The ripping on Ning needs to stop

[Ningaholic]

This is in response to some of the thread posts going on regarding the ability to move conversations between forums and groups.  You've got people questioning whether Ning really cares about what users think and frankly, it's getting ridiculous.

I'm going to be blunt--you have no network without Ning developers.  In fact, you have no idea about even creating a social network without Ning as a whole.  Have some respect for what they've done and request enhancements without trying to rip them as a company.  Frankly, they likely were losing money off of most of you for years when they were offering free options.

So that being said, I'm taking a second to stop and say to those developers that have made it what it is--thank you.  I'm close to being able to make my idea a full time career and it wouldn't have happened without you.  Just do me a favor and keep listening to user ideas and expanding on your already amazing product.  This company is going to change the way social networks are viewed in our society...

[Jen]

I've been so busy over here, was fortunate enough not to get wind of the most recent ripping. But, kudos to you, and couldn't agree more.

GO TEAM NING! GREAT JOB!

[SweetPotato]

Plus one. Most of the ripping comes on the back of the roadmap's perceived lack of future features. In my eyes this is just great transparency on Ning's behalf, not many other companies that I pay services for tell me what's in store for the next year and invite me to comment in public. And also I think that not promising the earth, I.e. Showing caution, is wise.

However, I also get that some people want more and that Ning might not provide all the things that all the people want all the time. Those people should try Buddypress or social go etc and then see how they feel about Ning :-)

For the record, Ning has changed my life. It's my business and although it's a struggle that's because starting your own business always is. Good luck to you ningaholic.

[Ceddy J]

I couldn't have said it better myself. Am I sad when a feature I truly want isn't out yet? Yes, but I don't act disrespectful about. I simply state I would like to see______ but other than that I commend them every chance I get. Rather people want to admit it or not, everyone loves a pat on the back and its motivation.

[Ed]

+1 from me. Just looking at other creators' networks it's clear that pretty much anything is possible if you're prepared to tweak, or pay someone to do it for you.

I think it was Thunder X who made a point about the number of people complaining compared to the number of people who actually gave feedback on the New Chat feature. (sorry, I can't find the link)

[Writer Chick {Diane}]

I'm with ya.   Sometimes I want to just tell these people that if they're so unhappy, switch platforms and then see how many of THEIR company employees actually respond to posts.  See how THAT company feels about what it's customers want or need. 

Ning is very unique in how it deals with its customer base. 

[Writer Chick {Diane}]

*typo*  should be "its customers"...sorry.

[Gavin Brown]

I am actually talking to another company I use to get them to try the Ning Roadmap model, which is the most access I've ever seen a company give to the decision makers. Everybody should realize how rare it is. Most companies offer little in the way of access to decision makers.

[M]

+1

[Debby Bruck]

+1 and +1 = 3

[Josh Hall]

I think that you can't get better then Ning, I've tried socialgo.com and if you like 500 errors, that's for you. Though free speech is a good thing and I think members can express any positive or negative opinions. Rip away lol

[Fire-Tech]

+1

[Chris Miner]

My network is actually a real one made of live people who see each other on a semi-regular basis.  It existed long before NING and probably will be around long after.  So, I can't share your perspective about my organizations dependence on NING.

In fact I wish NING would focus more on features that I and my network need.  In the 3 years my association has paid for a membership, I can't think of one feature they've added that's been a benefit to my association/network.  Not one.

After three years, I can only say hands-down that our forum at NING is 100% better as a communication platform than the email list we ran before.  If you've ever tried to get more than about 20 people communicating effectively on an email list, then you know that this isn't saying much.  The ripping needs to continue, until improvements are made.