Getting Donations

[David Blaine]

With the phasing out of free Ning networks, I was faced with two choices. Keep Outsider Writers as it is with the $200 level program, or kick about 850 members out and slide down to the $20 plan. With nearly a thousand members, I decided to ask for help figuring, nothing ventured nothing gained, and really, nothing to lose. I posted about the situation on our main page and sent a broadcast message to all our members. I pointed out the bad news and the good news. The bad news being we needed to raise $200. The good news was that with a thousand members, we only needed to chip in twenty cents each! Of course, this was rather tongue in cheek and I mentioned that if we could get ten percent participation it would still only be $2.00 each.

I asked people to consider pledging $4 or $5 in case some people couldn't afford even $2.

I should mention that the other people working on the site with me were skeptical. But they were surprised because about twenty people responded right away. Three people gave pledges in the $50 range with the rest ranging from $2 to $10. I sent these people a PayPal invoice, or my mailing address, according to their preference. Within ten days I had nearly $300 raised.

We are hoping that we can raise enough money by selling the available advertising space and that we won't need to beg each year. I highly recommend asking for donations. Again, nothing to lose and everything to gain.

[Donna Mac]

I did the same thing and raised enough money to cover the PRO package beginning in July. I've been paying all along for all the scripts, and the PRO package is actually less per month. But after two years, I could not pay for it all anymore. I really don't want to beg every year, but members came through. I set a deadline and a goal and these ladies came through. Of course only 4% of my membership sent a donation, but that is almost 100 members. So I do encourage it for those who want to stay but can't pay.

[John]

What we really need is what Ning's main competitors are already offering which is an integrated way to charge a small membership fee. This makes it so nice people don't have the full burden of helping. I have about thirty sites on my Mexican network that are probably going to make it and in some cases one person is saving the whole thing. What makes me nervous is that "the best of Ning" last week featured a company that for $50 a month will allow you to charge your members internally. Does this mean that Ning won't have its own system by the time they charge us? By the way, when IS the last day we can safely pay to keep our network?
Best,
John

[Donna Mac]

I read the last day is July 31st which is the date that all free networks will vanish.

[J.Wings]

Wow congrats! That's really great

[Eric Suesz]

Hi, John. We agree that you need that ability to charge members. In fact, we are building the ability to do that into the product right now. Also, we'll be announcing the date you can start a new plan very, very soon. The last date to purchase will *not* be July 31st, and those Ning Networks who can't continue with us will not see their network "vanish" on that date as Madam President has indicated in her rumor.

[Donna Mac]

This is not a rumor. I was told this in one of the conference calls. The date was at that time July 1st and there would be 30 days for networks to decide what they wanted to do. At the end of that 30 days, the free networks would be gone. Why is it that every single time I post something, Eric, you slam me? You have labeled me so many times and not in a very nice way. If I am mistaken, then say that....don't say I am starting rumors! The previous thing you said about me was that I was suggesting a conspiracy. Why not just answer the question as opposed to slamming a paying NC? Unreal.

[Donna Mac]

And I might add that my answer to John was based on what I had been informed of and was in no way derogatory. If NING doesn't have a date now, that is different than what was said in the conference call. I was legitimately trying to answer his question. I am all about the NING PRO and support the whole concept. I've been a paying premium site for two years. I've raised money to pay for the $499. What I am NOT about is being accused of spreading rumors, conspiracies and such. I'm off of here because now I am really p*ssed off.

[Donna Mac]

J. Wings. Yes my members really came through for me. Of course as usual, 10% of a club carries the other 90%. I've seen it happen over and over and over.

[Eric Suesz]

Hey, Madam President. It wasn't my intention to make you angry. My apologies if I angered you by using the word rumor. Great job raising those donations, BTW.

[Peace Maker]

I am confused about "or kick about 850 members out and slide down to the $20 plan" I thought you could keep the members you have with the $20 plan but lose the video upload and music player. What gives?