Open APIs: What are they and who are they for?

Our Open API Debate doesn't officially start until Friday but our panelists are already getting into it over email. One point they're nailing down is what are APIs and who is meant to use them. You can read some of their points below, but to kick this off I want to share with you an example of what can be done with open APIs.

Steve Wright from Salesforce gave this example as one way that open APIs led to the creation of a new entity, well a mash-up really. It's one many of you might be familiar with - HousingMaps.com. It's a mash-up of Google Maps and

The Great Open API Debate

Have an opinion on the state of APIs - application programming interfaces - or just want to know what the heck all the discussion is about? Then join us this Friday for a live debate between the major players in nonprofit software and find out what's going on with APIs and what it means for nonprofits.

You'll hear where vendors on the panel are moving and what the tangible benefits will be for nonprofits. The speakers will also give their opinions on why openness matters and what open APIs mean for the open source movement.

Mark Bolgiano from the Council on Foundations will moderate the debate and our panelists will include

Tom

What do You Want to Make Happen?

Or - Reflections on Spring Cleaning

It's that time of year again - time for spring cleaning. At home, I've been cleaning out closets, leaving things neatly organized so I can find everything I need again. I find this ritual irresistible because it gives me the chance to wax nostalgic (and I am not a nostalgic person by nature - this is my one indulgence). I remember where I was

Why Social CRM Will Transform the Nonprofit Sector

By TJ Griffin, Advocacy Manager for Kintera

The success and standing of a nonprofit organization ultimately lies in its ability to steward the relationship with its supporters. Through the engagement, involvement and action of supporters, a nonprofit organization:

• Raises funds to support its cause and further its mission

• Recruits volunteers and members that help further the success of its mission

• Inspires action and activism among its constituents to enhance legislation affecting its mission

• Grows its network of

How Bad Presentations Are Born

Begin your preparations by asking, "What do I want to say?" and you have already made your first mistake.

[The following is an excerpt from Why Bad Presentations Happen to Good Causes, which can be ordered at www.agoodmanonline.com.]

A common mistake in planning a presentation is asking the seemingly innocent question, "What do I want to say?" Unfortunately, this places the initial focus on you and your material instead of where it actually belongs: on the audience.