Having a tough time explaining Web site design to stakeholders in your organization? Having an even tougher time understanding it yourself? Check out this helpful video:

Design Coding

(HT: Kristie Randolph, KBC media relations/marketing associate and Web surfing champ.)

I don't know about you, but the highlight of BCA involvement for many is the annual Wilmer C. Fields Awards competition. You can get all the details here:

Awards Competition

The deadline this year is EARLY - entries must be postmarked by this Friday, Jan. 11 - so everyone in our office here at the Kentucky Baptist Convention is busy preparing entries.

Why?

1. It's a great opportunity to have our efforts evaluated by experts in the field. Winning is great, but the real prize is the comments and scores you get back after judging. They can be very helpful!

2. If you do win, it just feels good to be recognized for your work.

3. I love to see the other entries. I have been truly inspiring by stories, photographs, and Web sites submitted by past winners.

There have been years I haven't submitted anything because I haven't thought I had anything good enough. If you are hesitating to submit something this year because you don't know if your work makes the grade, I've got a few pieces of advice:

1. Don't sell yourself short. You may be a little jaded on your own projects just because you've been staring at them for so long the "new" has worn off. Let someone else take a look.

2. It's a lousy $40 bucks to enter. That's what, two iced peppermint mocha frappachinos? That's a small price to pay for some quality feedback.

So take a look at the entry form and pick out some projects.

See you in Phoenix!

The Baptist Communicators Association now has a Facebook group!

Let me dispose of a couple of questions:

1. What is Facebook? In their own words, "Facebook is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. People use Facebook to keep up with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet." Get all the details here: http://www.facebook.com/about.php
2. I have a Facebook profile. Where do I find the group? How do I join? You can find the group here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2589875227 or by searching for "Baptist Communicators Association." Once you are there, click "Join this group." Since this group is open only to BCA members, one of the group administrators will verify your membership and then approve your request to join the group. Once you are in, be sure to introduce yourself!
3. I don't have a Facebook profile. Join now at http://www.facebook.com/
4. Why should I join the BCA group? It's a great place to get to know your fellow BCA members, share ideas, and steal ideas.

Join the BCA Facebook group today. But don't stop there -- participate! Post to the discussion threads, or start a thread of your own. Some ideas:

• post your latest design projects, and get feedback
• ditto for video projects
• beta test a new Web site
• share some powerful photos from a recent mission trip
• share an insight you've had
• request prayer

I've had a profile on Facebook for a few months, and I've been amazed and the personal and professional development opportunities. I'm a member of a couple of different professional groups, and I've gleaned great ideas from some of the leaders in my particular area of interest.

The possibilities are endless for the BCA group. Join today!