Ning closing free networks

[Azh]

I don't post on here much, but I spend a lot of time reading - Book Blogs is one hell of a resource.  So I'm wondering how today's announcement will effect Book Blogs?

http://techcrunch.com/2010/04/15/nings-bubble-bursts-no-more-free-n...

[Kimberly Hulst]

oh my god!
What? Some of us have been on Ning for years. That's a lot of product to have to either move or ... well loose

[Azh]

Yes, it really sucks. When I got the info, that's why I thought to come straight here. It's the only ning network I check out daily to be honest.

I can offer hosting and a forum and tech support for it if Tricia or anyone wants to rebuild that way if this network isn't a premium purchased one. What Ning have decided is going to kill a lot of networks that people couldn't normally have afforded to build.

[Kimberly Hulst]

That's the thing. I have a horror site and a vampire fan site both which I would never have been able to do with premium rates. Crap! I have no idea what to with mine then other then close them down.

[Azh]

I've sent you a friendship request and an idea:)

[Kimberly Hulst]

Accepted the request

[Tricia]

Thanks Azh. At the moment, all the Ning creators are still awaiting word from Ning about when and how the phase out of free networks will occur. I'm part of a Ning creators group and I will keep my eyes on developments. I have every intention of keeping this network up and running. I'll let you know when I know more details. Thanks!

[Azh]

That's good news. As I said I don't post much, but I read daily - this is far too good a resource to lose!

[Bookventures Book Club]

I also have a free network on Ning, my book club and this news has prompted me to create a website instead. At least that way i will be secure. I hate feeling uncertain about things and if Ning is planning to phase out all free networks well then i'll start packing my stuff (so to speak). Its sad to leave especially since i have just only began to enjoy using it.

[Tricia]

I have just found out that the CEO of Ning will be giving creators more information on May 4th. We will probably have a few options. There are other platforms that are working hard to make the Ning groups easy to roll over (such as Grou.ps and Grouply). Or, we may have to set up a little donation station. A lot depends on the cost and what we (as a group) will be getting for our paying service.

[Carrie]

Thanks for the info, Tricia, and thanks for posting this, Azh! I've been wondering what was going to happen to the book blogs ning group when I heard this news.

[Mary Salvato]

thats crazy when does this take effect? or how much will it cost to keep using ning? I found a good ning alternative called http://www.blogfrog.com but its not exactly the same. It turns blogs into communities.

[Kimberly Hulst]

Goodreads is free. You can create a group there, and you do get to have profiles.