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!

[Eric Suesz]

We won't be bringing it back, Mochajewl. But, I think this is a great opportunity to maybe make a new header. You could just use a nice image. Maybe something like this? 

[Skye]

Eric this is a great idea, I'm on it!

[Mochajewl]

Thanks, that's too bad, should be an option to keep. I still have a copy of my original image, and will insert in future broadcasts, but thanks for the suggested photo/idea.

[Luci Gabel]

Eric, I love the fact that we can now get creative with the headers.  But, how can we make it so that they automatically show up instead of having to go get the html code each time we type a broadcast e-mail? 

[Eric Suesz]

We don't have that capability built-in. We do, however, have that built-in to the beta digest feature. My hope is that we can add that to the regular Broadcast Message at some point. 

[Luci Gabel]

That would be great.  I don't think the digest gets read very much.  My e-mails to them all are way more important :) 

[Owen Calverley]

Com on guys this is getting ridiculous. I have followed the comments since this discussion started and if I was Eric I would quite honestly consider changing jobs and apply for a job as a kindergarten teacher - he has certainly got the experience for it after having to listen to some of us! This is the CREATORS network. We are CREATORS, not tiny children who must have everything done for them. The header is gone - so for pity sake take this as an opportunity to design your own. And if you don't have the skills yet, then this is an opportunity to learn them! The tools are out there on the net for free - go and look for them, learn to use them and grow. Then you would have earned the title "Creator". Thank you. That's all. And thank you Eric for your patience.

[Eric Suesz]

Well, I definitely appreciate the back-up, Owen. So, thanks for that. 

We do have a number of NCs who (really, really) like things the way they have always been, so anything we can do to ease change and tradition is something we want to try and do. I think this points out the need to beef up our help documentation to encourage more people to get creative with some of the free tools out there. This is where we can maybe jump in and help them find new ways to create content. I know that there's a huge amount of power in acquiring these kinds of skills. Once you figure a few of these things out, you make real breakthroughs in what's possible. So, maybe we just need to be better at pointing out these types of tools. Look for some "NC tips" from me on that soon!

[Chazz]

Jerk

[Chazz]

That was meant to have been posted in a private conversation, not here... I had too many windows open and posted it in the wrong place... Please disregard that.

[Dr. Sohiniben Shukla]

Dear Eric,

It's O.K....Thank you......

Sohiniben.

[Dr. Sohiniben Shukla]

Dear Eric,

On my site of the "Better World" I think they are asking very few may be 4-5 questions....

Sohiniben.