Rational as I wish I were, I know it's not really facts and figures -- or logic -- that does most of my decision-making. In every decision I make, there is some element of emotion at play. Despite what you think, you're the same. Why, then, do most of us feel compelled to list bullet points of facts on our web sites and in our emails?

If our stakeholders are looking for confirmation, not information, it seems to me we need to refocus on the fine art of storytelling. 

Somewhere along the way, we became more obsessed with exactly how high Icarus was flying when he fell than with telling the story of Icarus. That's a concept Roger Burks has been putting into practice at Mercy Corps. During his travels, he worries less about how many people are being served than about telling their stories.  

The result? Compelling messages that make the work of Mercy Corps seem more real than any list of figures. Roger shared a little of his philosophy, the basis of his session at the 2009 NTC, "Better Online Storytelling", upon his return from a trip to the Congo. 

Roger is also really excited about getting to San Francisco to engage with the amazing nonprofit community there. I couldn't agree more. In fact, we have the perfect way for you to get to know the nonprofit scene: the Day of Service. We're helping over 60 nonprofit organizations with all kinds of technology questions. You can help, too!