November isn't over yet so there is still time to participate in NTEN's Member Appreciation Month activities and Epic Change's TweetsGiving campaign is this Tuesday-Thursday.  But, those aren't the only ways to say, "thanks."  At this time of year many organizations send messages of thanks to donors, supporters, volunteers, and their wider community.  In this month's

Arun Chaudhary, New Media Road Director for Obama for America, shares his thoughts on how to produce quality online video under tight constraints.

I have to confess right here and now my feelings about balloon launches are quite strong. I can go one or maybe two months without being reminded of them but then along comes another charity website with news of yet another latex launch to 'celebrate' or mark some totally worthwhile cause. Now I have nothing against balloons as such. Indeed you could well find one or two examples knocking around the house at this very moment and, even though the smell of them is rather unpleasant, they are left unpopped and usually come to a deflated but honourable end. Like alot of people I used to give very little thought to balloon launches and, dare I say it, thought they looked rather wonderful. Not any more.