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On Mashable, I read an article about Ning. This article made me think about how the current social media ecosystem has centered around Facebook and Ning has been pushed out due to its business model and pricing structure. I have used Ning before and to be honest, I liked Ning but the security aspect of it was a little cumbersome.

So what do you think? mashable.com/2010/04/18/ning-alternatives/

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This thread highlights two recurring points: several members used Ning as a simple place to host micro-sites or open communities (, , , ), and others raised concerns about security and platform changes (, ). The advice below is platform‑agnostic and written to be useful now, whether the goal is to stay, tighten security, or move a community elsewhere.

Start with a short, actionable audit. Confirm what you own (content, member lists, images), then use any built‑in export or API features to back up posts, media, and member metadata. If native exports are limited, save HTML/RSS feeds and download images directly. Document URL patterns and important SEO fields (titles, meta descriptions). Create a migration map: which fields need to go to the new platform, and what can be archived instead. Do a small test export/import first before moving everything.

Security and moderation checklist. Turn on HTTPS and strong password rules if available, require email verification, add CAPTCHA for signups, and enable 2‑factor authentication for admins. Limit third‑party app access and regularly review admin roles and audit logs. Set clear community rules and a triage flow for spam or abuse so moderation doesn’t become a bottleneck.

Traffic and continuity tips. Preserve SEO by keeping or mapping permalinks, run an announcement campaign for members, and capture emails so you can reach people outside the platform. Encourage top contributors to migrate first and act as ambassadors. If moving off a hosted service, compare total cost of ownership, exportability, and admin controls across options (self‑hosted forums, hosted community platforms, or a CMS plus plugins). Test thoroughly and keep incremental backups during the transition.

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Member Avatar for urminenow

yes..I am using ning to promote my sites...

Member Avatar for InsightsDigital

So you are using Ning as a microsite?

Member Avatar for mackone

We've been using Ning for a while now to create an open community.

Member Avatar for sadiakomal

yes..I am using ning to promote my sites...

how your getting traffic from ning ?

Member Avatar for redesignunit

i just heard about ning but not much experience. let me check proper

Member Avatar for askpcexperts

Yes, I am using the Ning. And I have created a sub-domain on the ning and have posted also some blogs on there.

And I am also getting traffic on my website.

Member Avatar for espsol

yeah i've heard about Ning and have this site in my pipeline to work on it... seems good site after reading here.. will try it now

Member Avatar for qlipboard

I read it somewhere that Ning is shutting down all their free sites and if you want to keep your site then you have to pay.

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