General FAQs

Who is the NMK site for?
Do I need to register on the site?
What is an NMK Topic?
What is an Interest Group?
Can I Contribute an Article to the Site?
What can I write about?
Does it matter which topic I submit content to?
What do I get for contributing?
What's happened to the Freelance Directory from the old site?
How do I search for freelancers?
Can I promote my company on the site?
Sponsorship
Why do you charge for evening seminars?
Why do some courses cost more than others?
Why isn't my question answered here?

Who is the NMK site for?
This site is for anyone with an interest in new media. It is primarily aimed at professionals working in the UK's digital media industries, their clients, and other individuals and organisations involved in this sector. But whatever your level of experience or expertise, please feel free to browse the site, explore the NMK Topics and Interest Groups and check-out the events and courses.

Do I need to register on the site?
No - you don't need to register to browse the site, read the articles or register for events and courses. However, if you wish to contribute articles, take part in discussions or publish information about yourself or your company for others to see, we do ask that you register on the site. It only takes a few moments, and we don't share your data with anyone.

What is an NMK Topic?
An NMK Topic is a content theme that is created and managed by the NMK team. The subjects are directly relevant to the core aims of NMK, which is to help the UK digital media sector grow and prosper, particularly with regard to small to medium-sized companies. We welcome contributions to NMK topics in the form of articles, reports, opinion pieces, 'how-to' guides and case studies. If you have suggestions for other subjects or information that you'd like to see featured in NMK topics, email var name="editor" ; var host="nmk.co.uk" ; var txt="edit" + "or(A)nmk.co.uk" ; var args = "" ; document.write("" + txt + ""); editor(A)nmk.co.uk.

What is an Interest Group?
An Interest Group is an area of the NMK Web site set up and maintained by members of the NMK community, rather than the NMK editorial team. Interest Groups are based on a particular subject or issue, or around an existing network of digital media practitioners, such as a group of companies based in a particular region. Most Interest Groups have their own editor or group of editors, who take responsibility for maintaining their area of the site and keeping it up-to-date. Any registered user of the NMK site can explore an Interest Group and submit articles to its Editor. If you are interested in setting up an Interest Group of your own, email var name="editor" ; var host="nmk.co.uk" ; var txt="edit" + "or(A)nmk.co.uk" ; var args = "" ; document.write("" + txt + ""); editor(A)nmk.co.uk.

Can I Contribute an Article to the Site?
Absolutely. We actively encourage as many people as we can to contribute content to the site. In fact, one of the main aims of the site is to provide a forum where people can share their knowledge, opinions and experiences of digital media. The more people who contribute content, the better the site becomes for everyone else. The only condition is that you have to register with the site before you can publish an article.

What can I write about?
As long as it relates to digital media, you can write about whatever you like. You might want to write about your company's particular area of expertise, or an issue you feel really passionate about. We try to represent a wide range of ideas and opinions, and always welcome original viewpoints. However, please note that you will be legally responsible for whatever you write - so if you intend to mention names, be nice!

Does it matter which topic I submit content to?
When you're contributing content, it's helpful to the NMK team if you submit it to the NMK Topic or Interest Group area in which you want it to appear. For example, if you think you're article should be published in 'Digital Marketing', navigate to that area of the site before submitting your article.

What do I get for contributing?
You get the opportunity to have your say, raise your profile, demonstrate your expertise to a wider audience and make contacts - some of whom may even bring work your way, directly or indirectly. You'll be helping to educate your peers and improve standards across the industry. You can focus attention on the issues that matter to you, while promoting your organisation's activities. But I'm afraid you won't get paid.

What's happened to the Freelance Directory from the old site?
Any registered user can advertise their skills as a freelancer or consultant on this site too. Once you've registered on the site, sign-in and click 'Edit profile'. On the 'Edit Your Profile' page you can enter details of your skills and experience in the 'Freelancer Information' box. Potential employers will be able to find this information using the site's search function. The system searches free text, so you can describe your abilities in the way that suits you best. It's a good idea to include contact details, information about your location and availability, and the date you last updated your profile.

How do I search for freelancers?
Go to the Search page, enter the skills you're looking for in the 'Search for' field (e.g. "XSLT programmer") and select 'Freelancers' from the drop-down menu. You'll see a list of all freelancers registered with the NMK site who can provide those skills.

Can I promote my company on the site?
The best way to promote your company is by contributing to the site. Your personal profile, which is created when you register, is the place to provide information about your company. If you write an article or report for the site, readers will be able to see your profile and read about the services you provide. You can also write about your company's activities in the articles you supply - but if your article is purely promotional in nature, we're unlikely to publish it. We're looking for content that also has wider educational or entertainment value too.

Sponsorship
If your company sponsors an NMK Topic or Interest Group, its logo will be displayed throughout that area of the site, and we'll publish a full page of information about the products and services you provide. If you wish to discuss sponsorship opportunities in more detail, please contact var name="sponsorship" ; var host="nmk.co.uk" ; var txt="spon" + "sorship(A)nmk.co.uk" ; var args = "" ; document.write("" + txt + ""); sponsorship(A)nmk.co.uk.

Why do you charge for evening events?
NMK is a not-for-profit organisation, but we do need to cover our costs and overheads, such as venue hire and administration. Because of this, we think it's reasonable to charge delegates a modest fee. In return, we work to ensure that NMK events are stimulating, objective and have genuine educational value, and free of the corporate sales pitches you often see at free networking events.

Why do some courses cost more than others?
Some NMK courses receive grants and subsidies from public-sector training and educational bodies, and these are available at a reduced price. On the other hand, some of our courses are more expensive to develop, prepare and run, and we have to charge delegates a little more.

Why isn't my question answered here?
If you can't find an answer to your question here, ask var name="editor" ; var host="nmk.co.uk" ; var txt="edit" + "or(A)nmk.co.uk" ; var args = "" ; document.write("" + txt + ""); editor(A)nmk.co.uk, who will reply to you by email. If any of your questions turn out to be 'frequently asked', we'll add them to this page.

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Events and Courses FAQ

What is an NMK Event?
What's an NMK Course?
How does NMK choose speakers for events?
Who is eligible for a concessionary rate, and why?
What does NMK define as a small company?
Can I book for more than one person?
Are credit card bookings secure?
I want to cancel my booking - is this possible?
I registered for an NMK course or event, but was unable to attend. Can I have a refund?
Can I just turn up and pay on the door?
Can NMK provide in-house training?

What's an NMK Event?
An NMK event is typically a seminar, a talk or a conference. NMK events encourage knowledge sharing and networking between digital media professionals in a relaxed and friendly environment. We charge a small fee for events, to help us cover the cost of organisation, venue hire and catering.

What's an NMK Course?
Courses involve more intensive learning, typically taking place over a whole day. Courses involve a combination of 'classroom' teaching, workshops and practical exercises, and are taught by experienced digital media practitioners.

How does NMK choose speakers for events?
Speakers and presenters at NMK events are all invited to take part because we consider them to have expertise in a particular subject area, and to be willing to share some of that knowledge with delegates. If you have an idea of a subject for an event, and would be interested in potential speaking opportunities, contact var name="editor" ; var host="nmk.co.uk" ; var txt="edit" + "or(A)nmk.co.uk" ; var args = "" ; document.write("" + txt + ""); editor(A)nmk.co.uk.

Who is eligible for a concessionary rate, and why?
Freelancers, employees of not-for-profit organisations, those working for companies with fewer than 20 employees and those who are not currently working all qualify for concessionary rates. NMK was originally established to help freelancers and smaller new media companies find training and 'continuous professional development'. Our scope has broadened since then, but we still offer reduced rates to these groups.

What does NMK define as a small company?
NMK defines a small company as one in which the total number of employees is fewer than 20.

Can I book for more than one person?
Yes, you can book places at events and courses for up to six delegates at one time. The person making the booking is responsible for organising payment and for informing additional delegates that they are registered.

Are credit card bookings secure?
All credit card bookings are handled by our third-party e-commerce partner Netbanx, who specialise in providing online credit card transaction services. Credit card bookings are therefore completely secure.

I want to cancel my booking - is this possible?
Yes, if you give us enough notice. Cancellations received more than ten working days before an event or course will receive a full refund, but are liable for an administration charge of £10. Cancellations received between five and ten working days prior to an event or course will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations received less than five working days prior to an event or course are not eligible for a refund. Under certain circumstances we will consider allowing you to transfer your booking to a future event or course, or will consider allowing a colleague or friend to attend in your place. Contact us on var name="nmk" ; var host="nmk.co.uk" ; var txt="nmk(" + "A)nmk.co.uk" ; var args = "" ; document.write("" + txt + ""); nmk(A)nmk.co.uk / 020 7915 5412 for further details.

I registered for an NMK course or event, but was unable to attend. Can I have a refund?
We're sorry, but unless you cancel your booking in advance (see above), we can't offer you a refund. If you know beforehand that you're not going to be able to make it, you may be able to arrange for a friend or colleague to attend in your place. Contact us on var name="nmk" ; var host="nmk.co.uk" ; var txt="nmk(" + "A)nmk.co.uk" ; var args = "" ; document.write("" + txt + ""); nmk(A)nmk.co.uk / 020 8357 7349 for further details.

Can I just turn up and pay on the door?
No, you must register in advance on the NMK website. NMK cannot accept cash payment, although in special cases we will accept cheques on the day, made payable to the University of Westminster.

Can NMK provide in-house training?
Yes, NMK provides in-house training for companies and other organisations, including the BBC. If you would like to discuss running an existing NMK course for your staff, or developing bespoke training in partnership with NMK, contact var name="nmk" ; var host="nmk.co.uk" ; var txt="nmk(" + "A)nmk.co.uk" ; var args = "" ; document.write("" + txt + ""); nmk(A)nmk.co.uk.