JenSocial: Social Web Directory and Ning Tips

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Building New Worlds

Building New Worlds (BNW) started in 2007 as a network for collectors of lighted villages. We started as a spin off from another group on a message board with about ten members. The first year was a lot of learning about Ning and how it worked, getting a team for the network and building that team, and posting information that members could use on how to build displays for their collection.
Even though we do not promote this network a lot it has grown to over 600 members in the past two years with supporters all over the world. Our members have excelled in village displays to the point we believe that we offer the best site on line for leaning about village collecting and displaying. Everything from how to collect, what lines of villages are out there and both beginner and pro ways to build landscapes. Many of our members have over ten years of experience at what they do.
From this I founded BNW retail which I am building slowly at this point but it is expanding since its start in 2007. My hope with this is to build a brick and mortar store in time. My love for village collecting has grown a lot out of the work that I have done with BNW network.
Not all has been roses and wine over the course of the last two year though. Spammers, issues between members and learning how to market the retail on line has proven to be rough at times. My partner and I have three business between the two of us and I work an out side job. Time is always against us so I have to let the team man the network a lot of times these days. It can be very tough to not be able to take care of the network as much as I once did. It is a source of pride that I built this thing in to what it is now. I miss the days when I could work on it a bit each day and be able to improve things quickly but I do know that Building New Worlds exist for the people that love it because I started it! That is a great source of happiness for me. I would suggest to anyone who truly loves what they do to start a network of their own. The rewards are greater than you imagine.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by JenSocial on December 4, 2009 at 9:03pm

Nice story, and I love the idea of lighted villages! Funny enough, that's the only thing I've asked for, if my Mother goes before me. I found this wonderful China Christmas Village a few years back. My Dad was awesome (he passed in 2005), anyhow I placed a quick call from the gallery and asked if he wanted to buy the village for Mother. I'll never forget his instant reply with joy in his voice, "Yep! Get it!" It was fairly expensive, and is absolutely exquisite with intricate details. We especially enjoy it, on Christmas Eve when we turn off the lights, to enjoy the lights of this magical Village.

I didn't collect the pieces like I'm sure you all do. Although it was an entire village off the shelf, it came from a local Artist Gallery, and is truly a work of Art. I don't think that I would be a candidate as a collector, due to time. But, I do share your love. ;-)

Can you leave your link, so we can access your site from here?

Thanks,
Jen

Permalink Reply by Building New Worlds on December 5, 2009 at 4:11pm

You could join our Network and talk about this village and learn more about how to build displays with it. There is no rule that says you have to spend years collecting and I for one would love to see this village. I am sure many others on there would love to see it also.

buildingnewworlds.ning.com

Ning Directory - Jen said:

Nice story, and I love the idea of lighted villages! Funny enough, that's the only thing I've asked for, if my Mother goes before me. I found this wonderful China Christmas Village a few years back. My Dad was awesome (he passed in 2005), anyhow I placed a quick call from the gallery and asked if he wanted to buy the village for Mother. I'll never forget his instant reply with joy in his voice, "Yep! Get it!" It was fairly expensive, and is absolutely exquisite with intricate details. We especially enjoy it, on Christmas Eve when we turn off the lights, to enjoy the lights of this magical Village.

I didn't collect the pieces like I'm sure you all do. Although it was an entire village off the shelf, it came from a local Artist Gallery, and is truly a work of Art. I don't think that I would be a candidate as a collector, due to time. But, I do share your love. ;-)

Can you leave your link, so we can access your site from here?

Thanks,
Jen

Permalink Reply by JenSocial on December 7, 2009 at 2:19pm

Hi there!
I'm afraid I'm a terrible member of Social Networks. Only because I have no extra time. But, I thank you for the offer, much appreciated. I will try my very best to get some nice photos of our village, and send them your way.
;-)
Jen

Building New Worlds said:

You could join our Network and talk about this village and learn more about how to build displays with it. There is no rule that says you have to spend years collecting and I for one would love to see this village. I am sure many others on there would love to see it also.

buildingnewworlds.ning.com

Ning Directory - Jen said:
Nice story, and I love the idea of lighted villages! Funny enough, that's the only thing I've asked for, if my Mother goes before me. I found this wonderful China Christmas Village a few years back. My Dad was awesome (he passed in 2005), anyhow I placed a quick call from the gallery and asked if he wanted to buy the village for Mother. I'll never forget his instant reply with joy in his voice, "Yep! Get it!" It was fairly expensive, and is absolutely exquisite with intricate details. We especially enjoy it, on Christmas Eve when we turn off the lights, to enjoy the lights of this magical Village.

I didn't collect the pieces like I'm sure you all do. Although it was an entire village off the shelf, it came from a local Artist Gallery, and is truly a work of Art. I don't think that I would be a candidate as a collector, due to time. But, I do share your love. ;-)

Can you leave your link, so we can access your site from here?

Thanks,
Jen