January 24, 2013
(Romereports.com) In addition to Facebook and MySpace, there are a myriad of social networks
tailored to each person's preferences. You can find one for motorcycle
enthusiasts, dog lovers, and even for those looking for homes abroad.
So it's no surprise that among the list of niche sites is one
aimed at Catholics. It's called
Awestruck and, thanks in part to a very original publicity campaign, it now boasts thousands of members worldwide.
NORMAN SERVAIS Creative Director, Awestruck
“Catholics
who want to connect with each other in a new way. Catholics who enjoy
the idea of having something similar to Facebook which doesn't have
advertising, which has content that's tailored for the Catholic
community.”
The site's authors describe it as a sort of Facebook for Catholics. But you won't find offensive content here. However, that doesn't mean creativity is lacking.
NORMAN SERVAIS
Creative Director, Awestruck
“We
thought let's get creative, let's create a platform that supports
video, and that is also a very social space that can communicate
Catholics in a new way. So we said, let's explore the challenges or the
potential that exists today because of technology to the new things.”
Its creators say it's no coincidence that the project was developed in South Africa, a country with a small Catholic minority.
NORMAN SERVAIS
Creative Director, Awestruck
“The
problem that we have in South Africa where Catholicism is a very small
minority, 7% of us are Catholics. So we felt that isolation, you can
say, and we were looking for new ways to get the message out in an
environment where we don't have exposure on our national broadcasters.
So unfortunately you cannot see Catholic contents very easily.”
Among
the site's users, is a wide variety, from bloggers, housewives, and
parishes, to charity groups and media. Its reach is also varied, and
growing. The one place the creators are hoping to reach is
Vatican City, with none other than the Pope himself. Already a Twitter user, their hope is that
Benedict XVI will become a part of
Awestruck.
JMB @javierMbrocal /RCarr
AA
JM
-PR
-U:RCarr
