To Ning or Not to Ning

Hundreds of blogs and discussions across the web address Ning.com's transition from a free social network ( with paid options) to a completely paying customers only social network. Many people are mad and feel betrayed. Others do not have a problem with paying. Frankly, I was a little surprised at the backlash. I had always used some of the premium services such as Use your Own Domain and Run Your Own Ads, especially at my network www.metalmusic.com, so it did not come as a big surprise or change to me. But I did like the idea of being able to create multiple social networks and to try them out for a few months in a free environment. Now some of those networks I will let go, and just stick with 2 or 3 social networks. Some would say 2 or 3 social networks is all one person can reasonably handle anyway. Indeed, one good social network can become a full-time job.

Understandably, many non-profit organizations were dismayed by the new changes at Ning, and they are being accommodated in this new transition to go live in July or August.

The pricing structure for the new premium services actually breaks down to less money than if you ordered the services a la carte. A basic plan with a limit of 150 members is only $2.95 a month or $19.95 for a year if you pay that upfront. You can even run your own ads. Most networks will do fine with the middle option: $19.95 per month which allows for unlimited members, run your own ads, use your own domain and remove Ning links. The Ning Pro is $49.95 a month and has all the above plus branding and customization features including API when it is launched. Fifty bucks a month is a lot to shell out if you do not have a kicking network with lots of members, ad revenue and perhaps a storefront.

With so much free on the Internet one has to admire any company who can find ways to make money and hopefully continue to offer stellar service. Let's face it - Facebook is a mega-success with almost everyone and his dog having a Facebook page. The only serious problem they have is making money.

So, I will focus on my two social networks, www.metalmusic.com and www.mobiletribune.com and who knows, maybe one of them will be the next Facebook - not saying I would want that, but I'm not saying I don't either. I hope this did not sound like an advertisement for Ning - it's not. I just wanted to share my opinion on this topic. I will be the first to criticize Ning if they seriously falter.