Most 'liked' Conference Talks. Will This Affect Themes In Future?

[canard78]

As a bit of a nerdy researcher I was intrigued at the data available on the conference talks pages. On the right hand side of each talk there is a Facebook 'Like' button. It makes for an interesting table of response to the talks and messages (I've not checked all of them).

 

Likes: Talk / SPEAKER:

 

9200 Like a Broken Vessel ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND

6300 Come, Join with Us PRESIDENT DIETER F. UCHTDORF

2400 The Moral Force of Women ELDER D. TODD CHRISTOFFERSON

1300 “I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee” PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON

1200 You Can Do It Now! PRESIDENT DIETER F. UCHTDORF

1100 Look Ahead and Believe ELDER EDWARD DUBE

 

949 No Other Gods ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS

841 The Windows of Heaven ELDER DAVID A. BEDNAR

831 Be Meek and Lowly of Heart ELDER ULISSES SOARES

560 Decisions for Eternity ELDER RUSSELL M. NELSON

505 The Key to Spiritual Protection PRESIDENT BOYD K. PACKER

 

357 To My Grandchildren PRESIDENT HENRY B. EYRING

288 Put Your Trust in the Lord ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD

271 Do We Know What We Have? CAROLE M. STEPHENS

256 Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ ELDER RICHARD G. SCOTT

90 The Doctrines and Principles Contained in the Articles of Faith ELDER L. TOM PERRY

 

The two runaway favourites were the ones that were head and shoulders above the rest to my ears too. They both had a real depth of understanding and a compassion for two groups of people who need a hand of empathy and fellowship as well as an acknowledgment that things hadn't always been done or approached in the best way in the past.

 

I was taught by my mission president that an element of inspiration is information. I wonder whether this response data will be the information that will aid the inspiration to have more messages on these types of topics.

 

(Source: lds.org)

[CV75]

I was taught by my mission president that an element of inspiration is information. I wonder whether this response data will be the information that will aid the inspiration to have more messages on these types of topics.

It is possible, if such data were run through a scientifically/statistically sound survey analysis (I know the Church is big on that), and if there were a way to distinguish which votes are driven by spiritual, emotional, political, or other kinds of resonance the talks had with the individuals voting.

 

Where we are given to understand that topics are not assigned, I think the assesment from a source like this might be of a more personal nature to be made by the inidivudal speakers. As a matter of situational awareness, the conclusions could vary from what to cover more or less of to identifying areas of resistance to essential messages. Plus if one soul was saved by Elder Perry's talk, it was worth giving it, and the effectiveness of well-liked talks can only be ascertained by what people do with the information to enjoy greater faith, hope, charity, obedience, righteousness, service, etc. This is the kind of feedback I think a GA would prefer -- not an assessment of whether the talk was good or not, or liked or not, but whether it changed a life for the better. If the voting allows for the comments, I would think a highly motivated person would share his feelings about that.

[canard78]

It is possible, if such data were run through a scientifically/statistically sound survey analysis (I know the Church is big on that), and if there were a way to distinguish which votes are driven by spiritual, emotional, political, or other kinds of resonance the talks had with the individuals voting.

 

Where we are given to understand that topics are not assigned, I think the assesment from a source like this might be of a more personal nature to be made by the inidivudal speakers. As a matter of situational awareness, the conclusions could vary from what to cover more or less of to identifying areas of resistance to essential messages. Plus if one soul was saved by Elder Perry's talk, it was worth giving it, and the effectiveness of well-liked talks can only be ascertained by what people do with the information to enjoy greater faith, hope, charity, obedience, righteousness, service, etc. This is the kind of feedback I think a GA would prefer -- not an assessment of whether the talk was good or not, or liked or not, but whether it changed a life for the better. If the voting allows for the comments, I would think a highly motivated person would share his feelings about that.

 

It's a fair point about reaching 1 soul. I suppose I have a vested interest in the types of talk that Pres Uchtdorf and Elder Holland gave. I know of at least 2 people who have been deeply affected and encouraged by Elder Holland's and one person who, after 10 years of non-attendance is working to get back to church after Elder Uchtdorf's.

 

In the long run, in terms of acknowledging the different needs of members and the limitations of programs and people, these themes are important to teach more prominently.

[Storm Rider]

The desire of leadership to speak to the needs of the saints is real. It is also reasonable that individuals use all of the tools at their disposal. I expect that some talks are addressed given the personal experiences of those involved. I would also understand if an individual were to review this material they may seek to understand why one talk is valued over another. At the end of the day, I would expect that all things have an influence on individuals and their topics are the ones that they are lead most by the Spirit to speak and address it in the most effective manner. 

[canard78]

The desire of leadership to speak to the needs of the saints is real. It is also reasonable that individuals use all of the tools at their disposal. I expect that some talks are addressed given the personal experiences of those involved. I would also understand if an individual were to review this material they may seek to understand why one talk is valued over another. At the end of the day, I would expect that all things have an influence on individuals and their topics are the ones that they are lead most by the Spirit to speak and address it in the most effective manner. 

 

What I find encouraging about this data is that it suggests that the majority of the conference listeners are more interested in hearing messages of compassion and inclusiveness. 

[CV75]

It's a fair point about reaching 1 soul. I suppose I have a vested interest in the types of talk that Pres Uchtdorf and Elder Holland gave. I know of at least 2 people who have been deeply affected and encouraged by Elder Holland's and one person who, after 10 years of non-attendance is working to get back to church after Elder Uchtdorf's.

 

In the long run, in terms of acknowledging the different needs of members and the limitations of programs and people, these themes are important to teach more prominently.

I think in the long run, as they have in the past, the talks will reflect Heavenly's Father's message for His children. As a global Church, this indicates there will be increased diversity in the thematic application of Gospel principles expressed by the speakers from diverse nations that relatively few might benefit from. As the Latter-day Church, this also indicates that that there will be increased specificity about finding faith amongst such tribulations and commotion as are prophesied for these times (Luke 21:26; D&C 45:26, 88:91; Moses 7:66; Matthew 24:24), which challenge God's children to the point of depression (for example, from Elder Holland's) and other afficltions (such as being deceived or fainting in the faith, from Elder Uchdorf's talk) that visit even the faithful, that many might benefit from.

 

I think General Conference generates more individual healing and encouragement than it is generally given credit for.

[CV75]

What I find encouraging about this data is that it suggests that the majority of the conference listeners are more interested in hearing messages of compassion and inclusiveness. 

As mentioned above, I think this is an example of the effect of the conditions of our times upon the hearts of God's children an what they need from the Spirit, and yet the needs of the minority are also equally met.

[canard78]

As mentioned above, I think this is an example of the effect of the conditions of our times upon the hearts of God's children an what they need from the Spirit, and yet the needs of the minority are also equally met.

 

What I find reassuring is that the data indicates that I'm not in as much of a minority as I thought.

[CV75]

What I find reassuring is that the data indicates that I'm not in as much of a minority as I thought.

Yes, this is a Church of invitation and unity where we can truly see the Lord's arm of mercy being extended to all (3 Nephi 9:14, which He spoke to those who were spared, just as we are spared today). Which is interesting, since this talk: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/ye-are-no-more-strangers?lang=eng only got 253 "Likes"!

Edited October 27, 2013 by CV75

[XXMikey007]

Most of us will not be "liking" a talk that points out our own faults, or speaks against our behavior. Most of us will "like" a talk that pertains to us, or something we can relate to.. say, a talk on health issues will probably go in one ear and out the other in my mind because it hasn't impacted my life yet.

Hopefully they will only be interested in adjusting the presentation of their subjects rather than the subject matter itself, because the subject matter of very few likes is probably very important.

[rockpond]

I have wondered about what kind of impact might be seen ever since it was originally announced that the apostles would be creating social media profiles.

 

The Facebook likes for conference talks is interesting data to look at.  While I loved Elder Holland's and President Uchtdorf's talks, I do hope that "popularity" won't necessarily drive topic choice.  I imagine that there are things I need to hear that won't really encourage social media "likes" and "+1's".

[Scott Lloyd]

 

As a bit of a nerdy researcher I was intrigued at the data available on the conference talks pages. On the right hand side of each talk there is a Facebook 'Like' button. It makes for an interesting table of response to the talks and messages (I've not checked all of them).

 

Likes: Talk / SPEAKER:

 

9200 Like a Broken Vessel ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND

6300 Come, Join with Us PRESIDENT DIETER F. UCHTDORF

2400 The Moral Force of Women ELDER D. TODD CHRISTOFFERSON

1300 “I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee” PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON

1200 You Can Do It Now! PRESIDENT DIETER F. UCHTDORF

1100 Look Ahead and Believe ELDER EDWARD DUBE

 

949 No Other Gods ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS

841 The Windows of Heaven ELDER DAVID A. BEDNAR

831 Be Meek and Lowly of Heart ELDER ULISSES SOARES

560 Decisions for Eternity ELDER RUSSELL M. NELSON

505 The Key to Spiritual Protection PRESIDENT BOYD K. PACKER

 

357 To My Grandchildren PRESIDENT HENRY B. EYRING

288 Put Your Trust in the Lord ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD

271 Do We Know What We Have? CAROLE M. STEPHENS

256 Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ ELDER RICHARD G. SCOTT

90 The Doctrines and Principles Contained in the Articles of Faith ELDER L. TOM PERRY

 

The two runaway favourites were the ones that were head and shoulders above the rest to my ears too. They both had a real depth of understanding and a compassion for two groups of people who need a hand of empathy and fellowship as well as an acknowledgment that things hadn't always been done or approached in the best way in the past.

 

I was taught by my mission president that an element of inspiration is information. I wonder whether this response data will be the information that will aid the inspiration to have more messages on these types of topics.

 

(Source: lds.org)

 

Whether or how much a topic or pronouncement pleases the masses is not always the best guage of whether it is what people need to hear.

 

As I recall, Paul made a prophecy that one of the characteristics of latter-day apostasy was that people with itching ears would gravitate toward speakers who told them what they wanted to hear as opposed to what they needed to hear.

 

So, while I appreciated each of the conference talks, I'm not persuaded that a popularity meter is the best -- or even a good -- measure of its true value.

 

For example, one of the most vital and valuable sermons of the entire conference, in my opinion, --  the one given by Elder Oaks -- didn't even make your list.

 

As to the future, I would hope -- and expect -- that the Brethren will continue to address what the Lord inspires them to, whether or not it is popular to do so. It has ever been so.

Edited October 28, 2013 by Scott Lloyd

[rockpond]

For example, one of the most vital and valuable sermons of the entire conference, in my opinion, --  the one given by Elder Oaks -- didn't even make your list.

 

Elder Oaks is on there... #7 on Canard's list.

 

As I noted in my post just above yours, I agree that popularity does not equal what I (or we as a church) need to hear.  I'll also add, that I think the Brethren are above feeling the need for choosing topics to get social media points.  I imagine you agree with that.

 

But, as I think about it more, those "most liked" talks are the ones that are also most likely to be read in the days & weeks following conference because they are getting shared on feeds more and will receive higher SEO scores.  So, for better or worse, the higher ranking conference talks will probably become the larger online representation of our faith.

[Scott Lloyd]

Elder Oaks is on there... #7 on Canard's list.

 

Sorry. I glanced over the list several times looking for Elder Oaks's name and failed to see it.

 

As I noted in my post just above yours, I agree that popularity does not equal what I (or we as a church) need to hear.  I'll also add, that I think the Brethren are above feeling the need for choosing topics to get social media points.  I imagine you agree with that.

 

 

I certainly do.

 

But, as I think about it more, those "most liked" talks are the ones that are also most likely to be read in the days & weeks following conference because they are getting shared on feeds more and will receive higher SEO scores.  So, for better or worse, the higher ranking conference talks will probably become the larger online representation of our faith.

 

As I've indicated, I do not dislike any of the talks on the list. I would not be at all bothered if any of them were to be regarded as a representation of our faith, and, if one or more of them draw more people to us, we can afterward take opportunity to teach the newcomers of the less-visible topics, if need be.

[ERMD]

It doesn't matter how many people "like" or "not-like" or "no opinion" a conference address.

 

What matters is when the Holy Spirit moves a person through the spoken word, and a heart is changed.  This may well happen with every conference address given.

[canard78]

It doesn't matter how many people "like" or "not-like" or "no opinion" a conference address.

What matters is when the Holy Spirit moves a person through the spoken word, and a heart is changed. This may well happen with every conference address given.

Bear in mind that a 'liked' talk is one that would show up in a persons Facebook "feed" and thereby be share with friends. To "like" it they have also gone to the text version of the talk to read/reread it.

The people who liked and thereby shared it probably were moved upon by the spirit.

[canard78]

But, as I think about it more, those "most liked" talks are the ones that are also most likely to be read in the days & weeks following conference because they are getting shared on feeds more and will receive higher SEO scores. So, for better or worse, the higher ranking conference talks will probably become the larger online representation of our faith.

I'd not thought of that. It's an exciting thought.

[Scott Lloyd]

Bear in mind that a 'liked' talk is one that would show up in a persons Facebook "feed" and thereby be share with friends. To "like" it they have also gone to the text version of the talk to read/reread it.

The people who liked and thereby shared it probably were moved upon by the spirit.

While some talks comfort the afflicted, I imagine others "afflict the comfortable," as it were. I doubt such people would be sharing on Facebook the talks that make them uneasy -- although I suppose it's possible that some might, if they were humble and repentant.

[CV75]

But, as I think about it more, those "most liked" talks are the ones that are also most likely to be read in the days & weeks following conference because they are getting shared on feeds more and will receive higher SEO scores.  So, for better or worse, the higher ranking conference talks will probably become the larger online representation of our faith.

Other than personal application, I think this is the best thing that can be done with them. We are constantly being encouraged to share what is personally edifying to our faith.

[CV75]

The people who liked and thereby shared it probably were moved upon by the spirit.

We can only hope, but at least it was shared. The Spirit will help the recipient take in the truth of the message.

[ERMD]

Bear in mind that a 'liked' talk is one that would show up in a persons Facebook "feed" and thereby be share with friends. To "like" it they have also gone to the text version of the talk to read/reread it.

The people who liked and thereby shared it probably were moved upon by the spirit.

I understand that.  The number is still irrelevant.  It is all about the one.