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!

[Debby Bruck]

Hi Monique ~ You know, I think my broadcast message went out a couple of days late, also. Hopefully, all is working smoothly now. Debby

[Illya]

Yes, I'm experiencing the same thing with the resend invitations feature.

[Luci Gabel]

My broadcasts were about 5 days late this week... 

[Chazz]

Luci, It was a small glitch that has apparently been worked out. I am just thankful they are being delivered again.

[Luci Gabel]

Thanks, Chazz.  It does seem better now.

[gabet123]

While I like the idea of not having the plain text header anymore I don't like the idea of having to paste in code everytime I want to broadcast a message. I created the code I needed to make a nice header which pulls up a small version of my header as you see below.

What I would like to know is where in the language editor would I insert this code so it is added everytime to my email messages? Or even better could Ning create a box like a text box that we can insert the email header code or just upload an image to easily without having to mess with the language editor?

[Illya]

+ 1 for the text bog on the broadcast page to keep the format of the broadcasted messages.

[Luci Gabel]

I like this idea. 

[James Higginson]

Good job, thanks.

[Ryan the CEO of CEO's]

now if we can get recurring events and facebook or twitter comments- I will be in bliss! 

[JW Najarian]

Yes I vote for recurring events! That is a big one.

[Chazz]

I agree that too many questions is too many questions. Not only do I end up not joining those types of networks when they ask too many questions, I noticed that the ones I joined anyway had a rather irresponsible and petty staff who was more rude than anything else, or the network had a hot head and backward network creator which chased new members away all too quickly. The less questions you ask while finding out the information you need more quickly is the best way to go.