One of the other things that my conversations here at NetSquared has led me to observe is that it's interesting how much the technology has informed the language we use in nonprofits. Back in the day, nonprofits kept track of their stakeholders on three by five cards (this is a longstanding legend basically assumed to be true). Each person was represented by an individual card. Individual. You organized individuals.

Now, we have

My favorite thing that I've discovered at the NetSquared conference so far is Gabbly. We've had some very funny backchannel conversations throughout the event, as well as some meaningful ones. You'll definitely see this (or something like it) integrated into the NTC and other N-TEN events soon.

One side note: it was

If you're brand new to nonprofits or are looking to start a nonprofit and you live in the NYC area, then you should attend the Craigslist Foundation Bootcamp in NYC on June 10. N-TEN had the pleasure of helping to shape the tech track, along with the e-Philanthropy

Yesterday I spent the day at the NetSquared conference, run by CompuMentor, Home of TechSoup. I purposely didn't take my computer with me because this was my one chance in a long while to sit back and listen to my colleagues and peers. And, I'm glad that I did. I haven't heard anything groundbreaking, but it's always worthwhile to stop and collect your thoughts

I just had lunch with Paul Hagen, so almost every thought in this piece is at least 50% his. Paul, thanks for letting me steal your thought leader-ishness for a while.

Today, one of our community members posted a message on the N-TEN discuss list. For those of you not subscribed, I've posted a copy of the message. There's been an interesting discussion in the wake of this message, and though no one has said it out loud yet, the reason I'm particularly interested in this conversation is that it all comes down to a simple question that the sector has been grappling with for a very long time: How do I get my technology tools to work together?

If you'll indulge me for

The Truth About Open Source in the Social Sector: Lessons from the Trenches

By Nick Gleason

Open Source Software (OSS) is one of the hottest trends in social sector technology. With rhetoric at a fever pitch, social sector managers and executives who are evaluating technology options need to clearly assess how the open source trend meets their needs. This article explores some of the key issues, challenges and solutions in bringing enterprise OSS (in particular OSS that helps manage web content, contacts, donations, ecommerce, emails, and so forth) to social sector organizations. In particular, I argue that OSS has not yet come close to realizing its potential in the social sector and that ultimately the best OSS solutions will reflect the unique needs

NetSquared: Compumentor's Emerging Technology Conference

Interview with Marnie Webb - May 10, 2006

Marnie Webb talks to Michael Stein (N-TEN) about the upcoming NetSquared Conference.

N-TEN: The NetSquared conference is a few weeks away. What are you trying to achieve with the conference? Who do you hope to have in the room? What are the main communities

Interview with David Geilhufe - May 10, 2006

David Geilhufe talks with Michael Stein (N-TEN) about the future of Open Source Software, leaving the Beaumont Foundation, creating CiviCRM and his latest move to CivicSpace.

N-TEN: You've recently left the Beaumont Foundation to join CivicSpace LLC as a Managing Partner. Start by telling us the reason for your move, and the latest news about CivicSpace.

Geilhufe: For almost a decade, I've been working on leveraging open source technology to provide small nonprofits with effective, cutting-edge technology at an affordable

Or - Reflections on Spring Cleaning

It's that time of year again - time for spring cleaning. At home, I've been cleaning out closets, leaving things neatly organized so I can find everything I need again. I find this ritual irresistible because it gives me the chance to wax nostalgic (and I am not a nostalgic person by nature - this is my one indulgence). I remember where I was

Seth Godin points out that the typical family in the US spends $2000 a year on telecommunications. While long distance costs keep dropping, people are paying for landline, cellphone, dsl, etc., etc.