No more Free Ning Networks

[sharonb]

I have just read this article over on Tech Crunch - it will effect us and I am yet to hear officially from Ning but the news is that the network will longer operate free so I am thinking what to do- 

I am not sure advertising revenue will cover costs I know the traffic but may have to re-think what this site is. 

Here is the article so you know why I am concerned 

Ning Bubble Bursts 

So I am seeking ideas - do folks think adverts alone would pay hosting? I am not sure it will as people are fairly immune to advertising online - 

Anyone have other ideas?

[Liz in Kansas]

Sharon, I just have to add my two cents on this topic! (But I DID look at the photos first. LOL!)

I totally agree with your plan of action. We cannot make too many plans until Ning has finished their planning. "Wait and see" has always been my first choice of action - and I'm surprised by how often it works! :-0

For those who are angered at the apparent greed of ning, Sharon, the world at large, whatever. . . I'm afraid it is a fact of life. Things cost - and the good things cost more. I don't see how we could move this site and all of the unique qualities we love to anywhere else. It would cost us in one way or another. I'm not talking just money here. All of these services cost in time and energy and at this point in my life, that is as important (if not more) than dollars and cents.

Let's wait to see what Ning decides and enjoy our community for as long as it lasts. Life IS change. We just have to adapt.

[Ruth Lane]

Sharon - thanks for all you do and sorry this is causing stress (as well as people getting nasty with you for no reason). I agree that you should wait and see what the charges are and move forward as you see fit. I think a donation from members who are able would be doable combined with advertising.

[Jennie]

Ive finally found a great site with lots of lovely people and its gonna be going.......i feel the same as shirley "This site has changed my life in the short time I have been involved". And all the hard work that must go into running a site.....is the cost high and would people be willing to pay? im sure i would if the price was right.

[Patricia Pearce]

Article in today's (April 19) Wall Street Journal. Seems Ning (and many other free sites) have no control over content - and they've had to spend a lot of time finding the people posting child porn. If they can get a bit of money and also sort out the legit from the slime, well, some money might be worth it.

[sharonb]

Thanks again everyone for your support - lets wait and see what happens in early May.

Patricia do you have that wall street Journal link I would love to read it

[Patricia Pearce]

hope you can get this.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703594404575192144067...

[Tania Worth]

Here is a site you might check out (On fire for Handmade has already moved her group there) http://www.socialgo.com/

[sharonb]

Thanks
Patricia - had to laugh they have a paragraph and then you can only continue to read if you have a subscription

Thanks too Tania I have bookmarked the site but I am going to probably stay here as I have said moving can fracture a community - I will give it a go and see what happens. There is no security with any other company either as they all have to be funded. At the moment lots of small companies are wanting to pick up NING communities and they will but I do not want to face this again 12 months down the track
So for the moment I will see if the network will pay for itself with adverts - once the new structures are announced by early NING early May

[Lisa]

I just wanted to say that I love stitchin fingers and Pin Tangle, and I really appreciate all Sharon is doing for the textile community and art form. Thank you Sharon!

I do understand Ning's motives, though. After all, businesses have to make money in order to pay employees and other costs. I feel for the employees that lost their jobs. I just hope things work out for us here in our beloved community. Several of the ideas tossed out seem to be good ones. Now to just wait and see what happens with Ning's fees. I agree with Liz, we just have to be willing to adapt!

[Patricia Pearce]

Sharon, I will scan that article and send it to you. Probably will need to e-mail to you privately. So sorry it didn't work the first time.

Patricia - had to laugh they have a paragraph and then you can only continue to read if you have a subscripti

[merrilyn]

I would like to say I really appreciate all that Sharon has done and provides for us all THANKYOU for everything I'm glad ping tangle will not be effected
it would be a shame to see it close I love looking at what other people are doing and the talent that is out there it really is incredable
Thankyou all for the work you do and show and share to make this a success

[sharonb]

Pat thanks but don't fret as I am sure it is repeating what many other media sources are saying and I am sure you did not think of it but technically its a copyright infringement to scan and send. Thanks but I just thought it very ironic since we have been talking about subscription services.


Patricia Pearce said:

Sharon, I will scan that article and send it to you. Probably will need to e-mail to you privately. So sorry it didn't work the first time.

Patricia - had to laugh they have a paragraph and then you can only continue to read if you have a subscripti