interview - Blogs - Ning Creators Social Network2024-03-29T07:32:29Zhttps://creators.ning.com/blogs/feed/tag/interview5 Tips for Styling Your Ning Network, courtesy of Design Democracy's Arnold Dela Cruzhttps://creators.ning.com/blogs/5-tips-for-styling-your-ning2010-01-20T19:00:00.000Z2010-01-20T19:00:00.000ZCourtenayhttps://creators.ning.com/members/Courtenay<div><p>These tips are courtesy of Design Democracy's Arnold Dela Cruz:</p>
<p>As the creator of a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.designdemocracy.ws/" target="_blank">network about and for designers</a>, one of the first things on my mind was how I was going to customize the look and feel of my network to establish its identity and character. A number of Ning Creators, not content with the default themes Ning offers, are adept at developing CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) to achieve just that. But I would guess there's a larger number of Network Creators who either don't have the knowledge and expertise to do this or may have dabbled with it but with less than desirable results. Below are five basic tips for styling your network. It's neither a tutorial nor a comprehensive set of design principles — more of a primer if you will.</p>
<p><b>1. Have a plan.</b></p>
<p>Before you build a house, you need a blueprint. The same goes for styling a Ning Network. I use the term, "styling," as opposed to "designing" since the bulk of layout and graphic design was done by our friends at Ning. The decision to customize your Ning is really not that different than deciding to put a different set of clothes on. The basic DNA remains intact and only the outward appearance changes. This is done <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.w3schools.com/Css/default.asp" target="_blank">through CSS</a>.If you don't know CSS, there are tons of resources on the Web. I recommend visiting the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.w3schools.com/Css/default.asp" target="_blank">w3schools.com</a> tutorial on CSS. Using your favorite graphics software (I use Adobe Fireworks CS4), create a few mockups (or prototypes) and narrow down to best two or three and then finally to one. Use tools used for web development like Firefox and browser add-ons for tweaking CSS. One of the first few add-ons I strongly recommend installing are: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/pages/collector" target="_blank">Mozilla Firefox Add-on Collector</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/collection/a" target="_blank">Pro Developer</a>, Web Developer's (<a rel="nofollow" href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/collection/webdeveloper">https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/collection/webdeveloper</a>), <a rel="nofollow" href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1843?src=sharingapi" target="_blank">Firebug</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/60?src=sharingapi" target="_blank">Web Developer Toolbar</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.colorzilla.com/firefox/" target="_blank">ColorZilla</a> and<a rel="nofollow" href="http://pau.santesmasses.net/typegauge/" target="_blank">TypeGauge</a>.Since each Creator is permitted to create up to 10 Ning Network with a single email address, you can use one to create your own private laboratory for developing and testing your CSS before applying it to your network. You can easily keep prying eyes out by setting the appropriate privacy levels.Another good piece of advice as you get started is to regularly keep backups and versions of style sheets and scripts as you go along. This is useful if you mess up or want revert to a previously used theme. It’s also helpful to get in the habit of <a rel="nofollow" href="http://webdesign.about.com/cs/css/ht/htcommentcss.htm" target="_blank">commenting within your style sheets</a> to help you remember what you did.</p>
<p><b>2. Focus on content and usability</b></p>
<p>I have this family relative who I often dread having conversations with. Not because they're dull or crass but because they wear nauseating perfume you can smell from the barbecue pit at the family reunion.</p>
<p><b>Show constraint</b>Don't overdo the design just because you can. The temptation to "bling" your Ning may goad you into splattering your network with garish animated GIFs, particularly of the sparkly kind. IMHO those are distractions not attractions.</p>
<p><b>Keep your audience in mind</b>The spirit of Ning is not about the individual but about fostering community. Just because you like the gothic look and feel of a certain vampire film doesn't mean your network of puppy lovers will.</p>
<p><b>Note how things work together</b>Use contrast and rhythm through good typography (see The Elements of Typographic Style Applied to the Web (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://webtypography.net">http://webtypography.net</a>) and Smashing Magazine's "50 Useful Design Tools for Beautiful Web Typography" (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/01/27/css-typographic-tools-and-techniques/">http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/01/27/css-typographic-tools-and-techniques/</a>) , colors (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/design-process/color-schemes/">http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/design-process/color-schemes/</a>) and negative (or white) space (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tutorial9.net/resources/enhancing-your-art-with-negative-space/">http://www.tutorial9.net/resources/enhancing-your-art-with-negative-space/</a>>.</p>
<p><b>3. Style communicates more than just looks</b></p>
<p>Style or the lack of it subconsciously tells a user what your network is about. It sets the tone, voice and character of the community. Whenever possible and feasible, use a professionally designed logo instead of the default web fonts in your header. Designed and used well, a good logo gives your network a distinct identity.</p>
<p><b>4. Test and test often</b></p>
<p>Don't rush through your design. Take the time to make sure your code is clean, there are no typos and that you've covered everything you need to, before going live with it. Invite someone (or a few people) whom you trust to give you honest, constructive criticism to enter your lab (see point one about setting up a test environment) and be willing to take it into consideration.While Ning's developers have done an excellent job of creating a rock solid framework that works across most major browsers in use, your CSS customization could jack things up. Test in <a rel="nofollow" href="http://litmusapp.com/" target="_blank">multiple browsers</a> before releasing on your network.</p>
<p><b>5. Be open to feedback.</b></p>
<p>Wait a while between major revisions to your design, and listen to your members when they offer feedback and suggestions regarding the network's design. But remember: you can't please everybody so don't try to.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1868232?profile=original" alt=""></p></div>Deconstructing the design of Photo Finish Recordshttps://creators.ning.com/blogs/deconstructing-the-design-of2010-01-20T18:30:00.000Z2010-01-20T18:30:00.000ZCourtenayhttps://creators.ning.com/members/Courtenay<div><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://my.photofinishrecords.com/" target="_blank">Photo Finish Records</a> is an indie label with bands such as 3OH!3, New Medicine and The Downtown Fiction. We were so impressed with its hip and funky 3D design that we asked Edith Levin of Edith Levin LLC, a freelance designer for Atlantic Records, to walk us through how she came up with the design, and offer up some of her own design tips.</p>
<p><b>Photo Finish Records' design has the hallmarks of the standard Ning Network (three column with a header), but has a totally custom look. Can you talk a little bit about the inspiration behind it?</b></p>
<p>The label asked us to design a clean and simple site. One that’s easy to navigate and well organized. Originally, the idea was to break the site into very clear sections, giving each segment a defined header, making it simple for a visitor to navigate. The main header was made to be very prominent in displaying the label logo. I helped create organization by making the kind of atmosphere where a viewer would have the illusion of dimension, using simple shapes that appear to be based on a single vantage point.The header needed to be the main block that appeared most prominent and catching to the eye. The sections became smaller individual blocks below creating a frame for the main content, which happens to be the only information appearing on the "background level.” With that header in place, it only felt natural then to create a less dominate footer, providing a defined end. The color scheme came together through trial and error, after which I decided on the shade of yellow that became the front panel of the sections.The side panel created depth and the shaded bottom panel gave the section the appearance of a block. It was very important for this to stay consistent, creating a hierarchy that a visitor can follow without much thought. Using the original concept, and my additions, we were able to create something that was simple, unique and true to the Photo Finish Records brand.</p>
<p><b>As a designer, what is the process you take when scoping out a new project. What are the first steps?</b></p>
<p>As a designer for Atlantic Records, I find myself doing a lot of investigating before approaching a project, whether it be a small web banner or a larger web skin. Atlantic Records deals many artists and bands, therefore it's always good to research the existing identity of these artists. I tend to search for images and blogs and sites for a while to get a general feel for the design direction that's out there already, as well as what sort of audience I am dealing with. I usually then begin sandboxing in Photoshop with the assets that are given to me (logos, publicity photos, album artwork, and sometimes provided copy), all the while thinking about making something that stays true to the identity without appearing regurgitated. Some designers like to sketch things out on paper to create various versions of compositions, I personally prefer to roughly “sketch” layouts in Photoshop and save them as different versions.</p>
<p><b>Lots of people who are creating and designing Ning Networks aren't professionals. What advice would you give to newcomers to web design?</b></p>
<p>Since I still consider myself a beginner (having started at Atlantic Records just a year ago as a design intern and later becoming an addition to the team), I find it difficult to speak on the behalf of professionals. I do have enough experience under my belt to give some basic advice to aspiring web designers.Most important is to keep things consistent. When you are dealing with the web it's extremely important to create consistency throughout the page, since you are usually challenged with organizing large amounts of information and copy. For example, always make sure that links and buttons (that have similar purposes, i.e. buy buttons) appear with the same treatment, to give off a simple signal to the viewer: when you see this, expect this.Second, create hierarchy. Always keep in mind what the main purpose of the site (or banner) will be. Keep the most important information, which is often the merchandise or other money generating links, above the "fold line" (usually 600px-700px high, the point at which you need to begin scrolling down the page).When it comes to the actual design, remember that you are an artist and treat the web space as you would a canvas — this is the most valuable lesson I learned from a fellow Atlantic designer — Amy Stein. Don't be afraid to explore the space and do something original. Even with strict platforms and wireframes, it is possible to create something intriguing and different. I think the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://my.photofinishrecords.com/" target="_blank">Photo Finish Ning Network</a> proves exactly that.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1868243?profile=original" alt=""></p></div>My Modern Metropolis discusses member engagementhttps://creators.ning.com/blogs/my-modern-metropolis-discusses2009-12-16T19:30:00.000Z2009-12-16T19:30:00.000ZCourtenayhttps://creators.ning.com/members/Courtenay<div><p><a href="http://creators.ning.com/profile/alice"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1868257?profile=original" alt="" style="float: right;"></a>Alice Yoo is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/" target="_blank">My Modern Metropolis</a>, a Ning Network and community blog where artists, trendspotters and design lovers share today's best modern day experiences. Alice shares some great tips with Ning on welcoming new members and rewarding active members.</p>
<p><b>Why did you start My Modern Metropolis?</b></p>
<p>I started theMET because I wanted to create a place where artists, trendspotters and design lovers could share today's best modern day experiences. At our core, we focus on art, design and photography.</p>
<p><b>How would you describe your typical member?</b></p>
<p>Our typical member is creative, opinionated and open to new experiences. They're not only on top of current events but they're also interesting in spotting trends.</p>
<p><b>What is your strategy for welcoming new members? Tell us a little about the process.</b></p>
<p>We personally greet every new member of the site. We also respond to them if or when they reply. Everyday, we actively engage with them on the forum and blog section so that they know that there are real people behind the social network. In our Welcome section we also have a link called "say hello" where new members can introduce themselves to the group.</p>
<p><b>What has the feedback been from new members? Do you find they engage more when they are welcomed to the community?</b></p>
<p>The feedback has been phenomenal. Almost every time we welcome them they leave a comment on our page, thanking us. What's interesting is that a lot of the time we'll find out that members have been quietly visiting us for months. We've had more than a few members tell us that after they start to feel comfortable, they sign up. What this tells me is that trust builds over time.</p>
<p><b>How do you reward your members? Has this increased engagement?</b></p>
<p>We started a section about six months ago called Rock Star Bloggers. It's where we recognize our community members that write up their own blog posts. If we feature their post on the front page, we show their name and how many blog posts they've written for that month. After we put up that section we saw a huge increase in the number of members putting up their own posts. Not only did it spark competition, it gave our dedicated members some much deserved recognition.</p>
<p><b>How did you come up with the idea for theMET's Rock Star Bloggers?</b></p>
<p>We saw how other sites gave recognition to their members through badges or lists. Our Rock Star Bloggers list is the perfect way to show our members that we value them.</p>
<p><b>What had member feedback been? Has it promoted more activity?</b></p>
<p>Our dedicated members love the list. We've had many of them thank us for giving them recognition. It's definitely prompted more activity, as well. We saw a huge spike in custom blog posts coming from our members after we created this section.</p>
<p><b>What is the process for highlighting bloggers?</b></p>
<p>The process is really simple and straightforward. When we feature a blog post, we update our list. We add in the name of the blogger and we tally up how many posts get featured on the front page.</p>
<p><b>Any other tips you would like to add about promoting member engagement on your Ning Network?</b></p>
<p>• Every so often, we'll also write up a custom blog post called Met Member Spotlight where we introduce the community to a core member. We've found that this not only creates more of a community feel, it really gives recognition to the people who make the site what it is. Here's an example. <<a href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/met-member-spotlight-mark"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/met-member-spotlight-mark%3E">http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/met-member-spotlight-mark></a>;• Granting admin status to core members is also a great way to keep your active members involved.• Your social network will only be as active as you make it. Members and visitors can see how much work you put into your site by how fresh and relevant your content is. This gives people a reason to come back.• Not only should the Creator lead discussions, they should also actively participate in their community by listening and responding to questions. This will keep your members engaged.• It takes a lot of time and effort to get members actively engaged. Though hundreds of thousands of visitors come to our site each month, it's only a handful that actively participate. Ultimately, it's important to remember that it's the quality of the content that's most important.<a href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1868278?profile=original" alt=""></p></div>Kicks on Fire shows us how to run a great promotionhttps://creators.ning.com/blogs/kicks-on-fire-shows-us-how-to2009-12-16T19:30:00.000Z2009-12-16T19:30:00.000ZCourtenayhttps://creators.ning.com/members/Courtenay<div><p><a href="http://my.kicksonfire.com/forum/topics/comments-contest-free-air" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1868303?profile=original" alt="" width="282" height="300" style="float: right;"></a>Furqan Khan is the 21-year-old whiz kid behind Kicks on Fire, a Ning Network for sneaker aficionados (or "kicks", for the uninitiated). Furqan regularly runs promotions and contests on his Ning Network to engage members and even drive new membership. He chatted with Ning about Kicks on Fire, the promos he runs and what's coming up.</p>
<p><b>What’s your role with Kicks on Fire.</b></p>
<p>I am the founder/owner of <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.KicksOnFire.com" target="_blank">KicksOnFire.com</a>. My job at KicksOnFire basically involves a little bit of everything; from writing in-depth articles about sneakers to planning future projects to expand the brand and making sure that we provide what sneakerheads are looking for.</p>
<p><b>What was the inspiration behind creating Kicks On Fire?</b></p>
<p>Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, I was always attracted to the sneaker culture. I found myself being extremely passionate about sneakers. KicksOnFire.com started when I realized that there was a deficiency of reliable sources on the Internet about sneakers. Bridging the gap between major sneaker brands and sneaker enthusiasts, KicksOnFire aims to provide a haven for sneakerheads and collectors by providing them with the most current sneaker news. It is important to me that people know how this sneaker phenomenon all began as well as where a large part of their fashion culture came from.</p>
<p><b>How would you describe a typical member on your Ning Network?</b></p>
<p>First of all, the social network component of the site is extremely important. Being the first major network dedicated to the sneaker community, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://My.KicksOnFire.com" target="_blank">My.KicksOnFire.com</a> gives sneakerheads worldwide a chance to show off their collection. A typical member on our network is anywhere between the ages of 13-25 years old and has a strong passion for sneakers. As sneaker collectors, they are not only interested in the looks and appearance of a sneaker but also pride themselves in knowing the inspiration/history behind the shoe.</p>
<p><b>You have a lot of kicks giveaways on your network. How do you build each promotion?</b></p>
<p>To give away the right product, you must definitely be in sync with your readers/users. We usually pick a product with a lot of hype around it. We interact with our users via our blog, forum, social networks and other outlets. We simply ask them: "What would you like to win?" We pick the most voted sneaker and the contest begins!</p>
<p><b>What benefits have you seen from the promotions?</b></p>
<p>To participate in the giveaways, you MUST be a member on our network. So instantly, sign ups usually go through the roof during a contest. User interaction also picks up during this time.</p>
<p><b>What has your members’ participation level been like?</b></p>
<p>As a network creator, member participation is always our major concern. To boost participation, we do monthly giveaways and keep the contest entry process simple. Giveaways are a great way to convert viewers to members who actually get a chance to use the great tools we offer.</p>
<p><b>What has the feedback been like from your members?</b></p>
<p>Who doesn't love freebies? If you keep the giveaway simple and don't ask too much of your members, they usually love the contests. Our giveaways basically give our members a "nothing to lose" mentality. All they have to do is sign up!</p>
<p><b>Do you plan on running more promotions?</b></p>
<p>Definitely. Giveaways have proven to be very helpful in increasing interaction and sign ups on our network while furthering our brand. We plan on consistently doing monthly giveaways.</p>
<p><b>What advice do you have for other Network Creators who are looking to engage their member through contest and giveaways?</b></p>
<p>• Make sure you know your member.• Keep the entry process simple.• Give away something desirable.• Interact with members.• Use the broadcasting tool to your advantage.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1868330?profile=original" alt=""></p></div>Building Strong Tieshttps://creators.ning.com/blogs/building-strong-ties2009-12-01T18:00:00.000Z2009-12-01T18:00:00.000ZCourtenayhttps://creators.ning.com/members/Courtenay<div><p><a href="http://creators.ning.com/profile/Robert"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1868264?profile=original" alt="" style="float: right; padding-left: 10px;"></a>World AIDS day is observed every year on December 1st to raise awareness and cultivate a strong community of support. Network Creator Robert Breining has taken these values online with his network, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.community.poziam.com" target="_blank">POZIAM</a>. Robert is dedicated to developing a welcoming and supportive community, and it really shows. Since creating his network, Robert has established techniques for building strong ties within POZIAM. Thank you Robert for sharing!</p>
<p><b>Can you tell us a bit about POZIAM?</b></p>
<p>POZIAM is a social network for people living with HIV/AIDS. It was created to benefit both those infected and affected and has grown to include family, friends, celebrities, newbie's and long-term survivors. The POZIAM network has a great balance of members—some come here to learn, while others come here to share. There is no greater feeling than being comforted by someone who has experienced a HIV/AIDS diagnosis, or discovering you have helped someone realize that their journey is not one they need to take alone. Paths cross for many different reasons, the diversity of over 1100 members in over 40 countries makes POZIAM an interesting place to find support and begin moving forward after a diagnosis. The network offers a safe place to ask questions, share experiences, find support and build new friendships.</p>
<p><b>Why did you decide to you use Ning? How has it helped you expand POZIAM?</b></p>
<p>When I decided I wanted to create a social network I wasn't the most tek savvy person. I could barely design a myspace page. I decided to use Ning because they are leading the pack for building social networks. Ning made it so easy for me as the NC to be creative and truly get my message across to my members , because of that alone I was able to expand my network with new members and cool features to keep them connected. I have learned so much in design using Ning. Ning made my vision obtainable, and now a reality</p>
<p><b>POZIAM has such a great sense of community. How do you welcome members into your network?</b></p>
<p>When a new member joins a social network like POZIAM they are hesitant to participate right away, so I set up a group called "Greeters". I asked members to volunteer to become network greeters. When a new member joins POZIAM, they are welcomed with my personal message and the messages from our greeters. It is a great way to welcome new members. and it makes the members who are greeters feel connected with POZIAM. We also have an introduction forum category where new members are asked to introduce themselves to the rest of the network. It is wonderful to see a member start participating on the network. This is when I truly know they have found their comfort zone.</p>
<p><b>When I first visited your network, I noticed an announcement for an upcoming group chat session. Tell us a bit about how these chat sessions have been going and whether they have been an effective way to connect.</b></p>
<p>When first diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, part of you feels like you are alone almost instantly. While some people go to support groups in their areas to talk about living with HIV/AIDS, others, like many POZIAM members, live in rural areas and don't have these local resources. I thought it would be a great to schedule a weekly group chat as a form of support for my members. I created a group for this scheduled chat and invited members to join . This gave me a sense of how many would participate. Group Chat allows new members to introduce themselves and members who have just been diagnosed HIV+ a place to ask questions without being judged. When we begin group chat I ask the members to suggest a few topics. From there we begin to chat about one topic at a time and then move on to questions. My members love the group chat and look forward to it every week.</p>
<p><b>How do you integrate POZIAM Radio, your internet radio show, with your Ning Network?</b></p>
<p>When I started POZIAM, I wanted to do something different to bring my members back after they first joined. As a person living with HIV/AIDS at times we feel like our voice is forgotten. I wanted to give that voice back to the HIV/AIDS community. I discovered BlogTalkRadio, an easy-to-use medium to bring my members together. I post the Radio player on the top of each member's profiles, so it is easily accessible. When we started hosting on BTR we had a bi-weekly radio show but now we are down to one night a week . Sundays at 9pm EST. The members love to listen live and if they miss the live broadcast they can download past shows on iTunes and take POZIAM Radio wherever they go.You can read what our past POZIAM Radio guests have to say about being on the show at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.poziam.com" target="_blank">www.poziam.com</a>.</p>
<p><b>World AIDS day is coming up on December 1st. How will this event shape the content and features you focus on? (OR another similar questions related to the event). ex. How will this event drive/influence traffic/how do you connect members to this event?</b></p>
<p>On World AIDS Day we remember the fallen soldiers in the fight. We reflect on how far we come and where we are headed. I usually set up a table at my local WAD event in Philly and have our flyers for local HIV+ individuals in Philadelphia. I don't pay to advertise. I believe that word of mouth is the best form of advertising. My members will also be attending WAD events around the world wearing POZIAM T-shirts to spread the work about the radio show and social network.</p>
<p><b>Which feature has been most useful for your network?</b></p>
<p>Besides Chat, the most useful feature on my network would have to be the Blog. I decided one day that having featured Bloggers would allow members to share stories and discover similarities with other members. Newly diagnosed members can be hesitant to share at all when they first join. When they read blogs from members who are long-time survivors,living with HIV/AIDS 25+yrs, They get a sense of hope and purpose. Members discover that this journey is one they don't need to take alone. This is what POZIAM is all about.</p>
<p><b>Can you share tips on how you have used Ning to build a strong community? What areas/features will you highlight or change in the future?</b></p>
<p>One thing my members tell me is that when they join they don't feel like member # 1234. They want to feel like they are part of the POZIAM family. They love chatting with me and receiving the greetings they get when they join. They realize their "Dreams are not Infected".One tip I would share with other NC's is to allow your member to get involved and make them feel connected to the network. I would love to change our group chat into a video/audio chat but have been unsuccessful. POZIAM TV is also in the works.<a href="http://www.community.poziam.com" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1868288?profile=original" alt=""></p></div>Meet Greg from Ski Dazzlehttps://creators.ning.com/blogs/meet-greg-from-ski-dazzle2009-11-19T23:30:00.000Z2009-11-19T23:30:00.000ZCourtenayhttps://creators.ning.com/members/Courtenay<div><p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1868334?profile=original" alt="" style="float: right; padding-left: 10px;">Let the Network Creator interviews begin! Each week, we would love to spotlight a new Network Creator to find out how they have built their network in a unique way. The interviews should be yet another way to share tips and best practices.I recently had the opportunity to interview <a href="http://creators.ning.com/profile/GregHendrickson">Greg Hendrickson</a>, the Network Creator of the Ski Dazzle networks. As an avid skier and snowboarder, I admit I was naturally drawn to the content on the network. Content aside, Ski Dazzle stands out by creatively combining their four event-based networks. They created a network for each of their Ski Dazzle shows, which you can navigate to from their main Ning Network: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.skidazzle.com" target="_blank">skidazzle.com</a>. Greg and the Ski Dazzle team have recently been on the road for the Ski Dazzle shows, so thank you Greg for taking the time to share with all of us!</p>
<p><b>Tell us a bit about your overall business.</b></p>
<p>Ski Dazzle owns and produces four of the largest consumer ski & snowboard shows in the world. There are shows in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Sacramento and Chicago. The four shows draw ski & snowboard enthusiasts to hundreds of exhibitors. The exhibitors include industry retailers and resorts from across North America.Ski Dazzle aims to help consumers by making the shows the most important money-saving ski or snowboard trip of the season. We partner with ski and snowboard experts to help consumers with equipment and the latest resort info; money-saving tips; loads of family entertainment and holiday bargains.</p>
<p><b>Why did you create a Ski Dazzle Ning Network? How does it help you run and grow your business?</b></p>
<p>The five Ski Dazzle networks on the Ning platform were created to provide a connection between Ski Dazzle and consumers all year long.</p>
<p><b>Can you share your learnings on how to best use a Ning Network to drive members to events?</b></p>
<p>At Ski Dazzle we use a combination of traditional advertising, online advertising, SEO, active blogging and partnering with online ski & snowboard related companies to educate new consumers about the four Ski Dazzle shows. We integrate ticket purchase banners into the different areas of our Ning Network sites to promote and enable ticket sales for the shows.</p>
<p><b>You have four local Ning Networks in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Chicago and Sacramento, and you link to them from your Ning Network at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.skidazzle.com">www.skidazzle.com</a>. Why did you choose this approach, rather than create one Ning Network with local groups?</b></p>
<p>For Ski Dazzle, each of the four shows has a different flavor and personality. We decided to provide each show with a network to showcase the different exhibitors, events, and promotions for each show.The fifth network is our social network to promote year-long member participation independently of the shows.</p>
<p><b>How do you see your network growing or expanding in the future?</b></p>
<p>We are always on the lookout for additional shows to add into the Ski Dazzle network. When that type of growth occurs, we can use the same Ning Network approach in providing an individual Ning Network for the show.We have many opportunities to expand our approach when the timing is right, including growth with innovative events like Ultimate Boarder (surf/skateboard,snowboard competition), and the many opportunities to work with our resort customers on mountain biking, road biking and other outdoor events & activities. The approach of using a new Ning Network with each new event provides us with a great promotional tool that is easy to setup, easy to use, and can grow as the business does.</p>
<p><b>Which areas of your network do you think your participants use the most?</b></p>
<p>Every year the show specific information and online ticketing draws a lot of general traffic.There is a much different and exciting level of interaction going on with the participants in our Ski Dazzle Networks on Ning. We have seen an incredible amount of growth in participation and interaction, with videos, photos, member blog entries and online discussions.</p>
<p><b>What’s been the most surprising thing you’ve encountered?</b></p>
<p>The age range of participants in our ski & snowboard network. From 18 to 80.</p>
<p><b>How does your network, and your traffic, differ once the four events are done for the season?</b></p>
<p>Ski Dazzle buys nearly $1 million in advertising on an annual basis to promote the shows. When that advertising push is over for the shows, we obviously see a change in traffic and network activity. However, with the ability to easily sustain customer interaction with the Ning Networks we've been able to drastically increase the "off-show" activity.</p>
<p><b>Which feature has been most useful for your Ski Dazzle networks?</b></p>
<p>The Feature's page and the Tab Manager have been incredibly useful for our business. The tools provide easy mechanisms to change the focus of our event home pages and sites as we move through the different shows, and enable different promotions over the course of a snow season.Another surprisingly useful tool is the Notes functions. The tools for rich text editing, html editing and preview have been very useful for the Ski Dazzle team in dealing with day to day content changes on our five different sites.</p>
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