This is just an example that may be helpful to you. It also contains a few helpful links for new members.

Example Welcome Message:
MESSAGE AFTER USING THE HTML AT BOTTOM OF THIS DISCUSSION:

Hi xxxxx,
Welcome to the JenSocial Network Directory, formerly a 3rd party Ning Directory - - now open to all Social Networking platforms. We're happy to have you!

You may want to change your member profile name and icon, to reflect and promote your Social Network. You can change these settings via:
Settings/Profile.

Feel free to promote your Social Network by adding your Social Network to our special list, Classifieds, special Groups, forums, your profile page, and your blog.

Let me know if you need anything.

Best Regards,
yourname
your social network name and link (if you want)
-OR-










========= END OF MESSAGE ==========

You can grab either version, in 2 sizes, from the Welcome Badge Discussion.


HTML CODE FOR MESSAGE:
Edit the code below to suit your needs. Copy/paste to new member page.

Hi xxxxx,
Welcome to the JenSocial Network Directory, formerly a 3rd party Ning Directory - - now open to all Social Networking platforms. We're happy to have you!

You may want to change your member profile name and icon, to reflect and promote your Social Network. You can change these settings via:
Settings/Profile.

Feel free to promote your Social Network by adding your Social Network to our <a href="http://theningdirectory.ning.com/forum2/topic/new/">special list</a>, <a href="http://theningdirectory.ning.com/classifieds">Classifieds</a>, special Groups, forums, your profile page, and your blog.

Let me know if you need anything.

Best Regards,
yourname
your social network name and link (if you want)
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/301556847?profile=original" alt=""/></p>

-OR-

<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1061447133?profile=original" alt=""/></p>