Printed from: https://archive.cmf.org.uk/news/?id=176
Giles Cattermole, new Head of Student Ministries, has launched an official CMF 'Facebook fanpage'. He answers questions about social networking:
web 2.0
Sites that allow users to contribute interactively to the website's content, in contrast to sites which provide information that can't be changed by the user.
blogs
'Web logs' are sites with regularly updated commentary or news, which function as a sort of online diary, and which usually allow readers to add their own comments.
A micro-blog, allowing only 140 characters of text with each post, or 'tweet'. It can be thought of as a sort of SMS text, visible to the whole world. Twitter is often linked to blogs or websites to give rapid updates or alert readers of those other sites to any changes, or direct them to other websites.
A social networking site, whose users link to one another as 'friends'. It is a means of networking, picture or video sharing, and game playing. Common interest 'groups' and 'fanpages' allow discussion forums, advertising of events, and communication to large numbers of people. Facebook pages can also 'import' posts from blogs and Twitter, as well as linking 'out' to other websites.
You used to moderate the CMF Forum on the big doctors-only website, doctors.net.uk, so presumably you've been a fan of electronic communication for a while?
Yes – it's rapid, cheap and reaches many people at once. That of course has its dangers: hastily written emails, replied 'to all' are often a source of regret! Relationships should be between people, not pixels. But handled wisely, electronic communication serves as a tool to connect people together and disseminate ideas far more effectively than previously possible.
What do you think of the current CMF website, www.cmf.org.uk?
I think it's pretty good as a library of information and resources: we've got access to Nucleus, Triple Helix and CMF Files, which is great when looking for articles on specific topics. There'll be more audio and video files available soon too. It's a useful way to get information about CMF and what we do, but there's only limited interactivity: we can send emails through the website, update our member information, book places at conferences, or order books. But we can't collaborate or network – both of which could be better served by Facebook.
We understand that all these new media integrate easily? Is that the most important thing about them?
It's certainly a very helpful thing. Because they all integrate so easily, the same information can be sent very efficiently: for example, by posting a quick 'tweet', both a blog and a Facebook page can be updated simultaneously. Each of them can direct users to the others; for example, Twitter can alert users to a new audio download available on the website; Facebook can link users to the Doctors.net.uk forum to discuss topical issues.
So why have you been so keen for CMF to have this Facebook fanpage, etc?
Few people use all these media; most use some of them. If we want to reach as many of our members as possible, we need to realise that some prefer post, some email, but that increasingly people look to Twitter, blogs or Facebook as a means of communication. And not just communication, but collaboration: these allow members to contribute their own ideas and engage with each other. Facebook also gives CMF a 'presence' in another public arena, letting the world see the role we play, and hear the things we say.
But aren't all these sorts of things just fads that come and go? Hasn't a big social networking site just gone bust?
That's true, but it's no reason not to grasp the opportunities while they're there. When Paul went to Athens, he went to the Areopagus, because that was the place of public discourse. We should be where people are; today that includes Facebook, tomorrow something different. We need to use the means of communication God's provided.
Can you just sum up the advantages of these sites as you see them?
Beyond what the CMF website 'library' can offer, these social media provide rapid, mass communication; a means of networking and discussion for members; and a presence in the public arena.
Be honest. What practical problems are there?
We need to be careful that we don't compromise ourselves. Remember that Facebook is public – privacy and confidentiality need to be respected. It'd need to be moderated for inappropriate postings, and it might take time to administer.
Briefing the senior staff, you used the words 'time wasting triviality and retarded relationships'. Surely Christian organisations shouldn't be encouraging students to spend hours every day doing electronic navel-gazing? Wouldn't the same time be better spent on a proper Quiet Time, with Bible study and prayer and reflection? Can't we be virtuous and not virtual?
That people read unhelpful novels is no reason not to provide good Christian literature. People do misuse the internet, both in the time they waste and the content they view. But that's no reason not to provide a helpful and constructive resource to benefit people. Would they be better served in time spent with other Christians, deepening personal relationships and studying the Bible and praying? Of course. But that applies to reading Christian books too. The resources we provide, whether in books, journals or websites, should all direct people to know and love God more and his people more. I hope that our 'social media' will establish relationships online that are then realised in person, and will direct people to resources that through God's Word, deepen their relationship with God. Soli Deo Gloria!
Steven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668
Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225
Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949 and is an interdenominational organisation with over 5,000 doctors, 900medical and nursing students and 300 nurses and midwives as members in all branches of medicine, nursing and midwifery. A registered charity, it is linked to over 100 similar bodies in other countries throughout the world.
CMF exists to unite Christian healthcare professionals to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching.
