DISQUS

Wow. You've got an interesting perspective here, but I feel it's incomplete. I'm an Amazon Vine member, so I can speak somewhat from the inside.

First of all, Vine members are not randomly selected. They are invited based on their frequency of reviews and rank in "top reviewers." Top reviewers, as I'm sure you know, since you commended them, are ranked not just by their number of reviews, but also by the number of "helpful" votes they get. I get way more "helpful" votes on my negative reviews than I do on my positive ones, so there is little incentive for me to write falsely positive reviews.

Which leads to my second point: not all of us give four- and five-star reviews. It may seem more positively weighted because of the items we choose.

What you're missing here is how the Vine program actually works. We don't just get free stuff sent to us, thereby enticing rave reviews. Members must specify which items we are interested in, what genres we prefer and such. Amazon then sends us a monthly newsletter of available items, specific to our tastes. We can then choose only two.

Yes, it may seem Vine reviews are more positive, but it's not because it's Vine and we're getting free stuff. It's because we're reviewing items we are likely to enjoy anyway. They're stuff we would have selected on our own with our own money. We're just taking advantage of the opportunity to get it for free.

Publishers regularly send free review copies to bloggers, critics, journalist and the like. This is no different. Amazon has made very clear to Vine members that we are to write HONEST, helpful reviews -- not just glowing recommendations.

Great advice!

I like Strunk and White. I also have a handy reference called "Woe is I" that I love. It covers a lot of the same information, but in a more artistic format, great for visual people like me.

I think Barkat hit on something with her question. There is definitely a difference between self interest and selfish interest. We obey God because of self interest; we want want is best for us and acknowledge that He knows what's best and will provide that best for us when we obey. Selfish interest, in contrast, acts not out of wisdom (which comes from God and encourages obedience to God), but out of a hedonistic desire for pleasure. It comes from our sinful nature.

I also like what AndyC said. We are incapable of acting in completely, truly selfless manners. At least this side of Heaven. We just can't do it! Even when we do good deeds, it is because we want to do them, because we gain pleasure from helping others or having others see us help others. We gain joy from serving God. Isn't that self interest?

Back to your questions: yes, I think self interest can benefit society. I would like to put stipulations on this, to say that it only works under certain circumstances, but the truth is God can bring good from anything.

Oh, what I miss when I go on vacation! :) This is really cool. My kids would be so jealous.

Great post, Marcus. Hope your workshop goes well. :)

I LOVE this!!! The dancing is just so fun. Wish I could do it too! :)

Good post. Too often I fail in the arena of courage. One specific instance happened just this weekend. While I checked out at the grocery store, my daughter grabbed my Bible out of my purse. The cashier was so curious. He kept leaning over to see what she was reading. With surprise he asked "Is she reading a Bible?" I confirmed, yes, but didn't say anything more. I could have made a connection, maybe even shared the Gospel, but I just flaked out and continued stacking bags in our cart. Thanks for your reminder and challenge to be more courageous next time.

Tanya Dennis's last blog post..May Ellie-isms & Zach Attacks

Also a fan of Keats, I agree that all truth is beautiful. Sometimes painful, but always spectacular.

As for twitter, I'm with spaghettipie on this one. I'm not really sure what it is or why it is. It just is and I'm not doing it yet. :) I do facebook, though!

Tanya Dennis's last blog post..Paparazzi ('Fro Me to You)

No comment ... Just wanted you to know this makes me smile. :)

Hey, Marcus! I'm catching up on all of your blog that I missed the past few weeks while trying to keep up with life here. THANK YOU for this post!! It's so encouraging to know I'm not the only one! Whenever I feel this way I force myself to remember the blessings we'll receive for believing without seeing; for knowing without feeling it. And then I think about the day we WILL feel that much needed hug, the all encompassing embrace of Christ with His breath on my face, my being swallowed in His perfect, warm light. Be encouraged, my friend. Your courage to be authentic emboldens others. And none of us are alone in our thoughts.

All very interesting thoughts. I've been struggling with the whole concept of forgiveness, from definition to the execution. It's a mystery to me. I want to solve it and understand, but am afraid of what the resolution will require of me. I've had DeMoss's book (mentioned above by AMM) on my dresser for a couple months. Guess I should crack the cover.

Excellent post!! You're quite eloquent -- even quotable here. Of course, you're always quotable ...

Ah, Rachel Ray ... She's trying to take over the world, you know. I'm a huge Food Network fan, too! I LOVE to cook. Well, actually, I love watching people enjoy what I've cooked. ;) And I love good food, so a passion for cooking comes naturally.

Nice article. Quite helpful.

Love the photo and the story. :) Kids are so funny. I love how they rescue us by changing the subject entirely. Hopefully by the next time "reverence" becomes the topic, you'll have found a kid-friendly way to explain it. Or maybe next time you'll just get another little tidbit in. In the meantime, we can pray our kids eventually get all the little tidbits of faith fit together in the right way.

We've been sick here, too, but not strep. Just random change-of-season ickiness. Isabel had a fever of 106 the other night. Ugh. FEEL BETTER!!

SP: That is a GREAT quote!

I am definitely a week balancer vs. a day balancer. Some days are all about my kids; other days are about work or house or ministry. With long-term vision, this pattern creates balance. It's good advice. Some things should be taken one day at a time. Balance is not one of them.

CSFF ... Christian Science Fiction ... Family? Forum? Friends? Sorry. Just curious. :)

Here's a question: can blogs be listed in more than one category? I'm a writer, but I'm also a stay-at-home mom. My blog bounces back and forth between the two professions. Most often it's just about living the high calling in life regardless of which hat I wear that day.

Mark: I'm very excited about this! People need to be encouraged in the workplace. This seems a wonderful venue for doing exactly that. Thanks for all your work!

Good thoughts. Great reminder. Thanks. :)

Happy hiatus! I pray you have a revitalizing week, filled with the knowledge and presence of God.

Anyone read "The First Five Pages" by Noah Lukeman? It's based on this exact premise -- that nearly all manuscripts can be accepted or dismissed in five pages or less. The book teaches good self-editing skills.

I think this feeling "lost" is part of living here when our home is elsewhere. We're never fully contented or at rest because this isn't where we're meant to be. We are forced to remember God. Everytime I feel lost, wondering what I'm doing or who I am, I remember I don't need me -- just God. When I'm seeking Him, the rest falls into place. I'm only there for the ride, needing no definition whatsoever.