What would you like to see in VCM?

[Nettles]

Feel free to add your comments on your poll choices or if you have any other ideas for the site.

[ladybug]

Hi Lorelei -- thanks for setting up the poll. At least for the moment it looks like you have two clear choices for preferred topics!

You didn’t mention graphics / illustrations in your poll, but I would like to share a few thoughts on that aspect of the magazine.  I really appreciate the beautiful, uplifting photographs that have been selected to illustrate many of the stories. They add a lot of eye-appeal to the publication and highlight the beauty of God’s creation as well. I noticed you frequently use a bit of clip art to illustrate other articles, and I think clip art is also a great way to brighten up the page and give the reader a visual foretaste of what awaits them in the article. 

I realize it’s not an easy task to find the ‘just right’ graphic for each and every article, and this might be especially true when you’re browsing through ‘Christian’ clip art for an appropriate illustration. My suggestion would be to use these traditional Christian graphics carefully and sparingly.

For example, I would prefer to see fewer graphics like the one used to illustrate the current article on the Beatitudes. This particular graphic looks like so many of the ‘typical’ images of Jesus that are commonly found in ‘Christian’ materials, and it would seem to reinforce that type of image in people’s minds. This graphic also shows Jesus standing in a rather posed position while Matthew 5:1 says that after Jesus was ‘set’ or seated on the mountain, his disciples came to him and he opened his mouth and began to teach them.

When I saw this picture, I began to think about whether illustrations like this one might create a false impression not only about Jesus, but also about VCM. How might this picture affect casual visitors, who don’t really read every word of the articles? Will they be led to think that VCM is just another ‘mainstream’ Christian publication rather than a unique publication with a  different message? And if an illustration obviously contradicts some of the details that are in the biblical account of the event or situation being depicted, what impact might that have on more serious readers who are familiar with what the Bible actually does or does not say?

Overall, I think the illustrations in VCM, especially the photographs, certainly add to the quality of the publication, and I appreciate the time you and others have devoted to selecting ‘visuals’ that complement the text.

Thanks again, and have a good day!

[Nettles]

Thank you for your feedback on the images.  I am the one who selects them and you are correct, it is often difficult to find just the right picture for an article. I am very sensitive to the fact that Jesus is often portrayed in a certain way and you are right about the most recent image. 

When using pictures such as this, I do attempt to cut them in a way to avoid any common images used by mainstream churches, but it is not often easy to do.  When possible I use pictures I have taken myself, as with the one of the clouds.  It has always been the policy of VCM to avoid the stereotypes of Christ and I am sorry if that one fell into that category, I will try to be more discerning in the future.

Again, thank you for your feedback.

Lorelei Nettles

[suren]

Hi,

I like VCM the way it is. Why change a good thing??

As for the choices offered in the poll survey, I'd like to offer the following personal view:

I believe that WP (or WNP) is already doing an excellent job for in-depth news articles or current news. As VCM is an e-magazine, I have no wish to see articles from the other publications which are printed.

In fact, I wish funds were available so that VCM could be issued as a printed magazine. I find it very valuable as a very easy to read and "digest" magazine with its relatively short articles.

Please continue with the good work you are doing!!

[Nettles]

Thank you so much for your praises of VCM.  The reason for the survey was to see what people wanted to see 'more' of.  This does not mean we would change the magazine, but would increase the frequency of those types of articles.

The reason for the featured articles would be to expose people, (who are not familiar) to the other publications we offer.

Again, we welcome all feedback and appreciate your ideas for upcoming issues.

[Sybil]

I don't know if you've already done this, but I'd like to see a link to the "Breaking Free Journal" and see that  BFJ mentioned in more UCG publications. I think there's much a Christian struggles with or has struggled with in his/her past personally, and many of these things are things they feel that they cannot talk about with others. Knowing they are not alone and that others have struggled and overcome and/or continue to try and strive is very encouraging.
Also and "aside" for soran above on "Why change a good thing?" is simply; to grow.

[Nettles]

I actually was unaware of this web page.  I can see it being a very nice follow-up link to many of our articles. Thank you for suggesting it.  We recently had a breaking free seminar in our church area and I found it very interesting.

[nOc]

GREETINGS! First I would like to say that I really enjoy Virtual Christian Magazine. I am relatively new and am honored to be a member of such a positive experience. Keep up the excellent work!!

In response to what I would like to see different, is a section that targets the youth. From children to college students. I feel this will reach out to us in an invaluable way.

There are so many "lost" within my generation. I can say that because I was there. Heck, I  myself, "The Lost Boy". In reference to my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, I lost myself in order to find him. I figured in finding the one who made me, I can discover myself at a deeper level.  Sound confusing? Forgive me.  In a nutshell, I am entitled.

We are all here to fulfill the our LORD's purpose. We as a youth of today really don't receive that message. In a secular world, many other superficial images has attracted us into a web of shallowness. I feel if more positive organizations such as this will devote a section aimed at the youth, it will benefit us all.  To look to the ONE who made us in order to receive real love. Not all youth are lost. Allow me to clarify this. However, the numbers that are a astronomically astounding.

We will never be infallible people. Though, we do serve an infallible GOD. Why not reach out to the mistreated, abused, and neglected "lost" sheep's of the Shepard? Majority of us are running around wild because we are angered at the ones who hurt us the most. Angered because of not being heard. Angered of being misunderstood.

I believe that it would benefit us all, as a community if you were to dedicate a section to everyday issues that young people face and wealth of solutions that will inform them that they can overcome whatever challenge they face.

Just a thought. Thank you for listening. Be blessed.

[Nettles]

I appreciate your comments and I must agree, we do need more articles directed towards our youth.  I will try to see what I can come up with.

If you are not already aware, we do offer a magazine called Vertical thought that is directed at young people.  It is both online and in hard copy at: http://www.verticalthought.org/

Thanks again for your input.

Lorelei Nettles