What is Ning? How do networks work?

[Ms Dynomite]

see also:

• How are Ning and Tribe SIMILAR?
• other topics on Migrating from Tribe
• the About Ning.com section on the FAQs + Help page

What is Ning? What are networks?

Ning.com is just a host, allowing anyone to create individual networks (sites). Each network has it's own categorized Forum, plus various tribe-like Groups within that network (see the Groups tab above to view Tribe Refugees' Groups). The networks (sites) themselves are not linked, though you can navigate between networks fairly easily once you've signed onto them. Each network (site) operates independently and requires it's own membership.

This actually makes sense when you think about it: a sewing network will want different information about members than a celebrity fan network. Also, if all several thousand Ning members were to have to funnel through a single site you'd have to wade through a lot of things you weren't interested in to get to discussions and features you wanted. Different networks on Ning allow for a more specialized experience.

Here's how Ning and the networks interact:

First, you have a Ning.com profile.
This is the minimal, bare bones thing you use to access the whole Ning system itself (the various networks). It's what allows you to join and create networks. That is the unifying profile. So when you signup to a new network your Ning.com profile name and image are automatically transferred to that network. You can of course change your username and profile image to be unique for each if you want.

Second, you have your network profile(s).
The reasoning here is that each network on Ning is a separate entity, and therefore requires a separate profile. While some may have commonalities (such as similar themes or sister networks), each remains independent. This is actually a good thing. As I mention above, it allows each network creator to tailor the site to meet the members' needs.