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!

[Owen Calverley]

Thanks for removing that header - small change, but it makes our messages look much better!

[Eric Suesz]

Sorry it took us so long, Owen!

[Planeta Balada]

One thing I would be very happy if we were able to all events and groups have adescription for when visitors see the description page and another for when it is seen byassociate members when the group or when responding to RSVP for the event.
That would force people to create a login first in my network.

I would make only one who was a member of the group could print worth discounts andfreebies worth.

Likewise the events, only those who answer yes or maybe the RSVP, you can see thevoucher. Visitors or members that have not responded to the RSVP, you would see adifferent description, inviting him to register to print the voucher.

If this happens, it will save our network! Probemas will solve all of our network if that happens!

[Monique Hewitt]

Is NING working on adding the Pinterest icon to all the pictures so that members can PIN them?  I see that other networks have incorporated the Pinterest icon to their sites, can this be done on the NING network as well?

[Eric Suesz]

Hey, Monique. This discussion isn't about Pinterest, but you're always welcome to start a new discussion. We have had some requests for that, but not a ton. You can add your own Pinterest button. Here are is a person who has offered a suggestion about how to do that on Creators. Here's another one. You can do a search and probably find a few more. Hope this helps. 

[medicsindex]

Well Done, thanks Eric ,, we need this as our Network is a Medical Social Network, and Medics need to give enough information within the profile for all patients to be able to select the closest to their Query. Cheers

[Dr. Sohiniben Shukla]

Dear Eric,

My site is

bringheaven.ning.com........and the name of the site is......the "Better World".

When new member comes he has to answer only 4-5 questions....and you can see that on their profile....

Why it is so ?....instead your 20 questions ?

Dr. Sohini Shukla.

Creator ....of the Site....as well as Administrator....

[Mochajewl]

Hi Eric, I would like to have my old header back, please. Thank you.

[Chazz]

I have to admit that I agree. My broadcasts looked far more professional with the header... Now I have to keep reminding myself to add it manually and even than it doesn't look Like it use to. For some reason mine comes out too high from top to bottom of the table. The width comes out like it should though and  I miss the old header.

[Eric Suesz]

Chazz: How about an image instead? 

There a bunch of free online image editors you could use like this one to make an image header for your email messages. 

[Chazz]

I have contemplated that... If I do it I would use my Photoshop to do it and PNG it. Like this...

[Eric Suesz]

Looks great! Now that looks like a header for a broadcast message to me.