When I hear the words "search engine optimization," I picture blackboards covered in chalky scrawl, like in A Beautiful Mind It all seems complicated and hard -- and math-y.

Last year, we were lucky enough to have Kevin Lee join our community. Though Kevin, we've learned that lots of SEO is not scary at all. You can do it, too! I talked to him about his upcoming session at the 2009 NTC, DIY Search Engine Optimization.

Take a listen:

Kevin Lee and Bill Snyder, We-Care.com

Many nonprofits are using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) as a free way of driving relevant traffic to their websites from Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft searches. They often find the process to be time consuming, but this doesn't need to be the case. By integrating best practices into the standard operating procedures for your various teams, you can achieve significant SEO benefits without investing large amounts time.

To begin with, those writing website copy and press releases must understand how to write for humans and search engines and how external and internal links improve site visibility. Put the punch about what makes the page or press release important right up front. As for links, press releases need to include ones that anchor the text not only to the homepage but also directly to related website content. These links will drive traffic AND improve SEO-- especially when they're reprinted on other sites.

LOLnptechNTEN member Beth Dunn picked up on the discussion on Beth Kanter's blog about outcome-based thinking for nonprofits using social media. She encourages those who set out on the "journey" through social media for good causes to plan ahead and keep notes.

Amy Sample Ward discusses Twitter for nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of individual interest over organizational broadcasting. Amy always applies the golden rule when she tweets.

Judi Sohn is back with another down-to-earth -- or from-the-trenches -- post about what it really means to implement a new technology for an organization, even if it's a free technology (such as Salesforce or Google Apps for nonprofits). Someone has to spend staff time (or consulting fees) learning the tool before it can be applied to the organization's mission.

Beth Kanter summarizes the many definitions and implications of "authenticity" and "transparency" for the nonprofit sector.

There's sad news from our anonymous NTEN friend 1centNPtech: his/her organization has decided to outsource their technology planning and oversight. Please drop by our comrade's blog to offer your condolences. And maybe some job leads.

Michelle Murrain rants about the problems with custom CMS solutions for nonprofits. She calls on all nonprofits to reject the custom CMS option in their RFPs.

Our very own Holly Ross was highlighted in PBS.org's Idea Lab blog for talking about the "power" of information, nonprofits, and technology.

If your organization is considering whether (and how) to apply social networking for your cause, read Beth Kanter's contribution to Network For Good's blog, "8 Secrets of Effective Online Networking."

Finally, Deborah Finn wrote a guide on search engine optimization (SEO). She was kind enough to re-publish it on her blog.