Everyone’s starting a Ning-based Social Network. Why? Because it’s as easy as a couple clicks, it’s cheap (free), and it does a good job as advertised.
But there might be another couple players that you’d want to check out, like GroupSite.com (formerly known as CollectiveX). Creating one of these is just as easy, if not more so, than Ning. As one review has mentioned:
Groupsite.com provides a easy-to-use platform for business groups to share contact information, files (meeting minutes, financials, etc.) and and collaborate on calendars, forums etc. Similar to Ning, Groupsites lets users quickly and easily create a social network. And groups can create shared customizable websites for members. Users can also take any module on a page and embed it on a third party site, or pull any third party widgets or code into their Groupsite site.
Forums, Group Blogs, Email, Calendars, File Storage (Ning doesn’t have this), Photos, Galleries, Videos, Profiles, Objectives, Connections, Sub-Groups, Security, Stats, and more!
Creating one is seriously easy, as it took me only a couple clicks to create ChurchCrunch’s test version.
But can it grow? Will it make an impact? I think so. I hope so. There’s nothing better than a little healthy competition out there for sites like Ning and others. Ultimately, you should choose the platform that best suites your needs.
Jim says
good to be able to use and offer alternatives
Clarence Wooten says
Very nice post John. We appreciate your coverage. The true difference between Groupsite.com and services such as Ning (a social networking platform) is that we're (a social collaboration platform). More about social collaboration can be read here: http://www.groupsite.com/socialcollaboration
human3rror says
Sweet, thanks for that!
ZavRab says
thanks for link on service
Mike says
Unfortunately Ning has decided to crap on all of the the people who have helped build their network. They’re now closing all the free sites, so you either have to pay or you’re gone! Thats the last time I ever visit ning.
John Saddington says
i’ve always not liked ning….
Kate says
i heard about ning shutting down their free accounts.. i saw on webs.com that they offer the same things as ning, and have even more cool options.. i have a webs.com account, and you can build a free social network website in just a few minutes..
it’s definitely worth checking out:
http://www.webs.com
jack D says
http://www.enjin.com is great for guild hosting or running a clan website. They are mostly gaming based but can be used for anything. The quality is really good tho.
Richard says
There is another alternative to Ning at http://www.zonkk.com. You can create a free account with loads of applications and options and you can also upgrade your account should you wish.
John Saddington says
thanks for this!