Siempre viva a Latin Roller

Posted by laura on May 15, 2008 – 6:32 am



Latin Roller
is a network for aggressive inline skaters in Latin America. And they are looking for members to join their team.

The network provides distinctive groups for each country in Latin America — Columbia and Mexico are theare the most populous. However, Ecuador has the most active membership.

Not for the faint of heart, Latin Roller attracts members willing to take risks on their skates. They share their success and crash aftermath in the video and photo sections. This content is further discussed in the forum, particularly the Multimedia category.

If you want to take your skating to the next level, check out the grinds at Latin Roller!

Getting in touch with Petbrags.com

Posted by hasan on May 15, 2008 – 5:57 am

If you’re a firm believer in every pet’s right to a Web page, Petbrags.com is the network for you! A lot has happened since we last featured Petbrags. They’ve added more forum discussions, a live chat feature and pet stars that are popular on their network. We decided to get in touch with the original ‘Bragger’ herself — Network Creator Jen Marcum — and chat with her about the success of Petbrags:

Who are you and how did you come up with the concept of Petbrags?
I’m Jen Marcum (aka Bragger), a technology professional and entrepreneur for many years, from Birmingham, Alabama. I’ve been in technology for 20+ years, from gigs in Silicon Valley to Wall Street. I love constant brain stimulus with new business ideas, and especially creativity, pets and technology. What can I do when I grow up that will include all three loves? One day my brother called: “Hey Jen, why don’t you create a Web site for pets?” Oh my, by George, I think we’ve got it! I had no idea of the significance of this “way of life“, Social Communities. As I researched the market for the major players I felt there really weren’t enough well known brands for all pets. Hmmm, what to name this new venture? Well, it’s all about bragging on our pet kids. What about PetBrags? And PetBrags was born!

What made you decide to create a social network on Ning?
I got extremely lucky and found Ning in a search on Yahoo.com. I thought it would take a huge budget, a complicated business model, and months to get this new venture off the ground. But, much to my surprise and delight, Ning was there and could make it possible overnight. From the time the first thought of this venture entered my thoughts, and after brainstorming with my brother and a couple of business partners, coming up with the name, finding Ning–24 hours later, PetBrags was up and running. Just amazing how it all came to pass. And it absolutely would not have been possible without Ning.

What makes Petbrags so unique? (a) PetBrags is for all pets, any kind of pet species. (b) PetBrags is rated PG, and we are extremely committed to keeping the site a family-oriented, kid-friendly pet community. Bragger (The Pack Leader) is our mascot and protector. Bragger constantly monitors the site, keeping it safe and fun for all. PetBrags has a real family feel, a warm and friendly environment. And we have real pet-lovers. Our members love the fact that they can let their kids use their accounts and feel like they’re safe. Additionally, we have active chat boxes/rooms that give that extra feel of warmth and community to our member’s site experience.

What do people like most about making their own Web site for their pet? Well, let’s face it. What do we love aside from our human kids, family and friends? Our pet kids! People love bragging on their pets. And PetBrags is the perfect place to do just that. I receive emails on a regular basis from members thanking PetBrags for the friendships they’ve made on the site.

What features do you like most on your network?
I love it that each member can have their own special space. The ability for the members to customize their special space is awesome. It makes them feel special, and gives them a way to not only brag on their pets but to express their creativity. Of course, the ability to upload photos, videos and music is the best. Being able to give members the ability to interface with major sites like YouTube and Flickr is most attractive. The members love the friend request feature. And I like having the right-hand column available to all pages.

What surprises you the most from members? Their kindness. Their caring and sincere words and actions still amaze me. Our members are phenomenal. If a pet is in trouble, ill, or even if the pet’s owner is having problems, just tell the loyal Braggers on PetBrags. I can guarantee that many members will react, lend a helping hand, answer questions, listen on the chat boxes, or do whatever they can to help you out. It’s really amazing. I think by being so strict on keeping the site decent and clean, we have attracted an extraordinary personality type.

What’s next for Petbrags? We own and plan to pursue the domains friendbrags and familybrags.com, along with several others. Hopefully, some day we’ll branch out, giving members even more options on content in addition to pet-related content.

Give Mommy Space

Posted by mariko on May 14, 2008 – 1:10 pm

You guessed it, this network is for mothers! Mommy Space is a place for mothers to come together and share their experiences.

Once a member, you can take a look at all the incredibly active forums that discuss anything from personal mother issues to potty training. Join one of the many groups that have been created. You will find groups such as one for single mothers, stay at home moms, 20-somethings, mothers with toddlers, even a group for mothers with children with birth defects.

Mommy Space is a fantastic support group for any mother. Bond together with those who have also experienced the beauty of life.

Everything Anime at MyAnimeZone

Posted by mariko on May 14, 2008 – 11:49 am

MyAnimeZone is a network for everything anime! From Naruto to Sailor Moon, you will find it here.

Members take the opportunity that this network gives them to talk about everything involved with their favourite anime. Join forum discussions about Naruto vs Bleach, Allen Walker vs Ruroni Kenshin or the nature of Negima. You can even take a look at some great sketches that members have made of their favourite anime stars. Join one of the many groups that have been created for anything from fanfiction to girls with purple hair.

MyAnimeZone is the perfect network for anyone who can’t get enough anime!

Flatpicking Guitar

Posted by laura on May 14, 2008 – 7:13 am

Flatpicking Guitar is the latest magazine to create a corresponding network. As such, it offers visitors the opportunity to subscribe to the magazine, as well as join the network.

Magazine editor Dan Miller created Flatpicking Guitar, and has taken full advantage of the recently added Notes feature. Resources include a list of guitar instructors, broken down by state, FAQ about flatpicking and links compiled by Flatpicking Guitar Magazine.

This trove of information has attracted nearly 600 members to date, who have been busy, adding videos, photos, and links to their personal flatpicking Web sites.

Fan of flatpicking, or accomplished at the flatpick jam? Then stop by Flatpicking Guitar!

Crafting a message with PitchEngine

Posted by beth on May 14, 2008 – 5:41 am

PitchEngine tracks the social media PR revolution from an insider’s perspective. The network brings together PR managers, agencies and clients to talk about how social media is changing the industry, whether it’s finding yourself pitching a story idea via Twitter or wondering if anyone uses AP style anymore.

The network was started by Jason Kintzler, a communications manager at Brunton, an outdoor company based in Wyoming. He blogs regularly on the network, sharing his thoughts on why social media PR gets a bad rap and how to pitch your PR 2.0 ideas internally.

He has kept the network simple, focusing the main page on blog posts and RSS feeds and including only profile pages and the Forum to encourage discussion between members. Sometimes less really is more! For these PR professionals, it’s all about the written word.

If you’re ready to take your PR strategy to the next level, PitchEngine will help you do it!

Riders unite at ShowMyPony

Posted by mariko on May 13, 2008 – 2:32 pm

ShowMyPony is a social network for riders and their horses!

Groups and forums have been created to discuss everything relating to horses! Is your horse your best friend or have you ever done something stupid on a horse? Or maybe you trained your horse. You can even discuss riding tips or pre-show jitters.

Members have taken full advantage of the new “events” feature and have listed tons of upcoming events! Take a look at the shows coming up in Williamsburg and Middleburg, Virginia.

Members post photos and videos of their horses and shows. Watch as they compete in shows or simply enjoy the company of their friends.

Anyone horse enthusiast and rider would be missing a great network if they let ShowMyPony ride off into the sunset without them!


I’m a Colorado Birder, are you?

Posted by laura on May 13, 2008 – 2:04 pm

Colorado Birder is the network for birders, or birdwatchers, in Colorado.

Gary Lefko created Colorado Birder and focuses the network on activity both off and online. The latest activity feed on the left side of the network, announces new blogs, discussions, and network facts. Did you know there are 176 members on Colorado Birder?

Gary prominently displays the event calendar on the main page, allowing members and visitors to plan their birding activities. So far, more than 50 events have been posted, from festivals to field trips!

Hundreds of photos and videos have been added to the network, by the birding aficionados. Members display their feathered preferences in their profile photos and in response to profile questions. In a unique use of a music player, Gary has added over a dozen birdsongs!

Birding learning continues with discussions and notes of sightings. Gary also uses a text box on the main page to provide an extensive set of links to external informational websites, like the American Field Guide.

If you have an upcoming trip to Colorado, or merely want to learn about birding, swoop in to Colorado Birder!

Making the world smaller for Hazara students

Posted by mariko on May 13, 2008 – 12:58 pm

Hazaras Study Abroad is a social network for Hazara students from around the world! Share your “knowledge and experience to help you study abroad. Ask your questions, get practical guidance, and study abroad through scholarships and other ways.”

Forums are highly active and discuss many interesting and informative topics. Discuss the best way to apply for a visa, the 2009-10 Fulbright Scholarship Program or what Universities offer scholarships

Find the group that matches your profile! Connect with others that share your history or simply discuss anything! There are even groups geographic locations. Check out these groups if you are or were a Hazara student in India, Germany, China, UK, US or Australia.

Any Hazara should take a look at Hazaras Study Abroad and connect with other Hazaras students around the world!

i-Italy: The Italian/American Digital Project

Posted by Mackenzie on May 13, 2008 – 10:21 am

i-Italy

The i-Italy network is a community for those interested in Italy and Italian America. Subtitled “The Italian/American Digital Project,” i-Italy is a non-profit organization that has a goal “to connect Italian Americans and Americans who love Italy, using the Web to build social, cultural and business releationships,” project coordinator Ottorino Cappelli said.

The organization’s main page is like a digital magazine, a collection of blogs discussing current events and engaging in cultural debate related to Italy and Italian American. They are dedicated to building an online presence. The network and magazine tap into the romance and allure that Italy and Italian Americans inherently possess.

i-Italy’s members are dedicated learning and spreading knowledge about the wonderful culture of Italy and Italian America. The network is unique because of the bilingual blogs and forum threads that tie the members together in their shared passion. They’ve even taken advantage of the music player feature to upload Italian music. Here’s the current featured playlist:


The network has been beautifully integrated into the organization’s main Web site with a similar color scheme and the same lovely custom header. It allows those reading the main Web site to engage in discussions and post their own blogs in a comfortable environment. i-Italy’s network provides a gathering place for not only Italian Americans and Italians living in America, but for anyone who is interested in the romance of Italian and Italian American culture.

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  • Planned downtime 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday Pacific Time

    There will be a platform release this Saturday night May 17, 2008, from 9-10:30 p.m. Pacific. During this window, Ning.com and all networks will be offline. In addition to some behind-the-scenes work to improve scalability and performance across the Ning...

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