Ning vs. Facebook: What's the Difference?

Ning is the newest outlet for social media, and differs substantially from other websites like Facebook and MySpace.

The biggest difference is that Ning allows the user to create their own personal network.

Here's how it works:

A person or company signs up with Ning, and creates a specialized network (concerning a specific topic, business or group).

Then he or she can customize the template and structure of the network to suit their specific needs.

With a click of a button, other Ning members and outsiders can be invited to join the newly created Ning network.

A user may also search the Ning communities to find networks similar to your own, in order to share information and increase the activity within a network.

Employees of a company who are linked into the Ning network may share ideas and project information directly through the site. Ning is also an excellent method of networking with colleagues or co-workers.

Mitch Joel, author of Six Pixels of Separation, compares the basic difference of Facebook and Ning to that of a tire. In social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, the user is a spoke, while the user of Ning is able to become the hub.

For those trying to create buzz around a topic within your industry, wheel it on over to Ning and see if it isn't worth a go.