How often do you visit "7Villages?"

I see that these comments are somewhat dated.  7 Villages is now under the auspices of the GBGM as UMCommunities.org.  Since I have long since been banned from 7 Villages for characterizing one of the members as a "minion of Satan," (and consequently from UMCommunities 'just for the helluvit,') I will not go into any negative criticism of the administration there, as it would surely be somewhat biased.  To be as objective as I can be, I believe that 7 Villages was created by people who are socially, politically, and theologically liberal, and who were and continue to be amazed at the strong conservative voice in the denomination.  Frankly, (and I don't intend this as negative) I don't think thay really know what to do about it all.  I believe that this site is a microcosm of the UMC as a whole, and indicates the critical rift between the conservative and progressive views.  The answer?  I'll give someone else a chance to answer that one.

Now, on that 'minion of Satan' allegation: no one ever challenged me as being wrong in my assessment, just wrong for saying it.

Clearly, 7 Villages is wild, wild west when it comes to social networking.  I have been a member for some 6 months now and have met a lot of friends and made several contacts but there are a lot of mad dogs running around loose as well. The question has to do with how we should tie them up without getting tangled in the ropes outselves. 7 Villages provide a blogging voice for those who don't have their own blog and don't have a ready-made community to network with.  I do some cross posting, but not everything. The best stuff IMHO is happening at the village level, we have two Bible study groups going and a virtual coffee house.with "live" (using  You-tube clips) concerts each weekend.

Check it out! 

Part of the problem has to do with the fact that a village doesn't run by itself. It takes someone pushing it along. The administrators have made some recent changes which I think the verdict is still out about. Jay, thanks for the survey.

John Montgomery

I just visited the 7Villages site for the first time since setting up a profile in January '06.  After viewing a couple of the "discussions" taking place there, I don't really see a need to return.

Maybe I'm skeptical, but I think 7villages is yet another example of the UMC running after trends 10 years too late.

Because it was mentioned there I just joined 7Villages. But, I don't really get it. I like Facbook as a social networking tool. But, I don't see the point of 7Villages. I guess I'll maybe look around a little more later, but my first impression is not real positive.

It's linked if you roll your mouse over the words "this post."  Jay, I think we may have uncovered a glitch with the new design...

wondering the post to which you are referring.

The survey question just prompted me to go over there.  I have backed off of spending time at 7V because I kept seeing so much arguing.  But checking out this post from one of the creators of 7V was worthwhile.