The Lauch of FaithOut

By David Tonen • November 15th, 2008

This week saw the launch of FaithOut, a Christian alternative site to Facebook. I am all for supporting Christian ministries and online resources. I am however somewhat skeptical of the real need for some of these new online social media platforms that replicate main-stream platforms that are already well established, tested, proven, and widely adopted. Facebook had over 132 million unique visitors in June of this year.  We now have Christian versions of YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.  It leaves me wondering Why Do We Need Christian Alternatives to Social Media Platforms.

So, today I created a FaithOut account and began my exploration.  The site is almost a mirror image of Facebook.  In fact on first-glance I see little that differentiates it.  Is this good or bad?  Well, in one way it makes the navigation and interface quite easy to adapt to.  On the other hand, why would I, or the millions of other Christians on Facebook invest the time to completely replicate the profile I already have invested countless hours in creating on Facebook – not to mention the network of contacts I already have there.  I guess only time will tell whether FaithOut will achieve success.  It will also be interesting to see how they market it and if that marketing can be compelling enough to overcome what I see as a major adoption hurdle.

The question for you is…if you are a Christian, will you use FaithOut?  What do you think the advantages and disadvantages of this service are?  Please feel free to comment below.

Comments(6) Church Marketing, Media, Ministry, Social Media
  • Kurt

    I agree completely. I too created an account just for interest sake. My first status line read, “Kurt thinks someone at Facebook will be incredibly ticked at seeing Faithout… I smell a lawsuit!” I feel there is a theological difference between unconformable, and segregation. Christians need to be a light in the darkness. Just my thoughts.

  • Kurt

    I agree completely. I too created an account just for interest sake. My first status line read, “Kurt thinks someone at Facebook will be incredibly ticked at seeing Faithout… I smell a lawsuit!” I feel there is a theological difference between unconformable, and segregation. Christians need to be a light in the darkness. Just my thoughts.

  • http://triunedesigns.com/blog Leo Wurschmidt

    I may end up using it in the future, but I will probably not be an early adopter. Like you said, I am already pretty entrenched in Facebook and most of my friends are already Christians. And the ones that are not Christians know that I am because of what I post, update, etc.

    One advantage of being on sites like this is that, in theory, there should be more of a safe haven for Christians to build community. The disadvantage is that we are not “going out into the word” like Jesus instructed.

    Thanks for the thoughts David.

  • http://triunedesigns.com/blog Leo Wurschmidt

    I may end up using it in the future, but I will probably not be an early adopter. Like you said, I am already pretty entrenched in Facebook and most of my friends are already Christians. And the ones that are not Christians know that I am because of what I post, update, etc.

    One advantage of being on sites like this is that, in theory, there should be more of a safe haven for Christians to build community. The disadvantage is that we are not “going out into the word” like Jesus instructed.

    Thanks for the thoughts David.

  • http://www.brandonacox.com Brandon

    I blogged about this very issue and a little debate ensued. Some argue that it’s great to have a “safe” alternative. I argue that we’re missing the point of being “salt” in our present culture. And though I hate to judge, I have to question whether the motive is to create a safe haven or capitalize on a popular niche. I appreciate your thoughts.

  • http://www.brandonacox.com Brandon

    I blogged about this very issue and a little debate ensued. Some argue that it’s great to have a “safe” alternative. I argue that we’re missing the point of being “salt” in our present culture. And though I hate to judge, I have to question whether the motive is to create a safe haven or capitalize on a popular niche. I appreciate your thoughts.

« | Home | »

  • Get My Articles Sent To You for Free!

    Add to Reader

    Subscribe to receive my marketing articles via an
    RSS Reader


    Subscribe to Navigate Your Marketing by Email

  • Follow David on Twitter

  • Articles This Month:

    November 2008
    S M T W T F S
    « Oct   Dec »
     1
    2345678
    9101112131415
    16171819202122
    23242526272829
    30  

  • Articles in Past Months

  • Blog Categories

  • Communities:

    Alltop, all the cool kids (and me)