3ABN Fans on Facebook Reach 300
2008/07/22 19:57 Filed in: Journal
The number of people who have become “fans” of
3ABN’s Facebook page reached
300 last Monday, the 14th. Activity has been a
little slow, because — frankly — I am the
only person maintaining that page. I’ve been
adding news about major upcoming events, but
other than that I haven’t really had any great
inspiration for what our page visitors would
like to see. A page like this gains value as
more people become fans of it, so the future
looks good.
Our ASI event on Facebook has taken on a life of its own, with other people inviting friends, beyond my circle of friends that I personally invited. Although the number of people who have indicated their intent to attend is relatively small, it is still good to see regular additions to the numbers just about every week. A frustrating aspect of Facebook is that you can’t simply invite fans to an event (or so it seems); the most you can do is send an update to the fans, and invite your personal friends.
Our ASI event on Facebook has taken on a life of its own, with other people inviting friends, beyond my circle of friends that I personally invited. Although the number of people who have indicated their intent to attend is relatively small, it is still good to see regular additions to the numbers just about every week. A frustrating aspect of Facebook is that you can’t simply invite fans to an event (or so it seems); the most you can do is send an update to the fans, and invite your personal friends.
|
Four-day Work Week
2008/07/10 19:11 Filed in: Journal
This week was our first 4-day work week. Previously
all 3ABN employees typically worked 8:00 am to 5:30
pm, Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 until noon on
Friday. With a half-hour lunch break this came out to
40 hours. Now we are starting at 7:30 am, and working
essentially 38 hours per week (but pay remains the
same), with Friday off.
With finances a little tight, 3ABN has not been able to give raises for some time, and this was deemed one way of benefitting employees without increasing payrolls. Besides the advantage of having a 3-day weekend—like many church entities have, as well as various ministries—it also saves employees the expense of the Friday commute to work. With gas prices getting so high, it is potentially a significant savings.
I’m really happy about this new arrangement, and hope it works out.
With finances a little tight, 3ABN has not been able to give raises for some time, and this was deemed one way of benefitting employees without increasing payrolls. Besides the advantage of having a 3-day weekend—like many church entities have, as well as various ministries—it also saves employees the expense of the Friday commute to work. With gas prices getting so high, it is potentially a significant savings.
I’m really happy about this new arrangement, and hope it works out.
Nicole Issa
2008/06/26 22:05 Filed in: Journal
Our new employee Nicole has been a blessing to the
ministry already. She’s been kicking out small
projects left and right. It’s great working with
someone as focused and as quick to learn as Nicole.
And she has a great personality besides.
Here’s a photo of her working on a small project that was finished today, uploading new Kids’ Time Praise music videos to our YouTube page.
Here’s a photo of her working on a small project that was finished today, uploading new Kids’ Time Praise music videos to our YouTube page.
Annette Christian
2008/06/25 22:06 Filed in: Journal
This morning we received the sad news that Annette
Christian had passed away last night, June 24, a
short while before midnight. Annette had a long
struggle with cancer, finally culminating in a number
of brain tumors that proved fatal. Last week she was
taken home from the hospital to be under hospice
care. Her family was hopeful that she might recover,
but also mindful that she might not. Our pastor
described her passing as “bitter-sweet”; although she
will be dearly missed by everyone, we are glad she is
no longer suffering.
Annette was married to Jay Christian, one of our staff at 3ABN Radio; her daughter Cari also works at 3ABN, and Annette herself had worked at 3ABN in various capacities up through the early stages of her disease.
Over the last several years, Annette has undoubtedly been one of the most prayed-for people at 3ABN. However, even in her hardest days, she was an encouragement and source of blessing to those around her. Please continue to keep her family in your prayers.
Annette was married to Jay Christian, one of our staff at 3ABN Radio; her daughter Cari also works at 3ABN, and Annette herself had worked at 3ABN in various capacities up through the early stages of her disease.
Over the last several years, Annette has undoubtedly been one of the most prayed-for people at 3ABN. However, even in her hardest days, she was an encouragement and source of blessing to those around her. Please continue to keep her family in your prayers.
3ABN Managers
2008/06/18 18:29 Filed in: Journal
This morning in our 3ABN managers’ meeting, J.D.
suggested we get a photo of everyone to share in the
e-mail newsletter that our Pastoral Department sends
out. J.D. sent me a copy of it, and here it is:
L to R: Mollie Steenson, General Manager; Don Yost, manager of Maintenance Department; Jennifer Todd, manager of Marketing Department; J.D. Quinn, manager of Pastoral Department; Shelley Quinn, manager of Program Development; Jim Gilley, President; C.A. Murray, Production Manager for television; Jay Christian, co-manager at 3ABN Radio; Greg Morikone, manager of the Call Center; Len Wenzel, manager of television editing; Tim Lass, manager of Programming Department; and me, manager of the Publishing Department.
Not shown: John Dinzey, manager of 3ABN Latino; E.T. Everett, manager of Sound Center; Brian Hamilton, manager of Finance Department; John Hauser, Safety Coordinator; Moses Primo, director of Engineering Department; and Dave Turner, manager of Construction.
L to R: Mollie Steenson, General Manager; Don Yost, manager of Maintenance Department; Jennifer Todd, manager of Marketing Department; J.D. Quinn, manager of Pastoral Department; Shelley Quinn, manager of Program Development; Jim Gilley, President; C.A. Murray, Production Manager for television; Jay Christian, co-manager at 3ABN Radio; Greg Morikone, manager of the Call Center; Len Wenzel, manager of television editing; Tim Lass, manager of Programming Department; and me, manager of the Publishing Department.
Not shown: John Dinzey, manager of 3ABN Latino; E.T. Everett, manager of Sound Center; Brian Hamilton, manager of Finance Department; John Hauser, Safety Coordinator; Moses Primo, director of Engineering Department; and Dave Turner, manager of Construction.
Outpaced!
2008/06/11 20:18 Filed in: Journal
Until yesterday, I had more friends on Facebook than
3ABN’s Facebook page had
fans. Now I can no longer say I am more popular
than 3ABN. (Ha ha.) Of course, one look at my
modest number of friends, and you will clearly
see that this is not because I am a popular
person, but because 3ABN’s page had a late start
and has had a low trajectory due to inadequate
promotion, which are we working to improve.
If you’d like to help promote 3ABN, one way you can do that is by joining our Facebook Cause. This requires you to add the Causes application to your Facebook account, which is a very popular and well-behaved application. With no further action on your part, its presence on your profile simply tells other people that you support the organization(s) of your choice. I’ve added several causes to my Facebook profile, and many of my friends have them too. Of course, you can go further, and easily invite all YOUR friends to add your favorite causes. In this way you become an evangelist for your favorite causes. And, what’s most important, you can donate through the Causes application. As you may know, 3ABN is a donation-supported ministry, and most of our donations are from individuals such as yourself. We receive no income from the various outlets that carry 3ABN, such as DISH Network, local stations, or cable networks. The support of our viewers and listeners is what enables 3ABN to keep reaching more people with the truths for this time.
If you’d like to help promote 3ABN, one way you can do that is by joining our Facebook Cause. This requires you to add the Causes application to your Facebook account, which is a very popular and well-behaved application. With no further action on your part, its presence on your profile simply tells other people that you support the organization(s) of your choice. I’ve added several causes to my Facebook profile, and many of my friends have them too. Of course, you can go further, and easily invite all YOUR friends to add your favorite causes. In this way you become an evangelist for your favorite causes. And, what’s most important, you can donate through the Causes application. As you may know, 3ABN is a donation-supported ministry, and most of our donations are from individuals such as yourself. We receive no income from the various outlets that carry 3ABN, such as DISH Network, local stations, or cable networks. The support of our viewers and listeners is what enables 3ABN to keep reaching more people with the truths for this time.
3ABN Spring Camp Meeting and Ten Commandments Weekend
2008/06/04 20:14 Filed in: Journal
We had a great camp meeting and Ten Commandments
Weekend this year. It's the first time we combined
them and had them here at 3ABN's Worship Center.
There was a great turnout. I've put some photos on Facebook (link below), and then I've added a few other photos below that.
There was a great turnout. I've put some photos on Facebook (link below), and then I've added a few other photos below that.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42845&id=12296170694
It was great to see
long-time friend Staci (L), who was here visiting
mutual friends Jill (pictured) and Greg
Morikone.
We had a very good panel answering
Bible questions on Wednesday night. L to R: Stephen
Bohr, John Lomacang, Mike Tucker, Kenneth Cox, David
Asscherick, C. A. Murray.
Many 3ABN staff, such as Larry McLucas, put in
long hours. It was practically a marathon!
Eva doing what girls do best:
Ken Cox gave a great message on the commandment,
"Thou shalt not murder." If you missed it, you need
to find a copy and learn the secret of why women
outlive their husbands!
David Asscherick spoke on "Thou shalt not commit
adultery." He brought down the house!
Another friend from college days, David Shin,
spoke on "Thou shalt not steal." It included a
powerful personal testimony.
If you missed it, I've heard that the DVDs should be
shipping sometime in July. Eventually the programs
with air again on 3ABN, as well. Check the program
listings for times.
Our Heritage - Rock Skipping Photo
2008/05/15 18:10 Filed in: Journal
| Art and
Designs
The first installment in my series "Our Heritage"
appears in the June 3ABN World magazine. I
wanted a creative introduction to this first story,
and this is what I came up with:
I stand at the edge of a small lake. It’s quiet here—a good place to meditate, to think. As I skip a rock across the water, I notice the ripples. At each point where the stone strikes the surface of the lake, waves radiate outward. Together they look like a series of points, each sending out signal waves in every direction. In a sense, that’s what this series is about. Our Christian heritage is a string of pivotal events, each with its own lasting repercussions in the stream of time. It’s a story that inspires me every time I think of it.
I thought it would be cool to add a little thumbnail illustration. I tried to look for stock photos of a rock skipping across a pond, but couldn't find any. So Adam and I headed down to the nearest little pond, and this is what we got:
The original photo:
Unfortunately, despite numerous attempts, we couldn't quite capture the feel of skipping stones. The surface of the water was really icky. We did get some nice splashes, but they just didn't look like what I wanted to convey.
Add "Pond-Scum-Be-Gone" (aka, Photoshop):
Ripples:
A nice reflection:
Some nice early morning mist, and we're done!
I stand at the edge of a small lake. It’s quiet here—a good place to meditate, to think. As I skip a rock across the water, I notice the ripples. At each point where the stone strikes the surface of the lake, waves radiate outward. Together they look like a series of points, each sending out signal waves in every direction. In a sense, that’s what this series is about. Our Christian heritage is a string of pivotal events, each with its own lasting repercussions in the stream of time. It’s a story that inspires me every time I think of it.
I thought it would be cool to add a little thumbnail illustration. I tried to look for stock photos of a rock skipping across a pond, but couldn't find any. So Adam and I headed down to the nearest little pond, and this is what we got:
The original photo:
Unfortunately, despite numerous attempts, we couldn't quite capture the feel of skipping stones. The surface of the water was really icky. We did get some nice splashes, but they just didn't look like what I wanted to convey.
Add "Pond-Scum-Be-Gone" (aka, Photoshop):
Ripples:
A nice reflection:
Some nice early morning mist, and we're done!
3ABN's Facebook Page Art
2008/05/08 15:49 Filed in: Art and
Designs
I recently created a page for 3ABN on Facebook. I
needed something for the picture, so after a
little brainstorming and experimentation, I
created this:
It was created with a combination of SketchUp, Swift3D, and Photoshop.
One trick was to create a picture in which 3ABN's logo would look OK, once automatically scaled down and cropped by Facebook's software. This was part of the inspiration for having a screen with the logo in the center, surrounded by other screens. To be cropped correctly, the logo must fit within a space defined by a perfect square with a width and height less than the smallest dimension of the image.
It was created with a combination of SketchUp, Swift3D, and Photoshop.
One trick was to create a picture in which 3ABN's logo would look OK, once automatically scaled down and cropped by Facebook's software. This was part of the inspiration for having a screen with the logo in the center, surrounded by other screens. To be cropped correctly, the logo must fit within a space defined by a perfect square with a width and height less than the smallest dimension of the image.
What Happens When You're Away
2008/05/01 05:24 Filed in: Journal
When I returned from Sweden, I had two shocks:
First, I learned the sad news that my friend and coworker Kenton Rogers had turned in his resignation. His last day will be May 9, I believe. His family is moving back to the West Coast, to be closer to their relatives. Kenton is a very talented and spiritual person, and will be greatly missed at 3ABN. He plans to start a small publishing house at a location yet to be announced.
That means we are looking for someone to replace him in my department. You can read the job posting announcement on my Xanga blog. If you know of any qualified individuals, please pass the word along. We are looking for people who are professionally employed in graphic design, not hobbyists or persons wanting to enter the field (although we make exception for college graduates with no employment history).
The second news is happier: Another friend and coworker, Connie Kuehn, got engaged and will be married this month. Unfortunately, there is a sad side to that story as well: She will be moving away to be with her future husband in Mississippi. We will all miss Connie's bubbly personality and valuable marketing skills. Congratulations, Connie!
First, I learned the sad news that my friend and coworker Kenton Rogers had turned in his resignation. His last day will be May 9, I believe. His family is moving back to the West Coast, to be closer to their relatives. Kenton is a very talented and spiritual person, and will be greatly missed at 3ABN. He plans to start a small publishing house at a location yet to be announced.
That means we are looking for someone to replace him in my department. You can read the job posting announcement on my Xanga blog. If you know of any qualified individuals, please pass the word along. We are looking for people who are professionally employed in graphic design, not hobbyists or persons wanting to enter the field (although we make exception for college graduates with no employment history).
The second news is happier: Another friend and coworker, Connie Kuehn, got engaged and will be married this month. Unfortunately, there is a sad side to that story as well: She will be moving away to be with her future husband in Mississippi. We will all miss Connie's bubbly personality and valuable marketing skills. Congratulations, Connie!
3ABN Behind the Scenes: Finally
2008/03/21 21:39 Filed in: Journal
My 3ABN Today "Behind the Scenes" appearance
was last night, in case you missed it (which might be
a good thing!). In respect to content, it went well.
I think I said everything I wanted to say.
However, I made myself watch it when it aired last night, and I am kind of torn-up about it. Mostly I realized that I need to smile more, and sometimes when I think I'm smiling, or at least looking pleasant, I'm not. Somehow when I'm thinking hard, I tend to look like I'm mad or upset. It was quite a revelation to see myself from a third-party viewpoint like that. Hopefully with a little practice I can turn that around.
The other thing is that I don't sound like what I think I sound like. I need to work on my voice!
So far everyone who's seen it said it went well. Which I have taken to mean I must seem like that all the time! Or maybe they were just being nice.
In case you are wondering what I talked about, the topic was our 3ABN Viewer Survey 2008, which we have been urging everyone to take. The results so far have been very interesting, and now that we are pulling in a larger demographic group through the printed surveys, I'm anticipating even more insights into who our audience is and what they are thinking.
However, I made myself watch it when it aired last night, and I am kind of torn-up about it. Mostly I realized that I need to smile more, and sometimes when I think I'm smiling, or at least looking pleasant, I'm not. Somehow when I'm thinking hard, I tend to look like I'm mad or upset. It was quite a revelation to see myself from a third-party viewpoint like that. Hopefully with a little practice I can turn that around.
The other thing is that I don't sound like what I think I sound like. I need to work on my voice!
So far everyone who's seen it said it went well. Which I have taken to mean I must seem like that all the time! Or maybe they were just being nice.
In case you are wondering what I talked about, the topic was our 3ABN Viewer Survey 2008, which we have been urging everyone to take. The results so far have been very interesting, and now that we are pulling in a larger demographic group through the printed surveys, I'm anticipating even more insights into who our audience is and what they are thinking.
Department Staff
2008/03/10 22:44 Filed in: Photos
More Snow; "Behind the Scenes" Taping Update
2008/02/25 22:28 Filed in: Journal
This news goes back a couple weeks, but I thought I
ought to bring everyone up to speed on the happenings
here.
First, my hopeful prediction on February 3 that we might be nearing the end of winter weather turned out to be grimly mistaken. In the several days leading up to 2/11, we had warnings that a severe winter storm was afoot. Nevertheless, the morning of that day wasn't too bad. I started to see snow and a bit of sleet coming down on the way home for lunch. Still, I was somewhat surprised to be caught at home after lunch, when I learned that 3ABN was closing due to badly deteriorating road conditions.
Sleet and freezing rain fell all afternoon and into the night. On top of a couple inches of snow, we had a 1/4 to 1/2 inch layer of ice. The ice covered my wireless internet antenna, knocking out my internet access, which left me without a convenient source of news and information for the next several days. (Not to mention no chatting with friends!)
I remained stuck at home Tuesday morning. The mound of snow on the windshield of my Jeep was encased in a hard shell of ice, and presented quite a challenge when I tried to clear it off. I tried to get to work, but Hernando and I couldn't get the Jeep unstuck. We finally managed to back it out of the space where it was parked, but then it became caught in a thick mixture of slush and mud. We worked for maybe 30 minutes or more, and with the aid of a snow shovel loaned to us by the Troys, we were finally able to free it. But by then Hernando had given up on going to work. It was nearly lunchtime, so I decided to just wait and try again after lunch. I did make it in to 3ABN in the afternoon. Only about half the employees were there. Greg and Jill were running the Call Center by themselves.
Ice storm nature pics:
Carving out the snow under the ice on my Jeep's hood and windshield:
With cold temperatures, the snow lasted nearly a week. On Friday, 2/15, I got stuck in the slush twice: once at the T'ville post office, and once on the road that connects Main Street to the curve on 149; but was able to get myself out in both cases. The snow was mostly melted by the next Monday, 2/18, but there were still mounds of snow where it was plowed.
As explained in previous posts, the last week of January I had been taped for the 3ABN Today "Behind the Scenes" program, to air on Valentine's Day, February 14. I was on the set with Jim Gilley, Mollie Steenson, and John Lomacang. My topic was the viewer survey we were preparing to release. Mollie was talking about camp meeting, and John about a series, "Where Are All His Miracles?", soon to be taped at the Thompsonville church. But 3ABN overbooked its guests, and Lonnie Melashenko took that date on a live program instead. Because my taping included topics that were dated, the producers decided to reshoot it. We were scheduled to do it again on February 21.
However, on February 21, another ice storm rolled in, and the taping was canceled. Kenton, Adam, and I worked until about 4:00, or a little later, and then went home. It was sleeting, and we knew the roads would soon turn slick. By this time I had developed a good technique for removing ice from my vehicle's windshields, but it was starting to get a bit tedious. We all came in a little late on Friday morning, and found again that many employees were missing. But the main roads were not too bad this time.
A really short video of the February 21 storm:
This storm knocked out my internet connection again, but this time I had two things going for me: I had learned how to connect via by cell phone (sloooooow ... 14.4 kbps). And, lastly, after one cold, tiring, and unproductive experiment, I found a fast way to de-ice my antenna. (I knew that water cannon was good for something.) But, for next time, I think I'm going to invest in the aerosol de-icing spray.
Saturday was warm enough to melt off some of the ice and snow, but we got a couple inches more Sunday morning, which began melting later that day. As of Monday, 2/25, most of it had melted, but a little still lingers.
Apparently my "Behind the Scenes" segment will still be taped, but I have not been told the new taping date yet. I know some of you may be tired of hearing about it already, but it's my first significant appearance, so I guess I'm just excited. (I'm not sure if I should be; I'm not the TV type.)
First, my hopeful prediction on February 3 that we might be nearing the end of winter weather turned out to be grimly mistaken. In the several days leading up to 2/11, we had warnings that a severe winter storm was afoot. Nevertheless, the morning of that day wasn't too bad. I started to see snow and a bit of sleet coming down on the way home for lunch. Still, I was somewhat surprised to be caught at home after lunch, when I learned that 3ABN was closing due to badly deteriorating road conditions.
Sleet and freezing rain fell all afternoon and into the night. On top of a couple inches of snow, we had a 1/4 to 1/2 inch layer of ice. The ice covered my wireless internet antenna, knocking out my internet access, which left me without a convenient source of news and information for the next several days. (Not to mention no chatting with friends!)
I remained stuck at home Tuesday morning. The mound of snow on the windshield of my Jeep was encased in a hard shell of ice, and presented quite a challenge when I tried to clear it off. I tried to get to work, but Hernando and I couldn't get the Jeep unstuck. We finally managed to back it out of the space where it was parked, but then it became caught in a thick mixture of slush and mud. We worked for maybe 30 minutes or more, and with the aid of a snow shovel loaned to us by the Troys, we were finally able to free it. But by then Hernando had given up on going to work. It was nearly lunchtime, so I decided to just wait and try again after lunch. I did make it in to 3ABN in the afternoon. Only about half the employees were there. Greg and Jill were running the Call Center by themselves.
Ice storm nature pics:
Carving out the snow under the ice on my Jeep's hood and windshield:
With cold temperatures, the snow lasted nearly a week. On Friday, 2/15, I got stuck in the slush twice: once at the T'ville post office, and once on the road that connects Main Street to the curve on 149; but was able to get myself out in both cases. The snow was mostly melted by the next Monday, 2/18, but there were still mounds of snow where it was plowed.
As explained in previous posts, the last week of January I had been taped for the 3ABN Today "Behind the Scenes" program, to air on Valentine's Day, February 14. I was on the set with Jim Gilley, Mollie Steenson, and John Lomacang. My topic was the viewer survey we were preparing to release. Mollie was talking about camp meeting, and John about a series, "Where Are All His Miracles?", soon to be taped at the Thompsonville church. But 3ABN overbooked its guests, and Lonnie Melashenko took that date on a live program instead. Because my taping included topics that were dated, the producers decided to reshoot it. We were scheduled to do it again on February 21.
However, on February 21, another ice storm rolled in, and the taping was canceled. Kenton, Adam, and I worked until about 4:00, or a little later, and then went home. It was sleeting, and we knew the roads would soon turn slick. By this time I had developed a good technique for removing ice from my vehicle's windshields, but it was starting to get a bit tedious. We all came in a little late on Friday morning, and found again that many employees were missing. But the main roads were not too bad this time.
A really short video of the February 21 storm:
This storm knocked out my internet connection again, but this time I had two things going for me: I had learned how to connect via by cell phone (sloooooow ... 14.4 kbps). And, lastly, after one cold, tiring, and unproductive experiment, I found a fast way to de-ice my antenna. (I knew that water cannon was good for something.) But, for next time, I think I'm going to invest in the aerosol de-icing spray.
Saturday was warm enough to melt off some of the ice and snow, but we got a couple inches more Sunday morning, which began melting later that day. As of Monday, 2/25, most of it had melted, but a little still lingers.
Apparently my "Behind the Scenes" segment will still be taped, but I have not been told the new taping date yet. I know some of you may be tired of hearing about it already, but it's my first significant appearance, so I guess I'm just excited. (I'm not sure if I should be; I'm not the TV type.)
3ABN Today "Behind the Scenes" Postponed
2008/02/14 22:23 Filed in: Journal
3ABN Viewer Survey 2008 Now Online
2008/02/10 15:31 Filed in: Journal
If you watch 3ABN on TV or by Internet, please take a few moments (10-25 minutes, estimated) to give us your feedback on 3ABN's programming.
You can find the survey here: www.3abn.org/survey/
A printed version of this survey will also be mailed to everyone on our mailing list. You can do either one. However, 3ABN would prefer everyone to do the online version — it is much easier to compile the results from that one. Personally, from a user standpoint, I think it is also easier and faster to do the online version.
All questions are optional, but the more feedback you provide, the better. The most important sections are the ones dealing with the programs and presenters on 3ABN. Naturally, all entries are completely anonymous.
Melissa Otto Band
2008/02/03 10:52 Filed in: Journal
The Melissa Otto Band was at 3ABN for a while. It was
the first time I'd heard them, although they told me
they were at the last GYC. I really enjoyed their
music. The group has five members, four of whom are
brothers and sisters. It's cool to see a family
sharing in ministry like that.
It was great having them join my adult lesson study class on Sabbath as well. They made some great contributions to the discussion. And turns out that at least one member of the family, Billy, knows my brother Eugene as well. Small world....
You can find some videos on MySpace and YouTube. They were also taped while here at 3ABN, so you can look for them on 3ABN's broadcasts sooner or later. They are on the second broadcast of the new "Where Are All His Miracles?" series that is currently being taped at 3ABN.
It was great having them join my adult lesson study class on Sabbath as well. They made some great contributions to the discussion. And turns out that at least one member of the family, Billy, knows my brother Eugene as well. Small world....
You can find some videos on MySpace and YouTube. They were also taped while here at 3ABN, so you can look for them on 3ABN's broadcasts sooner or later. They are on the second broadcast of the new "Where Are All His Miracles?" series that is currently being taped at 3ABN.
3ABN Behind the Scenes: Viewer Survey 2008
2008/01/30 21:09 Filed in: Journal
Well, well, well... my second 3ABN Today
"Behind the Scenes" taping in two months happened
this morning. This time I was on the show with Jim
Gilley, Mollie Steenson, and John Lomacang. We talked
about a variety of things. My part was explaining a
forthcoming survey that will be sent to everyone on
our mailing list; it will also be made available
online. It's something we hope as many people as
possible will participate in, and I'm personally
quite excited about the valuable feedback we stand to
receive.
There are several sections to the survey: The first is demographics. The second and third sections are about the programs and presenters on 3ABN. And the final sections deal with more general viewer preferences, our supporting communications (the 3abn.org website and 3ABN World magazine), and 3ABN's effectiveness as a ministry. If you watch 3ABN, either on TV or by Internet, I strongly encourage you to participate. It's a great chance to help 3ABN chart a course for more effective (as in life-changing) programming. And as one of the primary architects of the survey, I can hardly wait till the responses start trickling in. Keep an eye on the 3ABN website for information about the online version of the survey. All the questions are easy, and the whole survey takes only 10-25 minutes to complete.
If you want to hear my segment on the 3ABN Today broadcast, tune in for the second hour of the program on February 14, 9:00 p.m. CST. It will be repeated Friday at 2:00 a.m. CST.
There are several sections to the survey: The first is demographics. The second and third sections are about the programs and presenters on 3ABN. And the final sections deal with more general viewer preferences, our supporting communications (the 3abn.org website and 3ABN World magazine), and 3ABN's effectiveness as a ministry. If you watch 3ABN, either on TV or by Internet, I strongly encourage you to participate. It's a great chance to help 3ABN chart a course for more effective (as in life-changing) programming. And as one of the primary architects of the survey, I can hardly wait till the responses start trickling in. Keep an eye on the 3ABN website for information about the online version of the survey. All the questions are easy, and the whole survey takes only 10-25 minutes to complete.
If you want to hear my segment on the 3ABN Today broadcast, tune in for the second hour of the program on February 14, 9:00 p.m. CST. It will be repeated Friday at 2:00 a.m. CST.
Update: 3ABN Behind the Scenes Appearance
2007/12/12 17:48 Filed in: Journal
To Appear on Upcoming 3ABN Behind the Scenes
2007/12/11 23:10 Filed in: Journal
Today my department, the Publishing Department, was
taped for a 30-minute segment of an upcoming 3ABN
Today "Behind the Scenes" program. I'm not sure
when it will air. My department coworkers, Kenton
Rogers and Adam Dean, joined me.
Other than brief holiday messages and such, this was my first taping experience at 3ABN. In that sense, I think this was a first time for all of us, and we were all a bit on edge. Beforehand, Adam, Kenton, and I joked about all kinds of things that might go wrong, and I think that actually relieved some of the tension for us!
When at last the time came, we dutifully took our turns getting our camera makeup on (yeah, everyone is required to do this). It's really bright under those studio lights—but in a way I think that helped me to focus, because if my eyes wandered off, I got blinded. Then, with a little coaching about where to look and what to do, we were on. The minutes flew by. I could hardly believe it when the host, Jim Gilley, started on the close with the free offer. Later, everyone said it went really well. But when it was over I thought of all the things I should have said, and felt a little foolish (well, actually forgetful) for what I left out.
I was reviewing my Thanksgiving holiday greeting taped last month, which was part of 3ABN's Thanksgiving Day special, and was mortified by nearly every aspect of what I looked like and sounded like on camera. Oh, well. Hopefully with practice I'll look and sound a little more dignified next time around.
Other than brief holiday messages and such, this was my first taping experience at 3ABN. In that sense, I think this was a first time for all of us, and we were all a bit on edge. Beforehand, Adam, Kenton, and I joked about all kinds of things that might go wrong, and I think that actually relieved some of the tension for us!
When at last the time came, we dutifully took our turns getting our camera makeup on (yeah, everyone is required to do this). It's really bright under those studio lights—but in a way I think that helped me to focus, because if my eyes wandered off, I got blinded. Then, with a little coaching about where to look and what to do, we were on. The minutes flew by. I could hardly believe it when the host, Jim Gilley, started on the close with the free offer. Later, everyone said it went really well. But when it was over I thought of all the things I should have said, and felt a little foolish (well, actually forgetful) for what I left out.
I was reviewing my Thanksgiving holiday greeting taped last month, which was part of 3ABN's Thanksgiving Day special, and was mortified by nearly every aspect of what I looked like and sounded like on camera. Oh, well. Hopefully with practice I'll look and sound a little more dignified next time around.
Autumn at 3ABN
2007/11/16 22:04 Filed in: Journal
The colors of autumn seem to be quite vivid this year
at 3ABN. Below are a couple photos I took recently,
and a very short a simple video.
Bradford pears along the entrance way to 3ABN:
Beautiful tree just outside the reception entrance at our Production Center:
A short little video taken from the road alongside the Production Center; the trees in the background were also quite colorful, but the color is lost in the haze over the distance (this was taken with a plain ol' camera that happens to have video ability):
Bradford pears along the entrance way to 3ABN:
Beautiful tree just outside the reception entrance at our Production Center:
A short little video taken from the road alongside the Production Center; the trees in the background were also quite colorful, but the color is lost in the haze over the distance (this was taken with a plain ol' camera that happens to have video ability):
Prayer Request: Crystal and Scott
2007/11/13 22:44 Filed in: Prayer
This request came from Cathy S. who works down the
hall from me at 3ABN:
Please keep Scott, Crystal, and their extended family in your prayers. If you watch 3ABN, you've probably seen Crystal's name many times in the credits.
Dear 3ABN Family,
As many of you know Crystal D.'s husband, Scott, tragically lost his second brother Eric to suicide last week. Scott’s aunt Carol had suddenly died one week prior to Eric’s death, and his youngest brother Kyle lost his life in the same manner in March of this year. It is almost unbelievable to think of what this family must be going through at this time. Scott is in a state of complete confusion and is not doing very well, which is to be expected in light of this recent loss. The only thing I believe we can do right now is pray for Scott and Crystal. Time is an amazing healer and God’s grace is what will help Scott and Crystal. Crystal has been with 3ABN for 10 years and has been such a blessing to this ministry.
Please keep Scott, Crystal, and their extended family in your prayers. If you watch 3ABN, you've probably seen Crystal's name many times in the credits.
Flash Earth
2007/09/30 22:01 Filed in: Cool Stuff
I've tried a number of mapping applications online.
One of the coolest, of course, is Google Earth. But even Google
Earth is a little lacking. For one thing, it
does not have detailed maps of where I live.
Recently I ran across a site called Flash Earth. You can choose from a number of maps. I was happily surprised to discover that one of the maps includes fairly recent data of 3ABN and the surrounding area — the only one that I've ever seen with such detail. You can view that here. If you click that click, and click again on the dark area in the middle to dismiss it, you will see a cross-hair in the middle, centered on 3ABN's Production Center. The Call Center, Sound Center, Worship Center, and school are also visible. You can even see my apartment, but I'm not going to point it out. (Who knows who's reading this?) If any of my friends are interested, they are welcome to e-mail me, and I'll show you where it is. In the upper right corner is the little hick town of Thompsonville.
Recently I ran across a site called Flash Earth. You can choose from a number of maps. I was happily surprised to discover that one of the maps includes fairly recent data of 3ABN and the surrounding area — the only one that I've ever seen with such detail. You can view that here. If you click that click, and click again on the dark area in the middle to dismiss it, you will see a cross-hair in the middle, centered on 3ABN's Production Center. The Call Center, Sound Center, Worship Center, and school are also visible. You can even see my apartment, but I'm not going to point it out. (Who knows who's reading this?) If any of my friends are interested, they are welcome to e-mail me, and I'll show you where it is. In the upper right corner is the little hick town of Thompsonville.
3ABN Fall Camp Meeting Retrospective
2007/09/30 19:37 Filed in: Journal
The Fall Camp Meeting was really nice. It was my
first time hearing Stephen Bohr speak in person, and
that was cool. We had really great music. The items
by Stephanie Dawn were my favorites. There was an
interesting Bible question and answer session on
Thursday. One of the questions had to do with
marriage in heaven; it is admittedly a somewhat
trivial and speculative subject, but I am
sufficiently opinionated that I couldn't help but comment on
it.
I also had a great time visiting with Rob and Christine Neall, and Chuck and Christina Holtry. I joined Rob and Christine on a short walk at nearby Rend Lake with the youth and earliteen group they were supervising. Later we all met at the guest apartment where Chuck and Christina were staying. It was fun to catch up with them. It was the Holtrys' first time to 3ABN (hopefully not last). On Sunday everyone came over to my place for breakfast. We had yummy scrambled tofu courtesy of Christina H., as well as fruit and cereal. I later kicked myself for not taking any photos the whole weekend.
It would be cool if 3ABN could host an event for young people, like one of the regional GYC-style meetings. This age group is definitely underrepresented at our camp meeting. There are certainly plenty of potential attendees around. The third largest city in the United States, Chicago, is only five hours away. And then there is St. Louis, Memphis, Evansville, Louisville, and Southern Adventist University, all within the same approximate radial perimeter.
PS: I learned a lesson this weekend: I don't know anything about what's going on around here. Okay, I admit that's overstated. The point is, I had opinions about certain 3ABN-related things (mostly minor and unrelated to my work), which turned out to be groundless. Note to self: Memorize the phrases "I don't know," "I have no idea," and "I forgot."
I also had a great time visiting with Rob and Christine Neall, and Chuck and Christina Holtry. I joined Rob and Christine on a short walk at nearby Rend Lake with the youth and earliteen group they were supervising. Later we all met at the guest apartment where Chuck and Christina were staying. It was fun to catch up with them. It was the Holtrys' first time to 3ABN (hopefully not last). On Sunday everyone came over to my place for breakfast. We had yummy scrambled tofu courtesy of Christina H., as well as fruit and cereal. I later kicked myself for not taking any photos the whole weekend.
It would be cool if 3ABN could host an event for young people, like one of the regional GYC-style meetings. This age group is definitely underrepresented at our camp meeting. There are certainly plenty of potential attendees around. The third largest city in the United States, Chicago, is only five hours away. And then there is St. Louis, Memphis, Evansville, Louisville, and Southern Adventist University, all within the same approximate radial perimeter.
PS: I learned a lesson this weekend: I don't know anything about what's going on around here. Okay, I admit that's overstated. The point is, I had opinions about certain 3ABN-related things (mostly minor and unrelated to my work), which turned out to be groundless. Note to self: Memorize the phrases "I don't know," "I have no idea," and "I forgot."
3ABN Fall Camp Meeting
2007/09/25 20:17 Filed in: Journal
3ABN's Fall Camp Meeting begins September 27. As
usual, the main meetings will be broadcast live on
3ABN. More details are available at my other post on Xanga.
One thing I'm looking forward to at this year's camp meeting is seeing my friends Rob and Christine Neall, and Chuck and Christina Holtry. They will be helping with the youth and children's programs.
If you are within driving distance of Thompsonville, Illinois, we'd love to see you there!
One thing I'm looking forward to at this year's camp meeting is seeing my friends Rob and Christine Neall, and Chuck and Christina Holtry. They will be helping with the youth and children's programs.
If you are within driving distance of Thompsonville, Illinois, we'd love to see you there!
ASI Retrospective
2007/08/09 22:10 Filed in: Journal
I had a good time at this year's ASI convention. I've
added a couple posts about it to my Xanga blog: