Giving the Internet a "Soul?!" No, Really: This Makes Sense

I'm generally a bit cautious when I hear or read about someone wanting to give something inanimate a "soul." Part of that's based on theological considerations; part on having been exposed to 'soulful' people and ideas over the decades.

This time, the idea makes sense - as a metaphor. And, since the "soul" reference came from Pope Benedict XVI - here's a link: "Pope asks Bloggers to Give Internet a Soul," Vatican Radio (April 24, 2010).

I'm printing out the whole article for reference, and repeating headings for the ten points here. This is Danielle Bean's work, BTW.

1. Be who you are.
   • Pretense
2. Cultivate silence.
   • (Comments optional)
3. Use your name.
   • Your real name
4. Treat people like people.
   • Even celebrities
5. Examine your motives
   • When in doubt, be quiet
6. Let God in.
   • No kidding: read this
7. Turn it off.
   • Or, 'get a life'
8. Don't defend yourself.
   • This is a sort of 'judo' strategy
9. Pause.
   • 24 hour cooldown period advocated
     • I agree: in principle
10. Be positive.
    • Not "Christian Pollyannas"
    • Don't
      • Preach
      • Argue
      • Demand
    • Do
      • Share Christ and His message

About that last, "share Christ and His message:" I suppose that could include using a Bible bot to post sound bites from the Bible at set intervals. I'd rather write - and read - something a bit less automated.

The printer's done now: I plan to re-read that article tomorrow.

More:

• "Ten Ways to Give the Internet a Soul"
  Danielle Bean, CatholiCity.com (May 7, 2010)
  Originally posted on:
  • "Ten Ways to Give the Internet a Soul"
    Danielle Bean, via insidecatholic.com (May 7, 2010)

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A tip of the hat to elizabethfoss, on Twitter, for the heads-up on this article.