Geeks and God Podcast

Have you noticed how unproductive the technology we love can make us? We start twittering and loose track of time. Or, we get into instant message conversations that distract us from doing the work at hand. How so often we feel like we got a lot done but didn't really accomplish very much. In this episode we talk about being productive and using technology to help us be productive. This isn't just a matter of what technology we use but how we use the technology that's out there in an effective manner to get things done. Before we dive into getting things done we talk about some listener feedback and the lack of pictures of Christian living on the Internet. Could the new Geeks and God flickr group be part of the solution? Come join us for another fun filled episode and find out. Episode Links Jesus Geek Podcast Mustardseed Media Video Podcast Screenflow Geeks & God flickr group Batch Processing Inbox Zero Remember The Milk SimpleGTD Omnifocus iGTD Thinking Rock Tudumo Fusion Desk

Have you noticed how unproductive the technology we love can make us? We start twittering and loose track of time. Or, we get into instant message conversations that distract us from doing the work at hand. How so often we feel like we got a lot done but didn't really accomplish very much. In this episode we talk about being productive and using technology to help us be productive. This isn't just a matter of what technology we use but how we use the technology that's out there in an effective manner to get things done. Before we dive into getting things done we talk about some listener feedback and the lack of pictures of Christian living on the Internet. Could the new Geeks and God flickr group be part of the solution? Come join us for another fun filled episode and find out. Episode Links Jesus Geek Podcast Mustardseed Media Video Podcast Screenflow Geeks & God flickr group Batch Processing Inbox Zero Remember The Milk SimpleGTD Omnifocus iGTD Thinking Rock Tudumo Fusion Desk

After months of sitting on drupal 6 we're finally talking about it. There is a saying in drupal which describes the differences between versions. "The drop is always moving." When drupal goes from one major release to the next expect and enjoy significant changes. We start off attempting to explain this philosophy and then dive into some of the new and exciting changes. If you're a module or theme developer this release is like a breath of fresh air compared to drupal 5. With each new release things get better and better. This new release has more new good stuff in it than we could begin to cover but we try to hit on some fun big points like the theming, new features in core (actions rule), performance improvements (like a mac each new release is faster on the same hardware), and more. We finish it off with a little peak into what we might get in drupal 7, the version currently being developed by the drupal ninjas. So, come join us for another fun filled episode where we get dunked in a tank of drupal fun. Episode Links Update Status Drupal Module Drupal 6 Screencast Theme Upgrade Guide Module Upgrade Guide

After months of sitting on drupal 6 we're finally talking about it. There is a saying in drupal which describes the differences between versions. "The drop is always moving." When drupal goes from one major release to the next expect and enjoy significant changes. We start off attempting to explain this philosophy and then dive into some of the new and exciting changes. If you're a module or theme developer this release is like a breath of fresh air compared to drupal 5. With each new release things get better and better. This new release has more new good stuff in it than we could begin to cover but we try to hit on some fun big points like the theming, new features in core (actions rule), performance improvements (like a mac each new release is faster on the same hardware), and more. We finish it off with a little peak into what we might get in drupal 7, the version currently being developed by the drupal ninjas. Episode Links Update Status Drupal Module Drupal 6 Screencast Theme Upgrade Guide Module Upgrade Guide

Changing web hosts can be a real pain. The logistics alone are enough to stop someone from making the switch. In this weeks episode we walk though changing web hosts. We start with how you know there is better out there and when you should change. It turns out, when you look at the market, there are a lot of opportunities for churches and ministries to be on more cost effective solution. Then move on to walk through a fast way to make the switch keeping your downtime as small as possible. This is our 8 step method. Before we dive into changing web hosts we talk about using a CSS framework and the new drupal starter module called blueprint. Come join us for another roaring episode of Geeks and God. Episode Links Blueprint Module Blueprint Framework Drupal Boost Module

Changing web hosts can be a real pain. The logistics alone are enough to stop someone from making the switch. In this weeks episode we walk though changing web hosts. We start with how you know there is better out there and when you should change. It turns out, when you look at the market, there are a lot of opportunities for churches and ministries to be on more cost effective solution. Then move on to walk through a fast way to make the switch keeping your downtime as small as possible. This is our 8 step method. Before we dive into changing web hosts we talk about using a CSS framework and the new drupal starter module called blueprint. Come join us for another roaring episode of Geeks and God. Episode Links Blueprint Module Blueprint Framework Drupal Boost Module

Are you ready to drink a new flavor of tasty kool aid? This week we talk about jQuery, the JavaScript library bundled with drupal. If you've wondered how drupal has those resizing text fields, it's autocomplete fields, and drag and drop interfaces we need to look no further than jQuery. It's what's making the magic happen. jQuery provides us a powerful way to write snippets of JavaScript that can do a whole lot. They can update sections of an already loaded webpage, like the homepage for Mothers Click or they can be used to create some advanced functionality, like the htmlbox wysiwyg editor. In this weeks episode we give an overview of what jQuery is and talk about how to use it from within drupal. We thought some of the material needed some examples for you, our listeners, to see. You can find those examples in the article "jQuery and Drupal" on InnovatingTomorrow.net. Episode Links Previous Javascript Episode jQuery Visual jQuery jQuery Book Shrops jQuery Links jQuery Update Module

Are you ready to drink a new flavor of tasty kool aid? This week we talk about jQuery, the JavaScript library bundled with drupal. If you've wondered how drupal has those resizing text fields, it's autocomplete fields, and drag and drop interfaces we need to look no further than jQuery. It's what's making the magic happen. jQuery provides us a powerful way to write snippets of JavaScript that can do a whole lot. They can update sections of an already loaded webpage, like the homepage for Mothers Click or they can be used to create some advanced functionality, like the htmlbox wysiwyg editor. In this weeks episode we give an overview of what jQuery is and talk about how to use it from within drupal. We thought some of the material needed some examples for you, our listeners, to see. You can find those examples in the article "jQuery and Drupal" on InnovatingTomorrow.net. Episode Links Previous Javascript Episode jQuery Visual jQuery jQuery Book Shrops jQuery Links jQuery Update Module

This may be the most controversial episode of Geeks and God to date. In this episode we say, "Go Green!" and we're not routing for our school colors. This is an episode about technology and our interactions with the ecosystem we live in. We talk about why it matters and talk about a start to what we can do about it. If you are itching to respond to our episode links or the topic in general we ask that you listen to the episode first. For some reason this topic seems to bring out a lot of arguments. It's become a political fire zone. It's a topic filled with opinions and passion. We attempt to take this topic outside the usual context and this difference matters. In an effort to share some love of Gods creation, what ways do you see that we can live in better harmony through technology with this ecosystem we live in? Before we dive in to this firestorm topic, we respond to some listener feedback including an opportunity to look at word of mouth in the online world. Episode Links Just Another Animal? To Subdue A Green Faith? Buy a Used Car. It's Better Than a Hybrid Fair Trade nature.org Energy Star Energy Star Videocast Blackle.com

This may be the most controversial episode of Geeks and God to date. In this episode we say, "Go Green!" and we're not routing for our school colors. This is an episode about technology and our interactions with the ecosystem we live in. We talk about why it matters and talk about a start to what we can do about it. If you are itching to respond to our episode links or the topic in general we ask that you listen to the episode first. For some reason this topic seems to bring out a lot of arguments. It's become a political fire zone. It's a topic filled with opinions and passion. We attempt to take this topic outside the usual context and this difference matters. In an effort to share some love of Gods creation, what ways do you see that we can live in better harmony through technology with this ecosystem we live in? Before we dive in to this firestorm topic, we respond to some listener feedback including an opportunity to look at word of mouth in the online world. Episode Links Just Another Animal? To Subdue A Green Faith? Buy a Used Car. It's Better Than a Hybrid Fair Trade nature.org Energy Star Energy Star Videocast Blackle.com

In this weeks episode we have a little fun. This week we talk about web applications and services that rock our socks off. These are some of our favorite sites and services to use. Now that we've shown you ours, what are your favorite web 2.0 sites and services? Yahoo Pipes, Tumblr, Twitter, Good Reads, Remember The Milk, Photo Color Schemer, Stripe Generator, Splashup, Pandora, iLike, Skitch, Stumbleupon, Bright Kite, Mint, Live Maps, Zoho, Slide Share, Jott, Skribit, Evernote, Sky Drive Episode Links see shownotes for links

In this weeks episode we have a little fun. This week we talk about web applications and services that rock our socks off. These are some of our favorite sites and services to use. Now that we've shown you ours, what are your favorite web 2.0 sites and services? Photo Color Schemer Stripe Generator Splashup Pandora iLike Skitch Stumbleupon Bright Kite Mint Live Maps Zoho Slide Share Jott Skribit Evernote Sky Drive Episode Links Yahoo Pipes Tumblr Twitter Good Reads Remember The Milk read more

Have you ever tried to remotely explain something to someone and just wish you could show them? Have you ever put a tutorial online and wanted to show them rather than write your way through something? If you have then creating screencasts is an answer to your problem. Screencasts are a powerful and user friendly tool for sharing video from your computer screen. Instead of screenshots accompanied by writing they are video accompanied by audio. In todays episode we talk about where screencasts can be a powerful tool for the church, a workflow for creating screencasts, and the tools needed to make them. Before we dive into screencasts, Matt and Rob talk about the way they view web creations differently and how these different perspectives play into the things they build. Episode Links SearchKindly Drupal Screencasting Jing, iShowU, FFMpegX Video2SWF VisualHUB

Have you ever tried to remotely explain something to someone and just wish you could show them? Have you ever put a tutorial online and wanted to show them rather than write your way through something? If you have then creating screencasts is an answer to your problem. Screencasts are a powerful and user friendly tool for sharing video from your computer screen. Instead of screenshots accompanied by writing they are video accompanied by audio. In todays episode we talk about where screencasts can be a powerful tool for the church, a workflow for creating screencasts, and the tools needed to make them. Before we dive into screencasts, Matt and Rob talk about the way they view web creations differently and how these different perspectives play into the things they build. Episode Links SearchKindly Drupal Screencasting Jing, iShowU, FFMpegX Video2SWF VisualHUB

The fshbwl was a unique project for many reasons. It was one of the occasions where Matt was the project lead rather than Rob. In building it we did some things differently than we'd ever done before. And, it was built in more than a week but well less than 3 months. In this weeks episode we discuss building a website in a different way. Some modules are different, parts of the approach are different, and a number of the things on the site turn out differently. This even leads Matt and Rob to discuss their differing views on inline content. Differing views? Could this be a royal rumble? But, before we dive into building the fshbwl we talk about building a site in a week. Is this a contradiction from what we talked about just a few weeks ago? You'll have to come listen to find out. Episode Links the fshbwl asset module for drupal

The fshbwl was a unique project for many reasons. It was one of the occasions where Matt was the project lead rather than Rob. In building it we did some things differently than we'd ever done before. And, it was built in more than a week but well less than 3 months. In this weeks episode we discuss building a website in a different way. Some modules are different, parts of the approach are different, and a number of the things on the site turn out differently. This even leads Matt and Rob to discuss their differing views on inline content. Differing views? Could this be a royal rumble? But, before we dive into building the fshbwl we talk about building a site in a week. Is this a contradiction from what we talked about just a few weeks ago? You'll have to come listen to find out. Episode Links the fshbwl asset module for drupal

We've been asked how we created GeeksandGod.com a number of times and always shied away from talking about it. It's not that there was some deep dark secret or that we didn't want to share some super sweet technique. It was nothing like that at all. To be frankly honest, we just didn't think GeeksandGod.com was a very good example to share with people. In this episode we take our case study in a different direction. We talk about how GeeksandGod.com started, where it has come, what we did, what that meant, and how we would do things different now. We, also, talk about a lesson that we hope every developer learns and we see embodied in GeeksandGod.com everyday. Before we dive into another case study we talk about widgets. Those fun little programs that can actually have a purpose. Come join us for another fun filled and action packed episode of Geeks and God. Episode Links fshbwl widget Drupal widget Feedburner Taxonomy Term Listing Porter Stemmer

We've been asked how we created GeeksandGod.com a number of times and always shied away from talking about it. It's not that there was some deep dark secret or that we didn't want to share some super sweet technique. It was nothing like that at all. To be frankly honest, we just didn't think GeeksandGod.com was a very good example to share with people. In this episode we take our case study in a different direction. We talk about how GeeksandGod.com started, where it has come, what we did, what that meant, and how we would do things different now. We, also, talk about a lesson that we hope every developer learns and we see embodied in GeeksandGod.com everyday. Before we dive into another case study we talk about widgets. Those fun little programs that can actually have a purpose. Come join us for another fun filled and action packed episode of Geeks and God. Episode Links fshbwl widget Drupal widget Feedburner Taxonomy Term Listing Porter Stemmer

Have you ever looked at a website and wondered, "How did they do that?" In todays episode we explain how we built MuddyRiverMedia.org. You've been asking us for years how we built certain sites. Most of the time we shy away because so much of the fun stuff is site specific. This time around we dig in, we talk about modules, we talk about theming, and we talk about the concepts where we got into some crazy site specific scripting magic. There is less than many of you would think. If there is an area you would like more detail on please ask. If there is an area you want us to dig in deeper in future case study episodes please let us know. Over the next few episodes we are doing case studies of different types of sites and the more complete we can make them them more they will help you out. Before we dive into pulling about this site we have more user feedback and we talk about html email newsletters. Episode Links MuddyRiverMedia.org Invite Site Report Module

Have you ever looked at a website and wondered, "How did they do that?" In todays episode we explain how we built MuddyRiverMedia.org. You've been asking us for years how we built certain sites. Most of the time we shy away because so much of the fun stuff is site specific. This time around we dig in, we talk about modules, we talk about theming, and we talk about the concepts where we got into some crazy site specific scripting magic. There is less than many of you would think. If there is an area you would like more detail on please ask. If there is an area you want us to dig in deeper in future case study episodes please let us know. Over the next few episodes we are doing case studies of different types of sites and the more complete we can make them them more they will help you out. Before we dive into pulling about this site we have more user feedback and we talk about html email newsletters. Episode Links MuddyRiverMedia.org Invite Site Report Module

Today we start a brand new series in which we look at specific Drupal based CMS websites that your hosts, Rob and MF, have built. The idea here isn't to promote ourselves as site builders, but instead, to give you an inside look at the things we consider when building sites and to give you some behind the scenes info on how we build them. Today we start with MuddyRiverMedia.org, a recent site built by Mustardseed Media. The episode was originally supposed to contain info on both concepts and hands-on geek skillz, but Rob talked too much, so it's broken into 2 episodes, todays lays out the conceptual with special guest Mark Fogerty, owner of MuddyRiverMedia.org All that plus listener feedback on this week's G&G Episode Links MuddyRiverMedia.org Build a Church Site With Expression Engine

Today we start a brand new series in which we look at specific Drupal based CMS websites that your hosts, Rob and MF, have built. The idea here isn't to promote ourselves as site builders, but instead, to give you an inside look at the things we consider when building sites and to give you some behind the scenes info on how we build them. Today we start with MuddyRiverMedia.org, a recent site built by Mustardseed Media. The episode was originally supposed to contain info on both concepts and hands-on geek skillz, but Rob talked too much, so it's broken into 2 episodes, todays lays out the conceptual with special guest Mark Fogerty, owner of MuddyRiverMedia.org All that plus listener feedback on this week's G&G Episode Links MuddyRiverMedia.org Build a Church Site With Expression Engine

The most important step in building an awesome church website happens before any development work begins. This is the preproduction step. If you're going to hire a contractor, this step happens before you go looking for one. If you are going to have a team in your church build the site, this step happens before you meet with them. In this episode we talk about the ins and outs of website preproduction. This step can mean the difference between a so-so site and one that rocks your socks off. Before we dive into this oh so important topic we talk about The Fishbowl. The Fishbowl is a new project exploring faith from a number of angles. It's rare that we have a project we developed that matters to more than a local church community. This is one of them and it showcases the power of drupal. And, for you mac lovers, we talk about Fluid App. A program that can turn any website or web application into a desktop program. Episode Links Google Checkout Free for NonProfts Fluid App The Fishbowl Project Management Church Site Architecture Web Project Management (Book)

The most important step in building an awesome church website happens before any development work begins. This is the preproduction step. If you're going to hire a contractor, this step happens before you go looking for one. If you are going to have a team in your church build the site, this step happens before you meet with them. In this episode we talk about the ins and outs of website preproduction. This step can mean the difference between a so-so site and one that rocks your socks off. Before we dive into this oh so important topic we talk about The Fishbowl. The Fishbowl is a new project exploring faith from a number of angles. It's rare that we have a project we developed that matters to more than a local church community. This is one of them and it showcases the power of drupal. And, for you mac lovers, we talk about Fluid App. A program that can turn any website or web application into a desktop program. Episode Links Google Checkout Free for NonProfts Fluid App The Fishbowl Project Management Church Site Architecture Web Project Management (Book)

Sometimes it's all about the money. In this case, it's about the transaction. Online donations are something many churches are asking about. In an effort to make it easier to give we are always looking for ways that fit the lifestyles of our members. Today we talk about online donations and even get into ecommerce, for those churches that want to sell their stuff. Online transactions can be no small deal. When we factor is transaction fees, software, payment gateways, and all services involved online transactions can quickly escalate into a hairy mess. In this episode we cover the ins and outs of ecommerce. Before we dive into ecommerce, have you ever herd of Internet Evangelism Day? It's a day for the church to focus in on using the Internet well to spread the word. We talk about this day, which is coming up April 27th, and we answer more listener feedback. Episode Links churchbeauty.com Jott.com, Remember The Milk Internet Evangelism Day, Video Blog On Online Donations justgive.org networkforgood.org Paypal Fees Drupal Skipcart Module Drupal Tax Receipt Module

Sometimes it's all about the money. In this case, it's about the transaction. Online donations are something many churches are asking about. In an effort to make it easier to give we are always looking for ways that fit the lifestyles of our members. Today we talk about online donations and even get into ecommerce, for those churches that want to sell their stuff. Online transactions can be no small deal. When we factor is transaction fees, software, payment gateways, and all services involved online transactions can quickly escalate into a hairy mess. In this episode we cover the ins and outs of ecommerce. Before we dive into ecommerce, have you ever herd of Internet Evangelism Day? It's a day for the church to focus in on using the Internet well to spread the word. We talk about this day, which is coming up April 27th, and we answer more listener feedback. Episode Links churchbeauty.com Jott.com, Remember The Milk Internet Evangelism Day, Video Blog On Online Donations justgive.org networkforgood.org Paypal Fees Drupal Skipcart Module Drupal Tax Receipt Module

Education is a key element of the church. We have sermons in our worship services. We have bible studies. There are apologists who study science and logic then teach what they learn. In this episode we talk about taking teaching virtual, and I don't mean the kind of teaching where you have to wear equipment or have an avatar. Online teaching is not new to technology or the education world. We explore bringing a new form of education to the church. Before we dive into online education, we respond to a ton of feedback from our listeners. Come join us for another episode of Geeks and God. Maybe you'll learn something. Episode Links Feed Validator

Education is a key element of the church. We have sermons in our worship services. We have bible studies. There are apologists who study science and logic then teach what they learn. In this episode we talk about taking teaching virtual, and I don't mean the kind of teaching where you have to wear equipment or have an avatar. Online teaching is not new to technology or the education world. We explore bringing a new form of education to the church. Before we dive into online education, we respond to a ton of feedback from our listeners. Come join us for another episode of Geeks and God. Maybe you'll learn something. Episode Links Feed Validator

Community websites are all the rage these days. We've talked about building them. We've talked about services like MyChurch that help churches have a community web presence. Now, after a few months of having our own community church website we talk with Pastor Dion about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the experience. The past few months has been a learning experience. There have been successes that we never predicted and failures where we assumed there would be a success. As a bonus, we get Dion to talk about his studio style podcast for his local church community. The very kind of podcast we talked about in our Podcasting Your Church series. Before we dive into church community on the web we talk about the impact of the words please, thank you, and your welcome. These might be some of the most powerful community building words of all. Episode Links Sorry, No Links This Week

Community websites are all the rage these days. We've talked about building them. We've talked about services like MyChurch that help churches have a community web presence. Now, after a few months of having our own community church website we talk with Pastor Dion about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the experience. The past few months has been a learning experience. There have been successes that we never predicted and failures where we assumed there would be a success. As a bonus, we get Dion to talk about his studio style podcast for his local church community. The very kind of podcast we talked about in our Podcasting Your Church series. Before we dive into church community on the web we talk about the impact of the words please, thank you, and your welcome. These might be some of the most powerful community building words of all. Episode Links Sorry, No Links This Week