Our debate on open APIs officially starts tomorrow at 10:00 am Pacific (click here for details on how you can listen in and participate) but like our panelists, some of our nptech blogger friends couldn't resist getting the discussion started. Here's what they're saying:

From Zen and the art of Nonprofit Technology

"I think that APIs are an expression of the best of what the internet is about. The free sharing of information in ways that allow for new innovation. It allows nonprofits free access to data that they would normally not have access to (like mapping data), or would have to pay a lot for. And if nonprofits, in making their own Web 2.0 applications, provided their data via open APIs, it would help other nonprofits, and the sector as a whole. I have dreams of applications that combine, say, available bed space in shelters and soup kitchens, all mapped for people to find. Or any other interesting combination of things. It's all possible if people freely share the data they share anyway on the web in an API.

From Beth's Blog:

"While I wouldn't know an API from Ape if it stood right in front of me beat its chest, however, I have seen the results of open APIs in social media apps like Flickr. The openness sparks creative solutions, collaborations, accelerates partnerships, and sharing. And it could save some money. The nonprofit sector could benefit from these innovations that this openness has the potential inspiring."

If you're interested in checking out the lineup of the debate or listeining into the "Pre-Open API Debate Warm-Up Show," head on over to Confessions of a Nonprofit IT Director.

Listen in to the live debate tomorrow at 10:00 am Pacific time (details). Join the debate by sending us your two cents in 150 words or less - we'll post it on our blog and feature it in our newsletter next week.