15 Apr, 2010
How are (were?) you using Ning?
With the recent announcement that Ning will be phasing out their free service, going to a 100% fee-based system, I’ve been asked to recommend an alternative. Before listing some alternatives, however, I would like to know how you are currently using Ning.
Ning has many features. Which features do you use most, and in what way are you using them? Specific examples will be helpful. Which features do you rarely use, and why? Please sound off in the comments or on Twitter. Once I have a better understanding how people are using Ning, I can come up with some alternatives that make sense.
A warning about hosted services
We all use hosted services: Blogger, EduBlogs, Ning, Google Apps, etc. What happens, though, when the service either shuts down or switches to a fee-based model? In the case of Ning, many users will be left stranded – losing large amounts of information, files, articles, etc. It’s a risk we take in exchange for free hosted applications like Ning.
While there are other services that replicate some (or most) of the functionality provided by Ning, it may not be the best option to simply switch to another free hosted service. If at all possible, it would be better to find an open source alternative that can be installed on your school (or district) servers. I realize this might not be possible for everyone, depending on your IT department, but if you help IT (and the administrators) understand why it’s important to host the software on your own servers you may convince them.
A short list of possible alternatives
While it will be best to get some responses about how you’re using Ning before making recommendations, I thought I’d throw out a couple now, for those who can’t wait. These may or may not meet your needs. Your mileage may vary.
- BuddyPress – BuddyPress is a free and open source social networking platform built upon the powerful WordPress platform (the same platform that powers EduBlogs). It looks to have all the features that made Ning great. They’ve also built a Ning to BuddyPress User Importer, and have a blog dedicated to help Ning users make the switch.
- elgg – elgg is a free open source social networking platform similar to Ning. You can download and install it on your own server for free, or have them host it for a small fee.
- Mahara – Mahara calls itself an open source e-portfolio system, but it has blogging and social networking systems built-in. Have a look and see if it fits your needs. Hosting does not appear to be available, so you’ll need to install it on your own server.
That’s all for now. Be sure to sound off in the comments or on Twitter with examples of how you’re using Ning, and if you’ve heard of other potential alternatives.
Update
A Google Doc has been started listing both hosted and non-hosted alternatives to Ning. You can find it here.
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