The New Criteria To Be A Biblioblog

Steve Caruso deserves props for his hard work and dedication to “organize the unorganized” online community of Bibliobloggers, or biblical studies blogs.

Scott Bailey and Joel Watts have legitimate questions that need to be addressed, but overall, I think that the list is fine. Of course, I think there will come a time when the categories will need to be updated, but that can be discussed at a much much later date.

“This is the current draft of inclusion criteria for The Complete Biblioblog List.

A ‘Biblioblog’ must meet these three core criteria:

1) Relevance – It must be primarily about Biblical Studies, a sub-field, or a very closely related field. A blog about Biblical archaeology would fulfill this criteria, a blog about archaeology that touches upon Biblical finds every once and a while is not.

2) Academics – Where blogs tend to be a bit less formal than other media to begin with, a combination of citing sources, utilization of academic methods and adherence to ‘mainstream’ academic theories as the basis of argument tend to fulfill this criteria. Blogs primarily about personal theology, homilies or apologetics do not qualify for this criteria (but may qualify as a Related Blog below).

3) Civility – It must — barring traditional sarcasm or banter — keep proper decorum, free of disrespect for other bloggers. Direct personal attacks against other bloggers will result in disqualification.”

To see the additional criterion, please see this link: here

I do agree with Joel. Commercial blogs are for profiteering, and not the free and available promotion of the critical study of Scripture and theology. Blogging for the academic (and academic leaning-pastor) or curious student is sometimes like a free advertisement or promotion of publications or work that she wishes to share. At one point in time, I am uncertain, but I do recall the biblioblogs disqualifying commercial blogs all together (where there were paid memberships, etc.).  Blogging is about free access to information/intellectual property.

Overall, Steve and the biblioblog top 50 have worked to make the BB more inclusive within certain limits, and they must be commended.

Related articles

• And Just Exactly What Is A Biblioblog? (politicaljesus.com)
• Who/What is Biblioblogger? (scotteriology.wordpress.com)

RodtRDH

Formerly known as Rod of Alexandria, Rod the Rogue Demon Hunter Preacher of Hope | Black Scholar of Patristics | Writer for Nonviolent Politics. Destroyer of Trolls. It must be that angry puppy.

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