Why do you blame Ning for your failure?

[Marshall Mathers]

Of course there will always be things that Ning can do to make our networks more active. However, I've never really believed in the whole "My network will never work the way I want because of Ning" ideology. The truth of the matter is that anybody can create a successful and engaging network with Ning. It just takes an incredible amount of time, money, and hard work. I used to blame Ning for my inactive network, but I've come to realize that is just pathetic. We are the creators, not Ning. We make our networks active, not Ning.
Think about it before you blame Ning when your network isn't working the way you want.
Also, I'd like to share a video that Speed Racer showed me today. Maybe you've seen it already, but I think it's a great motivator.

[Speed Racer]

WHERES THE FREAKIN LIKE BUTTON! (same for MD's "Devil's Advocate" post.......THIS IS ENGAGEMENT!

[Cautious]

Hahahahahaaaa @ Speed Racer.  It certainly is engagement by some great creators, yourself included.

[solo]

lol

[Jen]

YES! Could be the single most powerful feature ever offered. I've wished for this for a while now. Never thought to call it "Ning Connect" though - - perfect...

[SweetPotato]

The issue I have with integration into other platforms is that you give the game away that you're a Ning network. Look at the current seesmic and hootsuite integration options.

[Jen]

I agree with you in regards to the decision Ning made when they first started pulling away from white label. IMO, Ning almost ruined their business model with all the cross breeding nightmare decisions that were made. And that was after a lot of us were already in, hook-line-sinker. However, since they have gone back to the original plan and representing a white label product, to have a site "powered by Ning" could become a good thing. In fact, I think the respect is gaining daily.

Just my thoughts on it,

Jen

[Brian Floe]

It only takes one successful Ning network

to prove the platform is good enough for success.

Think about it

 

When we raise issues on the platform it's to push the Ning part of the equation the best it can be. It was still the people behind facebook that made users choose it over MySpace.

 

So the point is, no matter how bad a platform is, you can make it a success. We raise issues to help make the platform become the best it can be, which is something that will help Ning multiple times more than any one Network Creator.

It doesn't always feel like Ning appreciates that form of input though, and I think that's a monumental error in business philosophy.

[Chris]

I guess it also might fall under someone's own perceptions on what is a failure or not. I have 180 members on my site and don't mind the slow growth because I am having fun with the site.

There are however, things NING still has to address to help some sites become more successful (like more security for its members and definately better NING apps then what are available right now).

But here is what I always tell my members. Yes, I created the site, but it is you (the members of the site) that make it work. Yes, I am a firm believer in the members > then the owner.

[seymor54]

Success of a site is solely on the strategy of the CREATOR, Ning is only the provider of the TOOLS.

So if your idea is cracking, then generally it will be a success regardless of the TOOLS.

However, its always easier to blame the TOOLS when things are not working for you. But then you have to look deep and consider was your STRATEGY right in the first place.

 

[Brian Floe]

Any business man knows that he is in luck if his failure is his own fault, cause now he can fix it. If it's someone elses fault you did not succeed, you're screwed! ;)