This week, we're debuting a new kind of resource for BCL: the "podule." As you can tell from the screenshot above, it's a little different from our regular training tools (go here and click on "Demo" to get a feel for how one works).
We're still giving you written articles, but we've added videos to the mix—in the case of Reimagining Evangelism, there are four of each. There's also a forum, where you can talk about the lessons with other people who have used the same podule. We hope that you'll learn not only from our materials, but from other readers.
To give you these new features, the podule was made into a web-based tool. So instead of downloading it to your computer, like our other resources, you simply create a username and password that lets you access it right away in your Internet browser. And you can come back and reuse it as many times as you want.
Unfortunately, we can't make a podule free to our paid members, because of an agreement related to the technology that powers it. Don't worry, we'll still be releasing lots of standard training tools for members to enjoy. But we hope that this week you give Reimagining Evangelism a try and see if podules are as dynamic as we hope they are. And since this is your first look at this new tool, we're offering it right now for $9.95. Click here to try it.
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Comments
I love the idea of a podule. As I commented before (don't see it here, however), I am very surprised that it appears we have to pay to watch each video, and it is unclear how well the videos are done. Even the sample video lasts but a few seconds, hardly a full experience of what this is like. I am sorry, but I don't know enough to sign up, or even plunk down a "mere" $10 for a video. I wish this enterprise well, it has much promise. However, I am frugal and also like to try things first before jumping on board with money. (I got the BCL membership after having some free exposure, now I am in my second straight year of membership!). If Shapevine is insisting on charging--and I can see that they need income, too, no problems with that--they still may want to give people a better feel for the content, and they might end up making more money in the long run.
Posted by: Dan DeVilder | April 9, 2009 8:55 AM
Dan,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this! I think your desire to have a feel for something before buying it is more than reasonable. We'll continue to look into other ways that we can let readers preview these podules.
Regarding this comment: "it appears that we have to pay to watch each video." I might have misunderstood you on this point, but just in case, let me clarify. Once you purchase a podule, you have access to all the video clips in that podule. Reimagining Evangelism, for instance, includes four clips, and you can watch all four after buying it (not to mention the written articles).
Posted by: Tim | April 9, 2009 10:56 AM