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In the midst of the Ning Storm, What’s Your Next Move?

In the midst of the Ning Storm, What’s Your Next Move? We would love to hear from you.

On April 15, 2010, the new CEO (Jason Rosenthal) of Ning Social Networks made a fairly shocking announcement: Ning will start "phasing out free Ning Networks". ...more

In the past 2 years, Ning has become one of the Industry leaders in Social Community platforms - - enabling just about anyone to create a free Social Network of their own - - with members and a full featured Online Community.

This has been a devastating blow for a lot of small networks who can't possibly see their way clear, to pay a monthly service fee. And some of this is not just affordability to a lot of Network Creators who own free sites, but accountability and principle - - doing the right thing. Many of the free sites have been built-up over years, with more passion than one can possibly imagine. There are free sites on just about any topic imaginable - - sites like: family sites, school sports, art, environmental, church, support sites, educational sites, sites for: pets, helping find abducted children, memorial, and tons of grass-roots type causes and non-profit sites. So, it has been a shocking experience for many. And, it's not over yet.

On the other side of the coin, simply stated: for most Ning Network Owners already paying for premium services, this is a relief and great news. Especially in regards to adding more value to their Networks - - the New Ning will possibly mean a true white label, less cross-breeding, and a chance to present Social Networks as their "own", as a real independent business, instead of "just another Ning". There are a lot of Advertisers that will not buy Ad Space from Ning Networks. It's just a fact. But, that should change too.

A lot has happened since the first announcement. For one, following the 2nd announcement on April 16, 2010 - - the much awaited Premium Package/Plans were announced on May 4, 2010. ...more

There have been tons of heated discussions going on, here on the Directory, Ning's Creator site, Spruz sites like the new Ning Refugees, and discussions taking place all over the Internet from TechCrunch to the Times. There has been a lot of screaming, loss of sleep, and even petitions. News headlines have been hopping with news about Ning, both positive and negative. Ning Competitors have been working overtime, making platform plans, changes, press releases etc...trying to offer the free Ning Networks a new home for those who can't stay on Ning.

Network Creators of free Ning Networks have been scrambling, trying to figure out what's next. So, what happens to networks whose owners don’t want to pay, can't pay, or don’t qualify for the educational sponsorship (announced with plans)?...more The Network Owners of these free Ning sites are in the process of trying to figure out an exit plan, looking for alternative platforms, and all within thirty days of the new plans’ arrival in July. Ning CEO, Jason Rosenthal makes promises of a “clear migration path...” But no one knows yet, what will actually be available for export. And most importantly, how will the exported data/content be utilized on other platforms?

What is your next move?

Will you stay with Ning and upgrade to premium?
Will you move to another platform?
Are you still trying to make a decision?
Will you delete your Ning Network, and hope to forget the whole experience?

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Permalink Reply by ABCD in Action on May 6, 2010 at 2:16pm

According to Ning, there will be free Ning Minis for elementary and secondary teachers (for use with both students, as well as groups of teachers for collaboration) - they have some big educational company sponsoring these. However, they haven't posted details yet about how this will work. Of course, the biggest problem I see for teachers is that the Minis don't have Groups.

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Permalink Reply by ladiesofthehat.net on May 6, 2010 at 7:03am

I participated in the NING conference call last night. It was 90 minutes long and allowed us creators to ask questions. I have always been a premium site with NING and have recently announced to my members that after two years of just a few donations, my site will require a minimal membership cost once NING adds that feature to accept payments. My costs will go down with the PRO package, but I still need help now financially. I have 1800 members and I know I will lose some, but that happens whenever something is "free" and then all of sudden you have to pay for it. It's happening to NING and it will happen in my site too. I don't sell on my site, it is a social site for ladies. So more members doesn't necessarily make it better. We'll see if members come through with a minimal fee when that feature is instituted. Time will tell.

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Permalink Reply by Carny Town on May 6, 2010 at 2:48pm

I agree with your assessment. That is most likely the direction we will have to head to. After, all businesses must grow or die. As to the conference call. It cut off for me a half hour into the call. Just went dead. Tried reconnecting but it was not possible. I did want to ask if we would have the scripts4ning scripts still available to us.

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Permalink Reply by Ignition Nation on May 6, 2010 at 7:42am

Well, we had a partners meeting and we've decided to go with ning pro. We were already paying $42/month so we'll go with the flow. Our advertising easily covers the cost for us.

We do feel sad for those of you whohave to fold, and suggest making the investment in a domain name and hosting service, which can be bought as cheaply as $5.95/mo. with humongous storage (check out http://www.ipower.com/ipower/web-hosting/unix-pro-plan.bml or http://www.hostmonster.com/ ). Many of those services offer CMS and/or community software. Joomla, as you may know has a JomSocial module available.

Additionally, if any of you had a site in any way related to cars and/or motorcycles, we'd like to invite you to ignitionnation.com. Please feel free to start your own group and bring your members over, if you so choose. I've posted a question to ning support to find out if they can (or would be willing to transfer data from one ning site to another. We'll see how that turns out.

A few final words... just because this happened, it does not mean you have to give up your vision. Life is all about determining what the obstacles are and finding your way over, under, or around them. For me, the greatest pleasure in life is doing what other people have told me can't be done.

Good luck and best wishes to all as we go forward from this watershed moment.

Les S., IgnitionNation.com

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Permalink Reply by ladiesofthehat.net on May 6, 2010 at 7:45am

I just added this to my site in anticipation of current monthly costs and then the $499 come July. It's worth a shot.

Fundraising Ideas

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Permalink Reply by JenSocial on May 6, 2010 at 2:49pm

I love it. ;-)

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Permalink Reply by The Lifestyle on May 6, 2010 at 7:54am

Well, I am in financial administration, but I would have found the money to keep one of my networks alive. However there is a far more serious, even sinister consideration.

It is not the expense WE incur that riles me, but the cuts that Jason Rosenthal has implemented. One such cut is in security.

I reported serious child pornography and abuse on a Ning network. Under the impeccable Gina Bianchini, this would have been dealt with fully in less than 48 hours and always was.

The response under the Rosenthal regime took NINE DAYS! The reason given by NING was that staff cuts meant my abuse report could not be handled any quicker. What? So I take it that Jason Rosenthal is prepared to put children's safety at risk for an unacceptable SEVEN further days in order to save himself and Ning a few dollars? How many kids became victim in that extra week? They are all on Rosenthal's conscience.

Our children are our most valuable commodity, nay, asset in society and must be protected at all "cost".

As a result of this negligence I hold Ning as tolerant of child abuse until they restore the abuse staffing to its Gina Bianchini levels. I will not support an immoral business policy.

Therefore my networks will be closed unless Rosenthal addresses this with a personal apology and guarantee that child safety will henceforth be a top priority.

Regards,
Will Golden.

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Permalink Reply by Global Illumination Council on May 6, 2010 at 8:22am

After almost 2 years of building my network I just didn't have the heart or energy to re-build on another platform. ( Not to mention my design skills are self taught and I have no idea how to export and collate the info into a new site.)
We had recently gone "premium" due to Member sponsors ( donations from a single Member ) but that too fell through recently. Out of desperation I set up a Donate page with 5 levels of contributions ( Bronze, Silver, Gold, 'any amount' and Western Union.) and explained that I was just going to delete the Network if we couldn't get the donations to cover the new monthly pricing on Ning from our Members. Lo and behold, within 2 weeks they came through ( only 9 out of 1400 Members, it still covered our current cost and now gives us the cushion to go Pro when the need arises. Many of our Members are international and have stated how 10 Dollars is a months salary in some countries.)
I feel very lucky and blessed. I have always said GIC is for the Members and by the Members and they came through! Each of our Energy Ambassadors (what we call donators ) has said the same thing. That GIC Network is a necessity in our present world and they couldn't imagine not having it. I believe this speaks volumes about the commitment of our Members to our Mission Statement.
If anything I've learned the desperate difference between the rich and the poor in this world, from country to country, and how arrogant NING is to overlook this fact. A lesson we all needed to learn. Even $2.95 is too much in most countries.

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Permalink Reply by ABCD in Action on May 6, 2010 at 9:38am

I don't see Ning as "bullying" or "blackmailing" us, as some folks have described the current situation. I see it as probably a necessary business decision on their end (they are, after all, a .COM). That said, it doesn't mean I like it either. I'm pretty sure we'll stay with Ning (we've been working hard with members understanding what it means to be a part of an online community - they are all newbies). But I don't fault anyone whether they decide to stay or go...

somehow a song is appropriate here... (Hopefully I'm not repeating anyone else's post here...)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1Gn0e7kvTA&feature=related

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Permalink Reply by SusiG on May 6, 2010 at 10:15am

I do understand NINGs basic reasoning and strategy from a biz point of view.
It will make them a lot more cash and will hopefully raise the general standard of their networks.

Also I generally don't believe in "free rides" and think people should always provide some form exchange for goods and services. Just look what "free rides" (Socialism) has brought to Greece, Europe and now the USA...!

However, from an ethical, moral point of view...creating that many upsets over a few bucks....??? Making a promise to loads of people and then suddenly break it??? I leave that open to all of you to answer. These upsets could be handled easily by offering more diverse payment options. Not doing so will most likely backfire on NING.

As for my networks....I am reviewing my options.
Whether or not I will stay with NING depends largly on how much class they show in handling their self created "storm".

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Permalink Reply by The Lifestyle on May 17, 2010 at 12:17pm

Their "biz point of view" is backward and outdated.

We are now in an age where every western country that used to charge up to a dollar for a newspaper is inundated with free dailies. Advertising income pays the full whack, even in a recession.

If Ning are not up to that, then they need to look at their performance at senior level. Unless they are just profiteering, but I doubt this.

Hugz, Will

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Permalink Reply by Roy F at hsunited.ning on May 6, 2010 at 10:47am

My move as to three reason or more.
1. as much as love Ning I could do the same els where.
2. I do not need to pay for my site right now.
3. my site was not that active.

I moved yet not sure if that will work either.
I deleted my site hsunited on the 3rd of May.