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!

[Andrew Spiering]

Even better yet... Give an option to fill out profile questions later to reduce sin up time.

I've watched people as they sign up for our site and they are happy... until they get to the profile questions. Ugh. Gasp. Doh.

So, to limit the frustration, I've reduced the number of required questions. Still would be nice to have an option to "complete later."

Thanks for listening.

[Franco Mercalli]

Eric,

This Help Center page still states that the maximum number of profile questions is 12?

Does it need updating?

Franco

[Eric Suesz]

You are right! Thanks, Franco. Changing this right now.