Some of you may remember a period about 2 years ago where I attempted to invest much more serious attention to what happens on my forum, including getting speaking engagements, etc.  Unfortunately, the financial situation went black well before things could develop.  The financial situation is much better now, and other things have changed, too.  Thus, I have marked January 2007 as the beginning of yet another attempt.

Details:

In the first place, I have a source of income on the horizon that can remain distinct from my operations as an apologist.  I much prefer that (though I won't say no to donations, etc).  I have completed a book called "Fidelis" which will be available for purchase approximately December 1st of 2006.  I posted an extract of the first chapter on the sntjohnny forum  HERE but you can learn more and even pre-purchase copies at the web page for the whole series that "Fidelis" belongs to:  www.birthpangs.com

So, beginning about Febuary of 2007, I expect to be involved in various booksignings, probably limited to the upper midwest for a good six months.

In the second place, I have managed to lay hold of technology and technological skill that has allowed me to put up an audio stream that runs in real time.  I will be filling this stream with content.  There will be music and past programs.  Also, I'll be able to interrupt the stream to have live, streaming broadcasts of the new Sntjohnny Radio show!  We'll be able to have up to 4 participants (3 besides me) in the show proper, and apparently up to 60 listeners- simultaneously!

The advent of this technology will allow a much more robust interaction of members on this forum and hopefully a broader appeal across the internet.  Topics will not be limited to apologetics, but you can expect there will be a fair amount of that, too.

Thus, everyone is cordially invited to listen in on the 'test' broadcast which is currently scheduled for November 19th, 2006, at 9 p.m. CST.  The topic will be "Is Religion Dangerous" and hopefully is provocative enough to generate a full 60 listeners in an attempt to evaluate the limits of the technology.  You can already go and access the streaming link:

http://www.sntjohnny.com/radioportal.html

Check it out!

If you have problems listening to the stream at that link, be sure to let me know.  In this thread will be fine.

Incidentally, the panel discussion software will only hold 4 people and costs me about $20 a month.  If anyone would like to upgrade to having 9 people and would be willing to front the extra $20 for it, I'd be glad to consider revising the format possibly to accomodate.

Thirdly, I am currently enrolled in a masters in philosophy and apologetics program, with an eye some time in the next decade getting a phD.  Its not a high priority, but steps are being taken at least.

Fourthly, it will be my intent to expand my 'target' audience more.  I have tended to prefer banging heads with other hard heads, but more and more I see that there is a general lack of education even among Christians about fairly simple issues that arise in Christianity.  Christians often concede far too much, or don't answer their children directly, thus producing the very sort of hard heads I have to deal with on this forum.  Better not to make them in the first place.  :)

Fifthly, there are a whole slew of things that I already do that will be stepped up, God willing.  More writing, for example.  But also I hope to get a Skype phone number and have 'office hours' to handle issues that sometimes arise in the emails I get.

A lot going on, and its all set to start sometime in January, 2007.  Should be fun, and I hope you'll all participate!