Selfie stick evangelization

I think it was a little less than a month ago that I flippantly identified the rise of the selfie stick as “the harbinger of civilization’s doom.” And I stand by that assertion. Kind of.

But – there’s alway (or usually) a but of some size, isn’t there?  – that doesn’t mean there’s no place for evolving to produce better and more engaging content, and for responding to cultural trends. I mean, media is a tool at best and a demonic force for culture-cremation at worst. So, ah, let’s be good architects and use our tools well.

CNA’s resident social media/marketing whiz kid got in my ear a little earlier this month about producing video content – specifically Facebook live. “It’s so easy, it’s low cost, it’s low pressure. You can do this anywhere.” 

Yes, but. I hate being on camera. Doesn’t everyone? I guess I hate it slightly less than the average person though, because I said I would. And I did.

So, up went Mama Needs Coffee’s first ever Facebook live video this morning. And? It wasn’t terrible. I mean, aside from my absolute fascination with the leather bracelet on my wrist, which made for riveting iPhone cinematography. But, whatever. Having kids has pretty much numbed me to looking ridiculous, or of even being afraid of looking that way.

My plan is to do a couple of these a month. Some will be light and conversational, like today, and others will be more meaty. I’ll have the occasional interview with an interesting or talented victim guest, and one day there might even be a recurring “show” where we’ll go more in depth on heavier stuff.

Here’s where you guys come in. If you don’t already, go ahead and like Mama Needs Coffee on Facebook. And then let me know what you want to hear about. I’m going to do a little Q&A next week based on the response to today’s blog, so leave your questions or ideas for episodes/topics in a comment below. Or feel free to send it along via FB messenger.

And thanks for being here. I am blessed with some of the most thoughtful, engaged, and intelligent readers that a writer could hope for. It’s really an honor to be doing this at all. And for the most part? It’s also a lot of fun.

“The future is in your hearts and in your hands. God is entrusting to you the task, at once difficult and uplifting, of working with him in the building of the civilization of love.” Pope St. John Paul II, WYD 2002, Toronto