BYRON BEARD's Page

Santa moves from the North Pole to the Internet

Happy holidays from the Ning Team! While many people have today off, not all Ning Network members do. For instance: the members of MAPS (Michigan Association of Professional Santas), a Ning Network for Michigan-based Santas and their “counterparts” — elves, Mrs. Clause, etc. Members can take advantage of special offers for members (use of a [...]

Waggleforce: Working together to get back to work

A waggle is the dance that an individual honey bee does, as he works for the greater good of the whole colony. Within a group of people working together, if each one does their own “waggle”, then a waggle force has been created. The Waggleforce Ning Network helps members collaborate with each other to create [...]

A new way of reaching out for Immaculata University

On Monday, we talked about a trend we’re seeing on Ning; admissions offices creating Ning Networks for their admitted students to connect with each other before arriving on campus. Today we’re posting the second of three interviews we’ve completed with Network Creators of three these Ning Networks. Up today is Derek Luther of Immaculata University. [...]

Is there life after New York?

A recent study found that New Yorkers are the unhappiest residents of the U.S., coming in dead last in a study of all 50 states. So what’s a New Yorker to do? For some, there’s a simple answer – leave. But how do you find the strength to leave a city that inspired the quote: [...]

Online orientation at Alfred University

Ed note: On Monday, we talked about a trend we’re seeing on Ning; admissions offices creating Ning Networks for their admitted students to connect with each other before arriving on campus. Today we’re posting the first of three interviews we’ve completed with Network Creators of three these Ning Networks. Up first is Jodi Bailey of [...]

Updates to Ning’s Privacy Policy

Today, we’re updating our Privacy Policy to make it easier for you to understand our privacy practices and how we use data at Ning. Some of the key changes include the addition of  a highlights page and simplified language. These changes do not alter the way in which we handle personally identifiable information and many [...]

Orientation starts early for incoming college students

Only a half-dozen years ago, incoming college students first saw their classmates in a “facebook,” a collection of headshot photos, which was mailed to incoming students. And they likely didn’t talk to their fellow incoming students until new-student orientation began after they arrived on campus. Times have changed, and Ning is fast becoming an important step [...]

Ning Apps for the Holidays

With the holidays upon us, I’d love to suggest a few Ning Apps that can help make the season brighter, more generous and possibly even a little more fun: SocialGiving Help support those that are less fortunate by donating to registered charities around the world. Ustream Stay connected with family, friends and fellow network members via live video streaming. [...]

Thisis50: If it’s hot, it’s here

Thisis50 makes a clear statement — if it’s hot, it’s here. Members can purchase 50’s latest album, Before I Self Destruct, and weigh in on their favorite track with a poll on the Main Page. It’s also the place to watch music videos, like the official “Do You Think About Me” video, which features 50’s [...]

It’s a Twilight Saga kind of year

There isn’t much more to say about Twilight at this point. If you haven’t read the books, caught a showing of the movie, stopped by the Twilight Saga Ning Network or chosen a side (Team Edward or Team Jacob), then you probably have found some secret lair that’s immune from the influence and effects of [...]