Staying on top of the best times to email newsletters is imperative in the world of nonprofit 2.0. Also important is knowing which Twitter apps work best for you, as is keeping up with the countless other dos and don'ts of Internet etiquette. Getting overwhelmed by this ever-changing set of rules and compilations of best practices, however, is counterproductive when it makes one forgetful of the importance of maintaining human contact.

Are your community’s articles, blogs, and discussions left shivering in a dark and quiet echo chamber? Do relevant reach, attraction, engagement, interactivity, and participation elude your organization’s site?

Today, January 23rd, 2008, Seth Godin (Search Engine Strategies, Search Engine Watch, Clickz Network, & BuzzLogic) webcast the core message from his new book, “Meatball Sundae”. This haunting & timely theme speaks to a challenge which many of us in non-profit organizations and non-governmental entities struggle with: how (& where) do we better communicate with those whom we serve as well as those on whom we depend, and through doing so, provide a better service?

A moment of personal exoterica before we launch into the N2Y2 events in San Jose; tonight I'm packing and now all of you are privy to my sundries:

* Laptop w/bag (liveblogging from San Jose)
* Camera (to remember what you beautiful people look like)
* Shoes (never forget the good shoes for dancing)
* Clothes (magenta and red, a fiery feeling)
* Books (any suggestions?)
* AMO Game (always connecting the dots)
* Chocolate (the raw cacao powder this time)
* Hand Cream (see Beth Kanter's tips for liveblogging post)
* I heard I love you! card (ask Jean Russell for more info)
* Virtually Delicious (our Second Life design team cards)
* Saving Grace (a gift for a friend)
* Go Green Guide (playa planning 101)
* Delight (for manifesting good cheer)

It has become almost de rigueur these days to ponder the meaning of social media measurement and 'engagement'.

It’s one thing to have an engaged website, but more and more the action takes place in other places, in existing communities and social networks.

Charities must turn from ‘owning’ their cause to enabling networks.

Earlier this week I posted some collected thoughts on this topic: Engagement is not made to measure.  I'd welcome your comments to move the debate forward.