Nonprofit Law Podcast #6: Using MySpace and other social networks

Using MySpace and other social networks

Download: Nonprofit Law Podcast #6 (mp3, 07:03)

Shownotes

Intro

Tim Mooney… Welcome to the Nonprofit Law Podcast
Your guide to the laws impacting nonprofits.
Shownotes…. nplawcast.com
Email the show

Using MySpace and other social networking sites
Great new tool
Allows for two way communication with your members and constituents
It's a public communication usually, so you need to be mindful that there are some things nonprofits cannot be involved in

Profile
This is the description of the organization... make sure it adequately represents your organization and doesn't contain any overt political statements that could be seen as supporting or opposing candidates!

Friending
Typically, members of a social network "friend" each other... it's also used to create a fanbase (i.e. bands, companies, etc.)
In the nonprofit context, it's used to show support for a set of issues
Friends can post messages on your site... this can create problems if the friends post material that doesn't fit the nonprofit's message, or worse, if it is illegal
Options --
(1) Set your profile so that all messages must be approved by an admin first
(2) Only friend people that are known quantities
(3) Make the entire profile hidden to the public (i.e. you have to be a "friend" to read your page)

Other issues

Special rules for members
Copyright
Rights of publicity
All will be covered in the upcoming AP guide - Nonprofits and New Media: Legal Rules for using the Internet, Podcasts and Social Networks

Resources

AFJ – eAdvocacy (pdf)
Advocacy Digest

Closing

Email me with questions and suggested topics
AP audio & handbook on using the Internet, podcasting and social networking for your nonprofit coming later this summer
Need more than a podcast? Tim-Mooney.com
nplawcast.com

This podcast provides general information about legal topics but it is not a complete discussion of all legal issues that arise in relation to nonprofits nor is it a substitute for legal advice. This podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is general legal information and the contributors make no warranties regarding the general legal information provided in this podcast , and disclaim liability for damages resulting from its use to the fullest extent permitted by the applicable law.