Stuff we've been told about season 9:
* It's definitely happening, will be canon, and will be Executive Produced by Joss.
* It's supposed to start in summer or fall 2011, but that could change based on how busy Joss is.
* It will be shorter than season 8 (maybe half as long) and will focus on fewer characters.
* It will reflect major changes to the Buffyverse after season 8 and the characters will be facing "a much different landscape," though whether that's meant literally or figuratively is unknown.
* Joss will keep a tighter rein on the story to avoid long sidetrack periods, to minimize continuity errors, and to keep the story more focused. He mentioned using a "writer's room" format of working closely with the season's writers, of which there will probably be fewer than in season 8.
* Nothing's been said about season 9 being the end, and Joss has no current plans to end Buffy's story. There are no plans yet beyond season 9 because nobody knows what Joss's schedule will be like that far ahead. Scott Allie has said Dark Horse doesn't plan to do any more Buffy comics without Joss's direct involvement.