One of the interesting side affects of the new web-based world we live in is that people expect everything to be free. Have you noticed that? I totally expect to have to pay for mobile phone service, but I want Internet access for free. I know I have to buy the book if I go into Powell's, but think I should be able to read it online for free.

Because the Internet really has democratized access to information, we all expect more information, more transparency, more openness, more collaboration. While I know that not everything can be free, I generally think this trend towards sharing is great.

So I was surprised when a group of lawyers representing a forthcoming book told us they didn't want us using Be the Media for the name our latest project.

In my mind, great collaboration -- in the spirit of social media -- was a possibility. Instead, we spent last week connecting with many of you and rethinking names for the project. I think this was very worthwhile! We came up with the new name collaboratively, and I even used social networking tools to make sure we wouldn't be stepping on any more toes.

In the end, while a pain, the name change really allowed us to demonstrate the exact thing we hope our project will help other nonprofits see: using social media to leverage your networks makes you stronger.

So long "Be the Media", hello "We Are Media"!

And for those of you just joining us on this journey, it's not too late to add your voice to our conversation! We Are Media is:

NTEN's Social Media curriculum project where the community is the curriculum! We invite you to join the conversation each week as roll we out a new theme related to social media and nonprofits. Come join the smart people coming along on this trip or buzz in to help us identify the best existing resources, people, and case studies that will give nonprofit organizations the knowledge and resources they need to use social media to change the world.