The new JenSocial - HOT or NOT?!

[Jen]

Hi Everyone (Friends),

New Design:

It's been a long time coming, and long time needed. JenSocial is finally sporting a brand new look, utilizing Ning's Design Studio. Yeah, we were still using the old Ning Editor. ;-)

JenSocial Home Page

Navigation and Layout:

In addition to "Design", the navigation was cleaned up, modules removed from home page, and the layout was completely revamped.

 

Design, Navigation, Content, and Activity Goals:

• An overall look/feel that is hopefully: Clean, fresh, professional yet fun.
• Easy navigation with less menu tabs, less home page modules, and better module placement.
• Great content, engaging, and easy to find the good stuff. =)
• Consistent location of new tips, support questions, and Forum activity

 

Forum-centric:

Over the years it's been my observation that the most successful Ning Networks are Forum-centric, versus Group-centric. This observation doesn't include Ning Networks that focus on Blogs like MyModernMet.com. A lot of these sites are wildly successful, especially My Modern Met. In regards to Groups, don't get me wrong. Groups are important, and especially for premium content. But, I truly feel that open discussion is better placed in the Forum Discussion module.

Until now, all Ning Tips and Support on JenSocial were contained in special Groups. I am totally excited about the recent changes. Other than the private VIP Ning Tips, we have started the process of adding Ning Tips and Ning Support questions to the main Forum Discussions. I can already see a nice improvement in activity and clarity for Members. The older tips remain in the special Ning Tips Groupand labeled: Archives.

 

New Home Page Layout:

Left Column - Members, Search, Latest Activity, & Social Web Directory
Right Column - Everything Ning
You’ll find "Everything Ning" in the right column. Each time you visit the site, the latest "VIP Ning Tip" and the latest "Ning Tip", will be available at top of the right column. Immediately following the tips, you'll find the: Recent Forum Discussion Activity. At the bottom of right column are the archives for Ning Tips and Announcements from Ning.com.

 

Lay it on me. I'm not asking anyone to spend a lot of time critiquing, but very much welcome your thoughts. My main question is: Were the goals accomplished?

 

Thanks in advance for your time,

Jen

[Jen]

@John, Thanks!  And, appreciate you taking a look!

[Glenn Lynch]

Me like!

[Jen]

@Glenn, Thanks! =)

[Joao Fernandes]

Hi Jen,

Clean, Neat, and eye catching. Great job. Wish I could have the same on my site.

[Jen]

Hi Joao,

Thank you! I appreciate you taking time to look, and your awesome reply.

Best,

Jen

[Dignified]

sizzling hot!

[Jen]

Dignified! Thanks! =)

[George H. Compton IV]

 your site was beautifully done awesome job Jen :-) I especially love the Jensocial logo at the top of the screen that changes to a black-and-white picture whenever you hover over one of the buttons on that bar lol

[Jen]

@George, thanks! =)

[Jen]

Everyone,

I have to say it again. I don't take this for granted. I am truly grateful for your time and comments.

Thank you,

Jen

[Holly]

Jen,

Very nice.  It is clean and easy to navigate!

I really love the sign up, sign in button on the top.  Is this custom code available to NC's?  If so, I would love to use it on our site.

[Jen]

Holly, Thanks!

The code for signup button is available here:

http://jensocial.com/group/ningnetworktips/forum/topics/how-to-add-...

I customized the sign up button on JenSocial just for the site, so not available for use. Plus, the font has to be purchased for use. Sorry.

Best Regards,

Jen