GodTube's Name Changes to Tangle

GodTube has officially changed its name to Tangle. Some had published articles erroneously stating that the self-professed "#1 online Christian community" would be changing its name to GodBook, a veiled implication that the company is riding the coattails of whatever is new and sexy in the social networking world.

Image via CrunchBase

Personally, I applaud the company for taking this step to differentiate itself and establish its own brand. I'm sure as a brand new start-up the original name served it well, allowing it to grow its fanbase, due to the association in people's mind's that it was a Godly version of the wildly popular YouTube. This strategy allowed it to grow tremendously in a very short span of time. In August 2007, the month of its official launch, GodTube was ranked by Comscore (video link) as the fastest growing website in the U.S. with a 973% increase and ranked in the top 1000 websites in the country. Since then the company has been able to raise an impressive $30 million (according to Paidcontent.org) to take the concept to the next level. Of which the name change and enlarging of its scope is expected to be just the beginning. There seems to be a lot of surprise out in the tech world over the amount of capital raised, and from a secular source nonetheless. I think the secular world underestimates the reach of Christian businesses and the desire many (even non-Christians) have for wholesome, family friendly values, in the services and products they buy. I think as Christians we may sometimes feel like we are swimming against the stream of culture, which the popular media only magnifies in its focus on selling sex, money, and violence. The industry has established a culture that glorifies and promotes those who break boundaries, and seems to punish those who try to take back the higher ground looking upon them with disdain. Many of the articles written about GodTube looked down upon the company. They talked about how it was a copycat to YouTube, they mentioned that it was running on a $300 computer script, and much harsher allegations were leveled, which I will address later. This attitude seems to be the norm in the secular media, and GodTube isn't the first and won't be the last to be looked at in a patronizing way because of their focus on God. Chik-fil-A is still seen as throwing away business by closing its stores on Sundays, even though its concept has been a runaway success. As far as the allegations against GodTube, regarding its imitation of YouTube, I think its a bit hypocritical since many historically successful businesses have emulated and improved upon already successful concepts; Pepsi Cola, Lowes, and Google are just a few that come to mind. They were definitely not the first to do what they are doing, but somewhere down the road they connected with people, Pepsi because it was cheaper than Coca Cola at a time when the nation was facing hard times, Lowes connected with women and more upscale shoppers, and Google was simpler, faster and more relevant in its results. I take more seriously, the accusations against the company for theft of copyrighted code. I think it is the company's responsibility as a Christian company, and as an example to its user base, to take the initiative to address these allegations and dispel them, or apologize and make amends in a way that is biblical, if they are true. Exodus 22:9 states the following: In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody says, 'This is mine,' both parties are to bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges declare guilty must pay back double to his neighbor. I'm sure its not what their legal counsel would say is prudent, and GLG Partners (the hedge fund that put up $30 million) would probably make it very difficult if the allegations turned out to be true, but it would be the right thing to do in God's eyes for them to set things straight. If we believe as it says in Romans 8:31-39 that God is for us, we should (as business people) not be afraid to do the things we must do as a result of our faith, even if it goes against everything the secular business world maintains. That is what sets us apart for Jesus, and identifies us as part of his flock. We must live to a higher standard than the marketplace and when we stumble, as will most likely happen (because we are still human after all) we must take the difficult steps to correct our wrongs without being made to do so by a governmental authority, or court. Peter 5:6-9 states: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. As for the secular media coverage of Christian companies, we have to expect that it will continue to reflect Christians in a less than desirable light, because they don't understand us, don't understand what makes us tick, and many times feel convicted because God's word speaks against their lifestyle. As a result they will continue to be surprised when we succeed, and to delight when high profile Christians stumble and fall. My hope is that GodTube becomes a really, really, big success and that those with capital to invest start looking closer at Christian start-ups and growth businesses. I'm believing for many more "dot-God" success stories, and eventually for one of the 7 mountains to fly God's banner on its peak.

February 12, 2009