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...

[Ningaholic]

Chris, we'll add you to the .01% of people using NING that to have actually had a group meeting regularly prior to building a social network.  While it's great you have your local network, most of us span members worldwide--those were the majority I was addressing.

You clearly missed my point as well--I'm not saying suggestions are not great.  They need to be made respectfully...given what they've already built, that's been earned.

[Chris Miner]

Respect is both given and a two way street.  How respectful is it to leave features implemented but broken for months?  A couple of small examples:

1. Assigning administrators for pages was rolled out, but didn't work for months when I gave it a try.  I think it works now, but the trouble is none of my members care about it anymore.
2. The roles editor included a list of members who are in a particular role.  Unfortunately the list didn't actually display anything for months.

Small examples.  But I have to ask, why ship the feature at all if it doesn't work at all?  Why not just comment out that bit of code and admit the feature doesn't exist?  It's a simple action, but apparently not one we as customers are worthy of.  Where's the respect?  Where's the self-respect?

[Josh Hall]

Completely agree, I've got a few threaded convo's from the ticket system which end up solving nothing. Ning is good but like everything, It can be improved. Cough - Get the mobile sorted, pleasy, I know you want me as a beta tester ;)

P.S - The staff on here are great btw. Especially you Eric :)

[Ceddy J]

Im confused, if they haven't done one single thing you like why would you continue to remain here. It seems like a loss cause.

[Chris Miner]

Hi Ceddy,  I mentioned my reason for staying in my post.  The reason I stay is because I find the NING solution 100% better than a free email list from yahoo, even when taking into account the cost.  Also I looked at several platforms and solutions before settling on NING.  However none of that changes the fact that in the couple of years I've been with NING, I can't think of even one feature has been added to the product that addresses any of the needs of my membership or administrative staff.

I actually find the situation amazing.  It's fascinating to me that so many people could work so long and so hard on something and yet so miss the boat?  I can't believe my group's needs for a communication platform are particularly unusual.  And yet...!?

[Jen]

@Chris, really? Sounds to me that you need to host your own software, and pay for your own unique development features. In the meantime, few of us here want to hear your ripping.

Jen

[Riccardo Rossini]

I think Ning is the best platform I've ever seen in the web and developers are doing doing a great job. I've often been controversial with some decisions, but only because I think the ning is to grow as a platform and not to look like other popular social networks that we all know. Improving some 'professional aspects' it would make this platform suitable as the best for different purposes 

[dex meaans]

Really look at  what you get for $59 a month I feel bad thats all their charging (I pay $50 to get me dog groomed each month)

Sometimes in life you are handed a gift on silver platter and ning has been that for me I have had over 4500 members register in the last 3 months and and have not had ONE customer support email that alone tells me this site is crazy good. Also there are zero instructions on my site on how to navigate the members just figure it out.

[Madan Ganesh Velayudham]

+1

[John]

+1

I'll just add that a Defect Tracking List would show us that our input is valued.

[CocteauBoy]

I think it's important to give freedom to all of the voices: from the sycophantic posts like this one, to the "ning ripping" ones like we sometimes see. It's all good and healthy in the end, and Ning NEEDS the negative feedback as much as the positive, even if they tend to ignore those who report issues.

As someone who has been with Ning almost from the beginning, having sung their praises and continued my support, paying more and more despite the original promises, and despite continued disappointments, lack of support, and lack of development of actual, useful functions, I understand both sides of the chorus.

It's natural, healthy, and good that Ning allow all voices.

[John]

I had to look it up.

"A servile self-seeker who attempts to win favor by flattering influential people."