TechCrunch put out the article “9 Way to Build Social Networks” where it compares white label social networking services such as Ning, KickApps, Crowdvine, etc.
I’ve recently put together a Ning social network for our Digital Internship Project, preservice teachers which our Faculty of Education supports through a special technology-infused internship experience. Ning is incredibly easy to set up, but I’ve got a couple of issues around it. First, it’s difficult to really make a Ning network NOT look like a Ning network. However, I’ll be working on this to see how far I can get. Second, I’m not a big fan of ads so I opted for the $5/month to get rid of the ads. I’d much rather build the tool from the ground so I can get the control I want, but I simply don’t have the time.
Right now, the Digital Internship Project is an invite-only Ning group. If there are those out there that would like to interact or partner with our digital interns, 4th year Education students going into a 4-month practicum experience, let me know.