TechCrunch is reporting that Ning, the easy-to-configure-out-of-the-box social network, is killing off their free product, “forcing existing free networks to either make the change to premium accounts or migrate their networks elsewhere.” (via)
This is a big opportunity for WordPress MU and the web development community to create Ning-like sites using a stable WordPress MU install and BuddyPress plugin. The WordPress 3.0 roadmap supports this thinking.
Let’s compare prices, shall we?
| Feature | Ning | WordPress MU |
| Support | $10/mo ($120/year)- $100/mo ($1,200/year) | Free via developer community |
| Custom domains | $5/mo ($60/year) | Varies (GoDaddy, NetSol, etc) |
| Extra storage & bandwidth | $10/mo ($120/year) | Varies (HostGator, Bluehost, (mt), etc) |
| Ad Removal | $25/mo ($300/year) | None |
| Hide that you’re running your social network on Ning | $25/mo ($300/year) | None |
| Yearly cost: | $900.00 – $1,980.00 | Varies (≤$200) |
The conclusion I draw from all this, is that with a little technical know-how, you can set up your WordPress MU community with a savings of at least 78% of the cheapest ad-free, unbranded Ning community. Sure, you’ll inherit the hassle of actually having to know what you’re doing, coupled with managing a shared hosting account, but the cost savings will more than make up for any knowledge gaps.
And, you know, there are people out there who can help set these networks up. *cough*
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