What is The Conversations Network?

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit online publisher of recordings of spoken-word events such as conferences, lectures and meetings. The curated portion of the network is made up of channels, which are listed on the right. Our grassroots production team is called PodCorps.org. For more details, read about our mission.

How do I find programs to listen to?

Just click on any of the channels listed at the right. Each of our channels focuses on an area of interest. If you're a registered member of The Conversations Network, you can use our recommendation engine to find programs we think will interest you.

Do I have to be a member in order to listen?

Absolutely not! Our programs are free for all to hear. We occasionally offer fee-based early access to programs under our QuickCastâ„¢ service as a way to raise funds, but all programs are made available for free on our regular schedule.

So why should I become a member?

This first reason is to help us keep listener-supported audio on the 'Net free. Like public radio here in the U.S., a substantial portion of our operating budget comes from membership dues and donations. And once we know who you are, we can give you personalized benefits such as recommendations, your Personal Program Queueâ„¢, and write access to our discussion foums. For a complete list of membership categories and benefits, visit our Why Reqister? page.

How do I listen to programs?

The simplest way to listen is just to click on the Play Now button shown next to all of our programs. (Note that certain older programs in our archives aren't compatible with the Play Now technology.)

How do I download programs to my computer's hard disk?

If you're on our home page, click the "more" link for the program you want to download. On each program page you'll see an "MP3" link. Right-click (Windows) or control-click (Mac) on that link, then select "Save Link As…" or the equivalent in the pop-up window. Select the filename and directory where you want to save the audio file.

How do I subscribe to The Conversations Network programs?

You'll find all our feeds on the RSS/Podcast page.

What's a Podcast?

Podcasting is how we send out our programs so that you can subscribe to them. You can receive them automatically (and for free) using podcatcher software or a free online service. (more Podcast help)

How do I register to become a member of The Conversations Network?

Here's our Registration Page. Registered listeners can use our special personalized features such as Recommendations by Loomia and Personal Program Queues. When you register you will also have the option of subscribing to our free weekly email Announcement, which will summarize the previous week's programs (complete with listener ratings) and bring you the latest news and developments from IT Conversations.

How are my membership dues used?

Dues are used to cover some of the cost of our infrastrcuture such as web hosting and telecommunications costs.

Are my dues tax deductible?

The Conversations Network is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation and a section 501(c)(3) public charity under the Internal Revenue Code, contributions to which are tax-deductible to the extentpermitted by law.

Can we advertise on The Conversations Network?

If you would like to be an underwriter for a period of time (one month minimum) or underwrite a particular event or other series, please send email to underwriting@conversationsnetwork.org. We will send you our latest Media Kit.

How can we get The Conversations Network to publish the audio from our event?

Here's a separate FAQ for Event Producers.

Can I submit my audio to The Conversations Network?

We do occasionally accept unsolicited recordings. You'll find the requirements and recommendations in our Audio Submission Guidelines.

What is The Conversations Network's privacy policy?

It's all here.