I have been reading a very interesting book, Viral Loop by Adam L. Penenberg. It reminded me of the importance of trust when it comes to the internet.

Here is what I mean: All who socialize on the internet have a public self and a digital self. Interestingly the difference in relationships in our physical and virtual relationships is very small.

As a digital friend, you are known in a much larger network than in your physical relationships. Think about it–if you Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, or participate in some other online social network, your digital relationships are much larger than the number of real-world friendships. As we connect online, we establish relationships of trust with a broader number of people, many of whom we have never met in person.

Why do so many participate in these online communities? As I learned from Viral Loop, “social networking makes us happy. Engaging with friends helps us live longer and better lives.” The author quotes a study that found that people with large networks of friends lived longer than those with fewer friends. But here is the big difference: The physical distance between the friends did not matter. A social network of trusting friends helped people live longer! So whether by phone, letter, or internet, a community of trusting friends makes us happy!

As you Facebook or Twitter, you are part of a virtual community of trust. What do you think about that? I would love to hear your comments.

In 2006 Second Life was hailed as the new virtual experience in social networking. Perhaps you were like me and gave it a try. I established my avatar and began my journey in Second Life. I would fly to church and to stores from island to island. (If you don’t know what I mean by “flying,” then you really should check out Second Life.) But most of the time I felt as if I were all alone in a virtual ghost town!

I read a very interesting article that talked about Second Life’s decline. The lessons learned from Second Life can help us understand what works and what does NOT work in the virtual world. I am not really up for recreating a physical world in the virtual. It so predictable.

I don’t think this represents the future of social networking. But of course that is just my opinion. I would say it looks like Second Life is about dead! What do you think?

The 21st century challenges publisher’s to consider a number of issues regarding the making of books for future generations. At NavPress we are thinking seriously about the impact of images and story on the making of books!  I stumbled onto a post that reminded me that visual books are nothing new! Books in medieval times where visually designed! In fact images and text fit together nicely and books where a treasure of image art and textual art!

Could those days be coming back? What kind of books will be made in the future? Will they be a combination of images and text? These are questions I am considering these days. New days are before us!

Have you been on a trip recently? Perhaps like most of us you picked up a few items to bring home. My wife and I have collected all kinds of things from our trips over the years. We have postcards, refrigerator magnets, art, and carved figurines from various places we have visited. These items remind us of places and experiences we have enjoyed together.

Recently I viewed a talk by Seth Godin. (I have attached a link if you would like to view it. It is worth the time!) Godin talks about a book being a souvenir. I had never considered a book to be a souvenir, but after viewing the talk, it makes sense!

As I think about my time with books, they really are reminders of the experiences I have had on my reading journeys. Now as I look at the books in my library, it’s fun to reflect on the many places I have explored in history, business, and spirituality. And my books are the written souvenirs I have collected.

Your books tell the story of your reading journey. What do they say?

It is an incredible privilege to be a publisher of a Christian publishing company. I love books and all things print! From my earliest days I always have enjoyed sitting in a library surrounded by books.

I was reflecting the other day on just how much books have shaped my life and my thinking. On my desk right now are five new books that I am reading. In addition, there is a set of special books on the shelves of my library that are like good friends, always available to provide me with their counsel when I need it. I can’t imagine life without reading or without books. Publishers who have gone before have had a part in shaping my spiritual life and world view!

The opportunity to watch a new book develop is very impressive. The labor of authors wrestling with a message that God has placed on their heart and then entrusting that work to our NavPress team is a sacred thing. Then to watch our publishing pros take that message and create a finished product, a new Christian book! Wow! This is truly a labor of love!

It is the highest honor to be given the opportunity to produce practical, spiritual resources for the body of Christ. Thanks for allowing me to write this brief personal word to you and to ask: What do books mean to you?

“There is no end to the publishing of books….” Ecclesiastes 12 (The Message)

The Barna Group reports in a recent study that a number of significant differences in Bible reading habits exist between generational groups. One very interesting section of the survey focused on the six ways the Mosaic generation differs from older generational groups.

Mosaics view the Bible as:

Less Sacred: The Bible is not considered sacred by a smaller group of Mosaics.

Lees Accurate: Mosaics consider the Bible less accurate than older generations viewed it.

More Universalism: Over 50% of Mosaics believe the Bible teaches the same spiritual principles as other sacred books.

Less Engagement: Mosaics are less likely to read the Bible as part of their regular schedule.

Bible Appetite: The good news is that Mosaics express a greater desire than other generational groups to learn more about the Bible.

As we reflect on these survey results. it is interesting to note that the Bible is still  the No. 1 top-seller for Christian publishing houses. So how do we help the younger generation discover and experience the power of God’s Word?

So you want to write a book? Congratulations! There is no greater satisfaction than completing a book writing project. I personally understand this because I have written five books and numerous articles in my career. I wanted to take time to send a word to those who aspire to write.

Writing is an art form. It is a very personal, emotional experience. Here are some things to keep in mind as you aspire to write:

Allow your true personality to come through in your work.

Write the way you feel.

Find your passion and life message and seek to put your thoughts together in a way that move you emotionally and spiritually.

Write when you are ready. Write in the daytime or the nighttime or whenever you feel compelled to share your heart, mind, and thoughts with others.

Don’t worry about the opinions of others. Begin with a clear understanding of who you are and what you want to say.

Writing is an expression of your person. Writing is an adventure, a journey!

Throw yourself into it. Our world needs fresh new thoughts from a new generation of writers!

Since the release of the Kindle, the e-book world has grown incredibly fast. Purchases of content for e-book platforms has exploded! Take the time to study the graphic attached to this post. It is unbelievable to see the rapid increase in e-book devices.

Electronic book sales have been growing at a rapid clip, from an estimated $20 million in 2003 to $113 million in 2008, according to the Association of American Publishers. Even during these hard economic times, e-book sales continue to grow. NavPress has seen a large increase in e-book sales of our resources through this channel.

The e-book universe is evolving! Greater options and better technology are good news for publishers who are prepared for this new, emerging channel.

Well, my publishing friends, are we ready for this opportunity?

It seems early to be talking about Christmas, but October is almost here, and that means Christmas is just around the corner. Shopping for friends and family can be the most stressful part of the holiday season. Crowded shopping centers and the hunt for the perfect gift for every person on the list can drive anyone crazy.

To help you avoid a holiday meltdown, NavPress has launched “The 12 Weeks of Christmas.” We’ll be offering a new deal each week from now until the last shipping day of the 2009 holiday season. The best part is that we tell you all the specials in advance so you can plan ahead!

Head over to our Christmas 2009 page to browse the upcoming deals!

With the rise of numerous technological tools and social media, can we be sure that literacy is still growing? Are we losing the battle with the younger generation? Will the three R’s be reduced to the two C’s (Connect, and Click)? A study such as the Stanford Study of Writing is building a case that we may be in the midst of a writing revolution!

Fact 1: Young adults are writing more now than in any earlier generation. Technology allows people to write at levels not seen in previous generations. It seems that everyone has become a writer! Those Facebook, Twitter, and IM’s add up!

Fact 2: Technology and social networking will only improve the levels of literacy for future generations. After all, how can you update your social media sites if you can’t read and write? Looks like those of us in publishing should be encouraged by such news. A whole new group of writers is coming!

What do you think?