This document provides an overview of the social networking platform Ning, including: - What Ning is, its history of being founded in 2004, and its competition with sites like MySpace and Facebook. - How Ning allows users to create their own social networks for various interests and organizations, including how the FSU MSN program has used it since 2012. - The pros of Ning for connecting with others clinically, academically, and for fan interaction, as well as cons like costs and technical issues. - Details on how to create a Ning site, including features for branding, profiles, sharing content, groups, forums, blogs, and apps.

1. presented by
CINDY DELUCA, RN
&
MARY T. MATHIEU, RN
F S U M S N P R O G R A M F A L L 2 0 1 0
Ning

2. What it is...
 Platform for creation of social network site
 Ning in Chinese means peace
 URL = http://www.ning.com
 Slogan – Create your own social network for anything.
 Located in downtown Palo Alto, CA.
 Competes w/ MySpace, Facebook
You Tube What is Ning

3. Ning History
 Developed in 10/2004
 Founders Marc Andreessen and Gina Bianchini
 Initially free, until 04/2010
 Dr. Bechtel started FSC MSN 2012
FSU MSN Blog
FSU MSN 2012

4. Who uses Ning?
 We do!
 Politicians
 Talk Show Hosts
 Musicians
 Educators
 Non-profits

5. Ning Pros
 Make clinical, teaching, and scholarship connections
(Skiba, November/ December 2008).
 Developers have some creative control.
 iPhone interface as of 03/2009.
 Interaction w/ fans
 Sharing insight and connecting w/ friends
 Connect w/ experts on any subject.
 Public or private

6. Ning Cons
 Cost of service
 Three Fee schedules
 Effect on non-profits
 Technical Glitches reported

7. I
REFUSE
TO
“I refuse to pay”

8. CUPCAKES FOR A CAUSE
Bake Sale
To Support
NING

9. Ning Site Creation
 Branding and visual design freedom
 Unique member profiles
 Public or Private
 Invite and Share

10. Ning Site Creation (cont.)
 Latest Activity - Real-time status updates
 RSS Feeds - Ongoing access to blogs/websites
 Photos and Videos – Upload and share
 Chat - Online in real-time
 Groups – Dedicated discussion
 Discussion Forum – like Blackboard
 Blogs – as a tab or on main page
 Events – organize and track
 Ning Apps – additional features

11. Ning Demonstration
You Tube Video
How to Ning

12. References
Skiba, D. J. (November / December 2008). Nursing Education 2.0: Social
Networking for Professionals. Nursing Education Perspectives. 29. (6).
370-371.

13. Question and Answer Period

14. Thank you for listening!