There has been quite a bit of stir in some circles about a list on the NTEN affinity platform for nonprofit staff only to frankly discuss issues pertaining to them. Some providers in particular were upset that they would not be part of the conversation and were also concerned that this would be diminishing the conversations on other lists. We are committed, of course, to free, professional discourse amongst our different stakeholders and think it is appropriate to have some frank conversations take place amongts peers only, PROVIDED that common concernd get elevated to a broader audience. Gripes and rants are pretty useless unless they translate into productive and specific steps to improve whatever the problem is perceived to be.

We already host a list for vendors and hopefully soon one for consultants. Anyone want to start that one? The nonprofit staff list can be found here.

But the coup on this conversation is most definitely coming from our wonderful colleague and NTEN member Dan Scharfman who captures it all in this brilliant rendition:

There once were some nonprofit techies

Who felt that their vendors were yecchies.

They setup at NTEN

A listserve for ventin'

And got hot water up to their neckies.

Some riders thought this quite exclusive

And made their views all too obtrusive

Till in stepped strong Deborah

Who bade us remember-a

Flame-free posts must not be abusive.

Benamer saith "nothing to hide -

If your tax status is bone fide"

But others were flust-

ered at this breach of trust;

Asked aren't we on the same side?

This list might just thrive if it's used

To give feedback to vendors bemused

By discourse too polite

To shed any light

Where we to recuse have refused.

If discussion descends

To talk-show-like ends

The members won't meet,

They'll vote with their feet

And this list won't have members or friends.

As a vendor I say to my fellows:

"Let our customers at least say some 'hallos'."

They pay for our beer!

And we've nothing to fear

Except for our own peccadilloes.

Happy Sunday to us all!