Adding the Photo Module to Groups and Liking an other Member's Comment....

[Matt Whisenant]

Can Ning please add the option to display a Photo Module in each Group like on each member profile and is there anyway Ning can add the option for Members to "like" other members comments whether it be a comment on a blog post, photograph, or forum discussion????

 

This would no doubt increase member participation for all networks!

 

Thanks!

Matt

[Eric Suesz]

Good idea about including Photos on Groups. At some point, a facelift for Groups will be necessary, and this is a good idea to consider for that. You'll be happy to know that we do plan to expand the Likes to more granular content like this. It may not be for everything, but we have had a lot of requests to expand the ability to Like more content.

[Matt Whisenant]

Sounds good Eric! I know that if members could "like" other member's comments that it would boost member activity! Everyone likes to know they are being heard and like to know others like what they have to say even more! 

 

Matt

[Writer Chick {Diane}]

Ever notice that the words "Like" and "Lazy" and "Lurker" start with the same letter??  LOL

 

The like feature is wonderful for photos, videos, etc.  But I worry that when it becomes more widely available that it's going to hurt my network (a writing site).  Authors thrive on reader COMMENTS, and clicking the "like" button is super easy.  However, it will NEVER substitute for a well-thought out comment stating specifically WHAT they liked about your story, or didn't like. 

 

It's really easy to "like" something.  A little harder to actually say WHY you like it. 

[Eric Suesz]

I have to say that this is an excellent point. People love to vote, but voting can become a substitute for creating and expressing. 

 

[Writer Chick {Diane}]

On second thought, maybe the "like" button will also help me identify LURKERS!  LOL  So maybe there is a plus to it.  A lot of people claim they read our stories but "don't have time" to comment.  If they at least LIKE something, they'll finally come out of the lurker closet!

[Matt Whisenant]

I don't mind the lurkers that much... I have several members who rarely if ever post or comment but according to my analytical program they are responsible for a large number of the page hits and ad clicks. Just because they are quiet doesn't mean they aren't contributing to the site by clicking on advertisements and inviting members. I would rather have a quiet member who may hit the like button once in a while than have a member who is negative and likes to see his avatar attached to negative comments all over the place. As for commenting on a formal written piece of work such as on your site, I would be a little intimidated to put my thoughts into written word! 

 

Like your site design by the way!

[Writer Chick {Diane}]

Thanks Matt.  I'm always surprised when people say they like my site design.  I've never tried to "de-Ning" it.  I don't mind the Ning look or having their branding on my URL.  *shrugs*  I guess it's because my members don't care either.  But thanks for the compliment!

It's a little different on writing sites.  An author who gets NO comments, or just a few, takes that as a message.  "My story either stinks, or I need to advertise it more!"  LOL  We thrive on comments on a fan fiction network.  In fact, I once wrote a blog on my site about the lack of commenting going on network wide. (it received over 100 responses, which was astounding in itself because we don't do a lot of blogging on my site.)  It was a very lively debate that opened a lot of my lurkers eyes.  Amateur authors don't get paid to write, so reader comments are our "bread and butter".  They keep us motivated to write more chapters.  So, lurkers on fan fiction sites hide because they know they're being "bad"!  LOLOLOL  I've always said this, and still stick by it:  Fan fiction sites aren't like other Ning sites. We operate differently and have different expectations of members.

[Brian Floe]

I would not worry about that. People love to share their opinions. But with Like you give everyone a chance to show their support ...even if they're "stumped" :)

[Brian Floe]

Sounds like someone here perhaps would like to support my design idea for Ning groups:

http://creators.ning.com/forum/topics/a-new-design-for-ning-groups

 

Thanks in advance.

[Writer Chick {Diane}]

I looked at your discussion, Brian, and YES I do support your ideas for groups!!  Right now they're really bleck...

[JFarrow]

WORKAROUND!!!

you can at the moment add all relevant photos surrounding a group theme to the RSS module within groups.  Simply head over to your photos, search for something related to your group, click on a tag-this will take you to a page where all photos have been tagged with same tag- rightclick on the RSS icon and Copy URL, plug that URL into the RSS module within the group and you'll have an ongoing updated feed of all photos tagged for that group.

 

you can see what i mean by visiting this group for Sokkia Social Support on my network for land surveyors.  All photos and videos at the bottom are generated for media tagged "Sokkia"

 

hope this helps

[Matt Whisenant]

Thanks a lot!

 

Love this new tip! Been looking for a way to share group specific pictures without having to upload again in a discussion!

Great idea!

 

Thanks!