Pope Benedict XVI: Don't Worry About the Analytics

Bloggers -- at least those of us who do this professionally -- constantly struggle with finding the balance between quantity and quality, always hoping we can accomplish both at the same time: writing good, important stories that draw in lots of traffic. Catholic bloggers and YouTube users shouldn't be worried about the traffic anymore. In his annual message delivered for the Catholic church's World Day of Social Communications, Pope Benedict XVI said that it's most important to be respectful of others when you're spreading the good word online.

"We must be aware that the truth which we long to share does not derive its worth from its 'popularity' or from the amount of attention it receives," Benedict wrote. "The proclamation of the Gospel requires a communication which is at once respectful and sensitive."

Benedict didn't name names, but the head of the Vatican's social communications office, Claudio Celli, said it wouldn't be incorrect to direct the pope's exhortation to some conservative Catholic blogs, YouTube channels and sites which, with some vehemence, criticize bishops, public officials and policies they consider not Catholic enough.

"The risk is there, there's no doubt," Celli said in response to a question. He noted that the Pontifical Council for Social Communications was working on a set of guidelines with recommendations for appropriate style and behavior for Catholics online.

"I don't love such things, but I think we can define some points of reference for behavior," he said.

Read the full story at the Associated Press.