Folks who are familiar with the Ning social networks — especially the pair which are of most interest to us (eClassics and Schola) — were likely concerned t’other day when the folks in charge of Ning decided they were going to charge for the erstwhile free service, potentially threatening the survival of such networks. Fortunately, Andrew Reinhard mentioned eClassics would continue:
It was announced today that Ning (the host and creator of the platform for creating social networks like eClassics and Schola) will be suspending its free, site-building service, meaning that Ning network creators will need to pay to keep these free sites open and running.
I am writing to let you know that I am committed to keeping eClassics open and free to visitors and members, and will be paying Ning to upgrade to a premium level of service. The site will continue to be free for you to use. With nearly 1,600 international members, many of whom visit at least once per week and who use material here for classes, it’s important to maintain eClassics and to keep it here on Ning.
… as did Evan Milner in regards to Schola:
Ning have just announced on their Developer Network that they are terminating their free service – the cut off date has not yet been given, but this will effectively kill Schola, and this site as well. I will, however, convert Schola to a Premium site, if there is no alternative way to keep it alive on Ning. This at present is $10 a month, the new pricing schedule has not been announced.
I am also currently looking into alternatives as a fail safe, and am making arrangements to have Schola archived, just in case things go pear shaped so that at least what exists of the site will be preserved as a record, if we are unable to migrate the site elsewhere……but as things stand, this looks manageable….my first reaction was one of horror….but on reflection, no reason to panic.
via eLatin eGreek eLearn – More wired than a Roman Internet café.
I’m sure there are folks who will be willing to contribute financially to the ongoing survival of these very useful resources …
rogueclassicism 