A writing group is a good way to obtain feedback and support in developing a distinct writer’s voice. However, writers need to be seen as well as heard if they want their work to be shared and valued. Setting up a social network, which can also showcase individual writers is a great way to start being noticed.
What is a Ning Social Network?
A Ning social network is a little like Facebook, but less daunting and can easily be personalised to reflect a group as well as individuals. Ning allows users to create an individual social network for groups of any kind. The network as well as providing a platform for the group, in this case writers, also allows group members to have an individual presence through a personal page and blog. It is easy to set up, share with others and maintain.
Benefits of a Ning Social Network
Firstly, it is free and although sometimes you get what you pay for, with Ning this means Google adverts. They do offer a paid option if you prefer to have these removed.
Secondly, its more than just a website or a blog, it is both and this is one of its biggest advantages especially for a writers group. The main page reflects the group as a whole, who the members are, displays events, meetings, blog entries and comments. In addition, members have their own page, a bit like a website and the ability to blog. So if a visitor wants to find out more about an individual they can.
Thirdly and by no means last, a Ning social network is easy to set up. A choice of template designs are available with the ability to personalise through colour and text. Pages and tabs can be added depending on the needs of the group.
Features of a Ning Social Network
- Gadgets – Ning allows the uploading of gadgets, which can help to reflect the group’s image. For writers, this could be a daily literary or inspirational quote, the word of the day or games to free the brain from writers block
- RSS Feeds – these are up-to-date feeds from websites and blogs, which help to keep the site fresh and interesting. A feed from the Society of Authors, Historical Fiction or a daily newspaper could be added for example.
- Members Pages – personal blog entries can be shared throughout the site, which helps visitors to gain an insight into the group as well as individuals. Members can choose a different template for their page, which reflects them as an individual and can add as much or as little information as they like.
- Chat facility – Ning also has a chat facility so if members are on line at the same time, they can ‘chat’ in real time. Whilst this option is not as sophisticated as other ‘messenger’ services, it allows writers to keep in touch if they wish to, when on line.
- Membership – there are several membership options depending on the needs of the group and varying levels of access if this is required. There is also the facility to approve potential members if the group has particular criteria for joining.
Setting up a Ning Social Network is easy and administration of the group can be shared with other members. It allows individual writers to develop a presence individually as well as part of a group and provides opportunities for marketing their work.
