(Ed. Note: We thought about writing a grand blog post to try and summarize the 09NTC experience, but quickly realized that was silly. Instead, we're going to bring you bite-size reflections on the NTC one post at a time over the next few weeks.)

Photo: Judith Sol-DyessIt seems that no matter how hard we try to say something, sometimes we just can't quite get our message across. It also seems that sometimes we forget to point out a few things at all, in which case: our bad! This post is dedicated to a few of the questions and concerns I heard coming out of the 09NTC. Warning: it's a very random assortment!

Q. Will the plenary recordings be available online?

A. Yes. We taped both plenaries and the lovely folks at See3 are getting them off of the tapes and into the interwebs as you read. We should have them up in the next week or two. 

Q. Will all the slides, etc. be available to attendees, as well?

A.  Yes. Everything from the thumb drive, as well as everything we can coerce presenters to send us now will be posted online for the entire nonprofit community to share. We'll also include links to blogs posts in the community about those sessions, notes we can dig up from attendees, and the recordings from the 12 sessions that ReadyTalk and Causecast streamed for us.

Q. Are you a socialist organization?

A. No. We're pretty anti-ism around NTEN HQ. Eben Moglen's talk stirred up a bit of worry for some folks, though. Our point in inviting him to speak was not that we (NTEN) agree with everything Eben has to say -- but exactly the opposite: We think it's important to listen to people outside of our comfort zones, to really listen and reflect. We should all challenge ourselves to do that more.

Q. How do I get on next year's agenda?

A. One part creativity, one part moxy, and one part smarts! In early September, we'll start accepting submissions for the 2010 NTC. We try to optimize our system a little more every year, but it's a pretty straightforward process. Submit an idea! Extra points generally go to sessions that get outside of the "three people on a dais" model.

Q. Where/when is the next NTC?

A. Atlanta, April 8-10. Mark your calendars! We're headed down south, where we expect a warm, less windy event. Are you from Atlanta? Let us know. We're going to need lots of help!

Q.  Where are the Union Square rooms?

A. Go down the stairs, make a left. Keep going until the hall dead ends. Turn right, then look for the elevators. Take the elevators to the fourth floor. Return the ring to Mordor.

Q. Can I buy a book?

A. Why, yes, we'd be delighted if you would! Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission is available at fine retailers everywhere.

I'll get sappy in a later post, but let me just say again that I am the luckiest gal in the world to get to work with all of you. Thanks for making another NTC so magical! 

Do you have other questions? Ask them here, so we can answer. We'll all benefit.