Ning ends free service, shatters customer trust

The social network betrays users by telling them to pay for the service, or get out

The allure of a dedicated social network was undeniable. The features of a Facebook group were just too limiting; Ning lets you create multiple groups within your network, in addition to a host of other features.

The kinds of groups that took root on Ning are as diverse as the interests that occupy the thoughts of the world’s population. High school faculties set up private communities. Churches and synagogues established social networks, some for staff and clergy, others for congregants. Auburn PR professor Robert French created PR Open Mic for PR students and faculty. Chris Boyer opened a network to discuss social media marketing for hospitals. GovLoop is a network for government employees interested in pursuing social media as a channel. A colleague of mine, a volunteer high school football coach, has been using Ning as a place for team members, coaching staff and parents to interact. Just last week I joined a Ning network dedicated to employee engagement.