Getting to Know Ning

A while ago I wrote about Ning, the make-your-own social network er...network. Now I'm encouraging any and all of you to get to know Ning's awesome space by joining two great Ning networks: American Library Association and Library 2.0.

How does one get to join these networks? Simple, sign up at Ning.com and get an ID. Next, find the group(s) that interest you and create your own profile page in each. Ning allows you to change your page by changing the banner image, color scheme, text color, and you can also import pictures from your computer or your favorite online photo sharing site--Flickr, anyone?

Next, add pictures or videos from the Net, or import your own blog's RSS. Then you can cruise the forums (great ideas are being discussed all over the place), search and become friends with interesting people (I'm in both ALA and Library 2.0 Ning networks under mcordova--you can add me as your friend if you want), add your thoughts to your own Ning blog, start a discussion, or simply experiment and explore what other people are doing with Ning.

Now, I'm sure there are more library-related networks out there that are more focused on regional areas, library staff, audience, librarians, or specific items. Ning has allowed the social network concept to be as inclusive as you want it: you can start your own group or be part of one.

Perhaps an Idaho Libraries Ning? Idaho Conference Ning? Can you imagine the possibilities?

Last updated: March 31, 2007 - 10:41pm by memo

Ning is nifty
Comment by: anna; April 3, 2007 - 12:11pm
The possibilities with Ning are pretty exciting! Dylan and I were talking yesterday about how cool it might be to create a Ning network for specific patron groups or programs. A network specifically for our teens perhaps? It's an idea I'll be playing around for a bit I think. I was checking and the only age requirements/regulations that I could find for Ning were that you won't create a network specifically geared towards children under the age of 13. In all honesty I was a bit skeptical at first, but the more I play around with Ning the more I'm liking it. Anyone else out there giving it a try?

just say yes?
Comment by: ruth; June 11, 2007 - 12:40pm
OK, this is DEFINITELY a social software beginner's question, but: How do you decide whether to day "yes" or "no" when unknown people want to be your friend in Ning? (I joined the Library 2.0 group) And, what is the etiquette of saying "no" if one reaches that decision? Is there a SPLAT consensus on this? Ruth Funabiki (SPLAT's remaining "boomer")

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