Two Small Changes — By Popular Request

[Eric Suesz]

We have two changes that we're making today that are very small. However, so many people asked for this over time that I wanted to make sure we got the word out, so I'm devoting a discussion to it here on Creators.

Profile Question limit raised

One big request people have asked about is to increase the limit of profile questions you can ask when new members sign up for your network. The limit has been 12 profile questions for a long time, but we're increasing that to 20. That should give those of you who want to collect a lot of up-front information from new members more opportunity to do so. Of course, we would caution you that asking for too much information can be tricky. If you ask for too much information up-front, some people will inevitably abandon a sign-up form. The more you ask, the higher the abandonment rate. But, some networks need the extra questions, so we're giving you that option.

Removing standard Broadcast Message header

Another request that we've heard over time is to remove the header that appears in a typical Broadcast Message. In fact, our most recent Ning Superstar SweetPotato opined about this (among many other people). We're happy to make this change.

This is the simple message that has appeared in every Broadcast Message you send that has a bit of branding for your network. It previously looked like this:

Some people understandably don't want that message to appear. They've created a nice flashy HTML newsletter template that already has a nice text or logo treatment, making this little swatch of text or HTML superflous. Still want that little identifier of your network? You can always insert your own piece of HTML or text or an image. 

I've included a text document attached to this discussion that you can use to reproduce the old version if you want. Or — even better — modify this simple snippet to match your network's color, font, etc.

These aren't groundbreaking changes, but they're ones that you've given us here on the Creators Network. So, thanks for the suggestions!

[Patrick Chappelle]

Not too fond of sites that ask a million and one questions, and I do indeed abandoned those that do. On the other hand, I do understand this is important to certain sites.

The broadcast message header thing is a wise move, though. 

Good deal, Eric! Thanks Ning!

[solo]

thanks eric

[Writer Chick {Diane}]

I think it's mostly dating sites who seem to need all those extra questions. 

[Jen]

I agree too many questions are a good way to lose signups. I've definitely been guilty of this, and even still, need to trim mine down. But, more options, always a good thing.

Thanks Ning.

=)

[Glenn Lynch]

Hated my heading thanks!!!!!

[Eric Suesz]

I wasn't a fan of it, either. Glad we could make this change!

[Christopher Stewart]

thanks for this ! very much appreciated ! :o)

[Ron]

more options, nice Eric.

[Skye]

As I understand this, a certain number of questions can limit spammers in other words carefully worded profile questions allows us to not only get an idea of whom is coming into the community but quickly see if an undesirable is trying to sneak in. We are a Pagan community but we also have a group for Survivors of Abuse as well as a place for LGBT so for us it's important to be cautious, and we no issues at all. 

[Fire-Tech]

Wow, all alone in the crowded room :). I actually have been wanting more profile questions (works great for professional information /services/ directory). I just don't make them all mandatory. The only other thing I'd like to see is the ability to upload a file directly to the profile info for resumes & portfolios.

Great job! 

[Eric Suesz]

Great point about making only a few mandatory. I don't know about uploading a file, but that actually sounds like a pretty interesting idea. I'll try to float that idea as a possible inclusion at some point.

[Fire-Tech]

That would be great and really help us compete with the bigger professional network (L-word). I think dating, photography and art networks could benefit as well.