Dave Miller

I've got to admit it, I'm sick of the whole thing.  I'm sick of moderating comments and the blowback that comes with it.  In the last couple of weeks, I've been reevaluating my own blogging experience and I've worked with the contributors here to hammer out a commenting philosophy and some guidelines. It is safe to say that our policies and my moderation decisions have not been well-received by all, especially those whose comments I felt needed to be deleted.  Evidently, people don't like that much.  Who knew? I've received no end of advice on these new policies - both solicited and … [Read more...] about How to Leave a GREAT Comment

… [Read more...] about Public Service Announcement: Twitter Will Kill You (David Crowder Band)

Just for reference, the last name of this brilliant young lady is no coincidence. So, only comments mentioning how wonderful she is will be permitted.   … [Read more...] about Bethany Miller: “I Know” (Spoken Word Poetry)

I have sensed conviction recently (I know, very subjective) that we needed to work to reign in the tendency for comment streams to go haywire here.  Moderation is my least favorite thing to do for two reasons.  First, it takes time which I don't have.  Second, it makes people mad.  People really get upset when a comment is deleted.  But, after a discussion with our contributors, we have decided to institute a slightly more restrictive commenting policy. It is not my desire, nor my intended practice, to delete comments because of their point-of-view.  Subjectivity is always a problem to some … [Read more...] about Comment Moderation Policies at SBC Voices

Tim Tebow may be the most polarizing figure in sports history.  Some of us love him and cheer for him.  Others disdain him, even hate him.  Everybody talks about him. And Tim gives both camps plenty of ammunition. I watched Denver games last year and cringed.  Most elite quarterbacks throw spirals that knife through the air like a missile.  Tebow's passes wobble like drunk ducks.  But in big moments, those drunk ducks seem to find a way home - into the end zone. Those who criticize Tebow have all the ammo they need to do so.  I remember one play from last year.  A Denver receiver made … [Read more...] about The SBC is the Tim Tebow of Denominations

NOTE: Because of the incredible closeness of the vote, because I forgot to remind Tony to close voting yesterday, and because Todd and Paul have been SO entertaining in their shameless electioneering, the voting will continue until about 5 PM this evening (Central Daylight Time).  So, Todd can continue to rally his family members and Paul can garner more support from the animated animals that have lined up behind him until that time. We have winnowed the field down and now only four blogs remain. Our Blue Collar Blog Madness champion for 2012 will be crowned soon. Congratulations to Paul … [Read more...] about Blue Collar Blog Madness: Final Four

Battle blogging - that describes a lot of what we do, doesn't it? Battle blogging is the us vs. them, good guys and bad guys, we-have-to-win mentality.  "They" are the enemies of truth, justice and the American Way, and I am Superdave, avenger of justice, able to leap tall blogs in a single bound as I defend the Baptist world from those who would destroy it! I'm through with it. A Little Introspection You may get tired of my self-reflective blogs about blogging.  But for me, blogging a big deal.  It's not a past-time, it is a significant ministry.  So I think about it a lot.  Is … [Read more...] about Why I Am Retiring from (Battle) Blogging

I was watching coverage of the trade yesterday between the Broncos and the Jets.  A nearly unknown quarterback (Tim something) was traded to the Jersey Jets for draft picks, in a move reminiscent of the Romans sending innocent Christians to the Coliseum to battle wild beasts.  Tebow has been the subject of more debate than any other player I can remember.  Supporters have accused John Elway and John Fox of conspiring against Tebow, possibly for reasons of faith.  Tim is an outspoken Christian (an understatement), which endeared him to some and annoyed others (even some Christians). But what … [Read more...] about Ruminating on Race: Will a Colorblind Convention Ever Be a Reality?

There are sixteen blogs left in our Blue Collar Blog Madness: That's SWEET! Congratulations to those who made it through to round 2.  Actually, the voting was so close - a lot of blogs came within a vote or two (or three) of making the second round. It's been a great tournament so far. In this round, you only get to vote for one blog.  You don't get to vote more than once, but you can certainly encourage your friends to vote!  Hope you get into the spirit of things. Voting will be open all week, ending sometime Sunday. Here are your sixteen round 2 blogs... Golden Gate … [Read more...] about Blue Collar Blog Madness: Round Two – SWEET Sixteen!

I posted on Saturday afternoon concerning my struggles about the direction of commenting here at SBC Voices, with a wide range of responses.  Thank you for your suggestions, and those I've received privately from some of our contributors who shared their wisdom.  I have drawn a few conclusions from the discussion.  I don't have a final plan of action,  yet; I want to discuss this with our writing team.  But here's what I gleaned from some of your comments and my own thoughts - sort of an opinion mishmash. 1)  Quite a few people like the open commenting policy here, though most realize it … [Read more...] about Conclusions from Comments about Comment Moderation