad to follow?). We wrap it up by giving you a bunch of tools that you can use to make sure your site is lookin' good.

Before all this, however, we talk about Open ID and why it's good for the web. Join us, won't you?

Episode Links

Design Tips: Web Design, Part 1

Rob Feature — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:29:40 -0400

Have you ever designed a website and thought, "This just doesn't look right." Have you wondered why people don't stick around at your site long enough to even get your message? If so, then this is the start of the series for you.

We start by diving into attractive website design and why it matters. From there we move into tips to become a better designer, fonts, layout, design styles, and more. If you've wanted to have a clean look like digg.com, a user interface like flickr, or a site that's as readable as Apple's, come check out this series on design.

Before we dive into such a deep topic we look into a situation that plagues both open source and many ministries.

Episode Links

Ministry as Open Source: The Tools

Matt Farina — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 22:06:51 -0400

The open source world includes millions of people working on projects together from all around the world. The past couple weeks we talked about open source philosophy applied to the church and this week we talk about the tools that allow people from all over the world to collaborate as if they are in the same office.

These tools, like mailing list, chat, IRC, forums and more are more than just tools to use. There is a philosophy behind them that can be taken into the physical world, your community, and your church.

You might be thinking, what can these tools do that help people collaborate from around the world do for my church that's local and not huge in size? Come listen to the 'cast to find out.

Before we close out our series on Ministry as Open Source we talk about stealing. What is stealing on the Internet? Is it OK to take a website design? Going outside the law is it good to take someones design? Come join us on the podcast where we talk about this and more.

Episode Links

Ministry as Open Source: Leadership and Attitudes

Rob Feature — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:04:49 -0400

Today's podcast continues our foray into applying open source concepts to ministry development and organization.

We start by talking your phone calls...we talk about projector screens, putting those little fish on your car, and we talk all about Jesus as our kernel. We then start the big debate: Bookstore or Library in your church?

After all this we talk about ministry as open source...we talk about concepts that come from open source slogans, we talk about ministry leadership styles, and we chat all about the attitudes that come along with open source and lending a hand to others...

All this, on this week's Geeks and God Podcast...

Episode Links

No links this week...

Ministry As Open Source: Community

Rob Feature — Mon, 4 Jun 2007 13:51:18 -0400

Today we start our series on Ministry as Open Source. What's this all about? Are we going to talk about open source software that your church should use? No, we're not...

Ministries and Open Source communities have alot in common and we believe that ministries can learn lessons from the successful community buiding that open source has evidenced in the past few years. Today on the 'cast we talk about these communities, how they're structured, what successful techniques they use and find some simliarities between the two types of community.

But before all that, we talk more about open source in your church (does it cost more? does it cost less?) and the frequency podcast. Oh, and once again, we fail at skypecasting...argh.

Episode Links

http://thefrequencypodcast.com

Memorial Day Minicast

Rob Feature — Mon, 28 May 2007 09:43:33 -0400

Ok, so it's Memorial Day here in the US...so, like everyone else, we honor those in the Armed Forces by taking a vacation (how lame is that?)

This episode was originally going to be a simple "we're not having an episode" announcement, but we turned it into a little bit more with some help from our friends.

In this Geeks and God minicast we first apologize for the abandoned Skypcast last weekend, and then we tell you about Drupal For Churches. We then address a question from a listener about Podcast Audio Quality (and Skype). Finally, we hand the reins over to John Wilkerson from the Jesus Geek podcast and he offers great insight on VoIP systems and power, why open source may not be cheaper for you, and gives a little info on projectors.

And, of course, what would be a holiday without a little treat? We end the episode with a special gift from our tuba to yours....

Episode Links

http://www.drupal.org/project/...
http://www.jesusgeek.info

VoIP and Your Church

Matt Farina — Mon, 21 May 2007 12:35:15 -0400

What's that? Your church is broke? Hey, that's crazy...mine is too. It's the times we live in: Tight budgets, Giving is down, and churches are scrambling for ways to save some money. Geeks to the Rescue!

This week we talk about a technology that could save you some money instead of selling your church's collective soul to Ma Bell. We talk about VoIP (voice over internet protocol) and how it can apply to churches like yours.

Sure, you've heard of Skype and iChat but you never thought there was a solution that could actually be implemented on a large scale at your church...until now.

Rob and MF don't know much about VoIP, so they invited a G&G listener, Geek, and VoIP guy, Erik Anderson, onto the show to tell us all about how he launched VoIP systems on a scale that would be usable in any size church. He tells us all about how the open source Asterisk VoIP system can be implemented in churches and save them a bunch of money on their phone system and long distance charges.

Kick back, grab some skittles, and tune into this episode of G&G....