How Bad Do You Want To Be Helped?

[Patrick Chappelle]

Since July 20th when Ning upgraded their platform and added new features and functionality to our networks, there has been an increase of issues plaguing some Ning networks. This has caused the number of help tickets submitted to skyrocket, and Ning is backed up having to respond to these issues. It is frustrating for us and for Ning staff. Though I've yet to experience any of the woes others face, I am completely sympathetic to their concerns. At the same time I notice that certain network creators would rather rant than be helped. 

As many of you know, Eric Suesz or other Ning staffer make their rounds here on Creators to assist nc's with technical questions, suggestions and help tickets. It is the last item I'd like to address here. If you are having a serious technical problem with your network, the first thing you should do is file a ticket at the Ning Help Center. Yes, they are currently deluged with requests for assistance (and it could take some time), but this is the best way for you to get your issue resolved. If you've submitted a ticket and it's been more than 24 hours, and you haven't received a response, and you want to post your concern here on Creators, fine. However, when someone from Ning requests your help ticket number so that they may assist you, promptly provide it. Do not continue to rant. This is counterproductive and will delay the process. 

I have also noticed (in the forum) a few nc's this morning who are having problems, who were asked by Eric to provide their help ticket numbers so that he could expedite a resolution. Last I looked, there has been no response from the complainants. Maybe you lost your internet connection, or your pc has crashed, but I would suggest in future you stick around for a few to give someone from Ning a chance to reply to your post.

Before anyone jumps down my throat about this, understand what I'm saying. I am not being unsympathetic to your situation, I am merely suggesting that certain behavior can hurt rather than help. You can be civil and passionate, persistent and respectful. Hostility will gain you nothing.

[Peter Harper]

Well said Thunder.

[Patrick Chappelle]

Thank you Peter.

[the_real_macfly]

Very well put.

It might also be worthwhile repeating that this place is excellent for getting help on not-quite-so-serious issues one might encounter.

[Cautious]

I applaud you with a standing ovation!

[Patrick Chappelle]

Thank you cautious.

[Patrick Chappelle]

Thanks. I mentioned just that in another post here a few months back.

[MAXX]

Are we allowed to be skeptical?? =)

[solo]

never.lol

[Patrick Chappelle]

By all means. ;-)

[Ken]

Nice post Thunder X.

I do think that although they are obviously short staffed and working hard - NING aren't doing themselves any favours in the way they manage the Creators.ning.com site. Maybe they should approve all blog posts before they appear - and so nip things in the bud and only allow posts that aren't obvious rants! Ok - some people will complain about that approach too, but as we know NING can't please everyone.

Hopefully, now that the deadline for 'choosing a plan' has finally gone, NING will be able to get ontop of the long list of outstanding tickets - I"m already seeing some of my long outstanding ones being answered today....so things do look like they are improving.

[Patrick Chappelle]

Thank you Ken.

I think if Ning had to approve all posts here, it would be time consuming while a simple finger on the delete button is quick and painless. Perhaps they allow the rants because they understand how dismaying some of the issues we face can make us feel. But ranting is one thing, but to continue to do so after you've received a response (however late it may come) makes no sense.

I'm glad to hear you're getting some answers. Let's all hope for the best and progress.

[Thomas Hoey]

No. That was already initiated in other forums here and and on other social networking hosts and it hasn't worked. It would be wrong to censor the posts. Let folks rant a little. Some good, sometimes comes out of it. Maybe even a kernal of an idea can be taken from some of them. IMHO