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Comment by JenSocial on September 7, 2016 at 11:40pm

Happy to help. Maybe for free, it would work for you. I'm sure it would take some getting used to, but that will be true of any change.

Comment by Oasis of Faith SMBC on September 7, 2016 at 11:38pm

I went and checked it out...saving the website to look at later.   

It looked like you can have unlimited number of members even with the free one.  But I definitely need to make sure it is private from the start.

AS I said, we are paid up through next July so I have time to investigate and even test sites.

Thanks again for your continued help/input! 

Comment by JenSocial on September 7, 2016 at 10:51pm

Hi Amy (Oasis of Faith),

I'll keep you posted.

Let me share this:

• Since you have a private network, I may have a solution. It's vanilla, and not much like a social platform that you're used to, but good stuff.
• Can you live without a customized home page? It doesn't really offer this. It's more about connecting, and enabling members to add just about any type of content, to share with each other.
• If you can, you might want to check out https://connect.zoho.com
• They offer a version that is free, to connect with invited members. I don't know if there is a member limit.
• Tip: I think you need to create the network as "Intranet private", for free version with no public eyes to view it. Otherwise (and not positive), anyone might could join.
• It looks to be quite powerful. It's sort of like a Facebook on steroids, with tons more than Facebook, and all in your private World.
• They do offer a subscription version for $49 per month - - You get reminded each time you try to do something that's not included in the free version.

I only spent about 20 minutes in it, just for you. And, seems pretty straightforward, and quite simple. Bottom line: A great place to connect, add blogs, forums, groups, and all that stuff.

FREE VERSION: At first glance, seems there are a lot of things you can't do, but a ton you can do.

• Blogs
• Forums
• Wiki
• People (Invited Members)
• Pages
• Groups
• Events
• Inbox
• Profiles
• Custom Apps - - not sure what this offers, didn't look at it yet.
• Home Page (called Company Wall) with Post Status, and Polls. You can't edit the page (I don't think), just a place for activity stream.

I notice you cannot moderate membership in free version, but could be because I set up the Private Intranet version. And for the latter, you always invite members.

Best,

Jen

UPDATE:

I invited myself with another email. I should have guessed this, but no deal breaker. You have to join Zoho, to join the Network.

I added 2 comments to the welcome blog, and the 2nd one is giving me an error. Although the comment was actually accepted. It could be because I'm signed into 2 accounts. Although shouldn't, since I'm in 2 different browsers. Zoho has a huge Support Community, and been around a long time. You've probably heard of them. So, thinking just a quirk.

And since they partner with Google, should be able to signin to Zoho with a Google account.

Comment by Oasis of Faith SMBC on September 7, 2016 at 9:33pm

Hi Jen - I am Amy, creator of the Oasis of Faith ning site which is a private network that I have been maintaining since the days when Ning was free.  This is our local church Sunday School class network where we communicate with one another and have a 24 7 prayer request group.  We do not get new members unless they are new to our church and class.  Once we had to start paying a membership fee, the class always took up donations to keep our site open.  Now that they are charging 588.00, we are deciding if we can manage that.  I am very sad.  I am NOT a tech person, but have become comfortable with the ning format. So  just in case our members decide to close our ning site, I am trying to research other social networks.  ugh    I really feel at a loss.  So, I am looking at all your suggestions. I would  like your input on the easiest ones to create, for someone like me, who just has no experience or knowledge of how to create except with the Ning format.  Any suggestions would  be helpful.  Also, what is your cost to do that for a site that you would create for them?  sigh     We have paid the annual fee for our site so fortunately I have til July of next year to figure out what I am going to do.  Thank you for any input you can give me.  I will keep following you here to see when you post new information about other social networks.

Thank you!

Amy 

Comment by Predestined by God on September 7, 2016 at 5:59pm

Jen, yes, please keep me posted. I have less than two weeks to decide where I'm going. If I'm even going anywhere LOL ...

Comment by JenSocial on September 7, 2016 at 4:05pm

Not sure I want that title these days, hehehehe. =)

Comment by Predestined by God on September 7, 2016 at 3:53pm

Thanks, Jen! You're still the Queen of Ningland. :)

Comment by JenSocial on September 7, 2016 at 12:39pm

PBG,

Always nice to hear from you. Sorry, it's under these circumstances. I do not blame you!

I've tried them all, and spent quality time in approx. 7 alternatives. For now, my vote goes to Boonex DolphinPro if you want to have full control over your code. I have a lot of confidence in their software. You can access all of the backend code, you own it 100%. They also offer a nice option of hosting it for you, handling maintenance and updates for you. Then, if you ever wanted to host it yourself, no problem. Another nice thing about them hosting it, no big licensing fee upfront, just the monthly subscription.

The backend is a bit antiquated in looks, but full of power. They've been around a long time. I won't lie, there is a learning curve, and it is more complicated than Ning. But, that will always be the case if you have access to all code. DolphinPro is absolutely loaded with features, and the ability to customize is endless.

NOTE: Currently I am evaluating another system that is hosted, like Ning. It may be the best Ning replacement. I'll keep you posted.

Best to you as always,

Jen

Comment by Predestined by God on September 7, 2016 at 7:39am

BeEp! ToOt! HoNk!  As always, the Ningalings are on their greedy move again. Have to say that this time, I'm (((actually))) leaving, Jen.  Even if I could afford the upgraded prices, I refuse to invest anymore into a company that continues to Ninglesteer it's clients into ditches, mines, and pits and leaves them deserted on NingaLand without water and food.  I have three social networks.  Is there a list of other social networks we can choose from? :/

Comment by JenSocial on September 2, 2016 at 2:51pm

DOH, says the blond, on the abbreviation, lol. I was tired, is that a good excuse? ;-)

I saw the Ruby on Rails, love that. Love the Facebook-like tagging and sharing.

You're right on Ning 2.0 and 3.0. Except, my experience: I use 3.0 sites continuously, haven't experienced any outages - - maybe one time?

I'll send a pm on something else.

Thanks,

Jen

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