The future of The Educator's PLN

[Olaf Elch]

Since the announcement by Ning regarding their future policy on fees, I've been expecting a discussion to appear here.  I'm not sure if everyone is waiting for someone else to start it, so here goes...

What do people think we should do?  Should we seek sponsorship?  Are there free alternatives?

Anything and everything can be suggested here, as the choice appears to be: pay or change.  This isn't a discussion where comments are welcome; it's a discussion where comments are necessary!

[Thomas Whitby]

We sent out a message to all of the members. We plan to seek corporate and non-profit sponsorship for this Ning site. A number of organizations have already stepped forward. As the creator of this Ning, I am determined to keep it moving forward at no cost to its members. It would help greatly appreciated, and give us more bargaining power, if all of our members would recruit colleagues. The larger the community the easier it is to secure funding.
Thanks

Tom Whitby

[Janey Nolan]

Hi Thomas
I have invited more than 50 people to this site today so I hope the members of" Isolated to Connected" a site for remote geography teachers from New Zealand enjoy and join your site. I agree we don't want to charge people to join our sites. The larger the community the more difficult it is to really know our members. Face to face meetings and relationships are very important also.
I have been offered funding but only have 58 members! Let me know if you would like to be invited to a very small community of practice ning site as your site is inspirational.
Kind regards
Janey Nolan

[Thomas Whitby]

I would be honored to join your site. I must tell you up front however, that I will have limited visits. It is important to reach out for ideas and perspectives from others.This Ning and #Edchat as well as my own blog are taking way more than I ever imagined, but I am getting out of them way more than I ever imagined.Thanks for joining our community and send me an invitation.