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.

[drex]

Really can't wait for this update.... I'd settle for what creators.ning.com have right now if thats possible... Any news at all when this thing will be out???

[Brian Floe]

I pushed for this solution for over a year, I hope very much to be part of the beta.

[Andrew Weightman]

are you going to put this in Ning Labs for us to try it?

[Eric Suesz]

I don't think we'll put this in Ning Labs, but we may be posting here for those who want to try it out. I'll post here as soon as I have word about that.

[drex]

Definitely would like to be one of the people who can try this out soon! :)

 

[Klaus]

Hi Eric

 

If it`s possible i would like to try it out to, thank you!

[Andrew Weightman]

I can see there is a lot to work out and test still... It will be interesting to see what you all come up with. Please let me know if there is anything I may be able to do to help.

[Speed Racer]

yup, and when a non logged in visitor clicks to put a cursor in the box, have either a popup to sign in/join or take them to a page to...i like the pop up idea better, because the page will still be right there under it, and they won't feel lost if they aren't ready to register and want to research the site more...

[Nick Barr]

Yes, strongly agree! We will look to do that in a future improvement.

[Scott Bishop]

I talk about this on page 15.

Over a year ago I posted a discussion about also having the Comment boxes show for visitors viewing a photo, video, etc. When they click in it to write, then there ought to be a some sort of pop up explaining to sign-in or sign-up to write.

[Nick Barr]

Right, the first thing we need to do is have a great lightweight Sign Up Box pop-up. Then we need to put it in places that make sense. Totally hear you on this.

[Richard Charman]

Looks great. Can't wait for the update.