Updates on revamped Activity Feed and other Main Page improvements

[Nick Barr]

A few weeks ago, we announced a project to make the Main Page of your Ning Networks more interactive and engaging. I'd like to share our progress with you.

Here's a screenshot of the new Activity Feed in action, along with a Main Page status box:



There several things I'd like to highlight here:

• Members can post a Status from the Main Page. If you uncheck "Status updates" in the Latest Activity controls, this box will disappear.
• Activity Items have a new, cleaner UI that makes it easier for members to interact with content in the feed.
• Videos are playable inline, and photo thumbnails are larger.
• When you click "Continue" on a blog post, the post expands inline.

See how this Ning Network looks in comparison for a clear picture of the improvements.

We're going to release this new and improved Activity Feed on a select number of Ning Networks very soon, and gather feedback and data on how people are using it. We're also going to release it here on Creators, so you can get a feel for it from a member's perspective.

In the meantime, we're also working on these additional features:

• Ability to like & comment inline on the Activity Feed
• Ability to like & comment on statuses.

Screenshots and more details on those features to come.

I'd also like to call out that when we release the Activity Feed improvements to the Ning Platform, they will take effect on all Ning Networks. We'll be posting more details in the coming weeks to ensure that you're equipped with everything you need to take advantage of these new features and communicate them to your members.

[Lisa B]

I agree...the huge font is ugly..

[Lia Keyes]

Would love to help you test this new feature in Beta at http://steampunkwriters.ning.com!

[Stefan Renz (LaMusicaSalsa.net)]

Wooow! Coooooooooool!

[Rowald]

Will it be available today?

[Calvin Carter]

Yeah ning how long before roll this out today few more weeks ?

[Eric Suesz]

It won't be available for everyone today, but we may begin adding people to the beta. I'll keep you posted!

[Rowald]

Thanks for the update Erick. Is there anyway we could influence which networks will be up for the Betat?

[Alexander Molina]

Since the beginning of my network latest activity has been the main module. 
I would love to try it in Beta. 
thanks

[Robert]

I am up for bets testing too if the option is available..

[Champion]

Hi Eric, if it is available and possible please add my site to the beta group.

Best to everyone

[Speed Racer]

couple things im seeing on the main pages feed here on Creators:

• (I'm seeing this in Chrome, not sure about other browsers) as you type in the Status Update box, when you move to the next line, the box should expand so you can see your entire entry. (Seymor54 pointed this out to me just a minute ago)
• If by chance you turn status updates on the Activity Feed off, will the text entry box for status updates stay, or go away? If it stays, could be very confusing to members, I'd like to see this as an option.
• I'd like to see network like, fb like, tweet, comment back, facebook share and network share buttons available to be added to the Status Updates in the Activity Feed at NC discretion. Personally, I would only use the network like, comment back and network share options, but others may want to feed to fb and twitter. My personal belief is there is plenty to feed there, I'd use these tools to engage NETWORK activity.

[David Hughes]

Would you consider using my site at http://healthsharegroups.org as one of your test sites?  We currently have 2,448 members.