Ning users have until August 20 to select from one of three new products and pricing plans Ning rolls out officially on July 20th.

It is with regret that I must share Ning’s intention to phase out their free offering. They have announced that all network creators will receive a letter in July giving Ning network owners 30 days to convert their communities into one of three paid packages ($2.95-49.95/month) completely changing the offerings/pricing structure they marketed to us originally.  Am I reading this right????

In their announcement, they say…

Our shift to a paid service model will enable us to focus to a greater degree on enhancing the features, performance and services we offer to our paying Network Creators. You’ll immediately see greater control over your network branding, design and member experience.

Shame on you NING!  In as much as I’d planned on upgrading the two NING networks I have not done so far, I do NOT like dealing with companies who change the rules to suit them or having my hands forced. I will not be promoting you moving forward!

What do you think of their approach?  Will you continue using Ning or look for another solution?  Please click on the link and tell me what you’re thinking!

Here is a walkthrough on how to upload an image to your Ning profile:

1. Sign in to your Ning account
2. Scroll down to your account navigation, which will be on the right side of your screen, and include options such as Inbox, Alerts, Friends and Settings.
3. Click on Settings
4. On the My Settings page, near the top of the screen there will be a photo header, next to a blank box with a button marked Browse.
5. Find logo you would like to upload on your computer, and click open.
6. The profile image on your page will now be your logo.