Those Shoes Don’t Fit!
It does too much!
I was actually surprised when I asked last night’s panel about their experience with choosing a technology or platform that didn’t fit. The panel’s no response indicated that they always picked the right one. This can’t be the case! To clarify, I mean that the software/platform/web application didn’t do everything you wanted it to do or discovering that it just did too many things. The response that “I am sure it is just a simple database thing” to move from one to another system is not a good one.
First of all, I don’t want to scare anyone into having to pick the right technology off the bat. For us, this is impossible. I mean we will have a good idea but we are bound to make mistakes. One thing you want to keep in mind is that you always look forward. Make sure that you can move to something bigger if needed (or downsize as the case may be). Ask the questions.
Also, have a back up plan! Even if this backup plan is copying and pasting everything and re-posting it to your site (which I have done). Just make that your parachute plan. It may be tedious but having that as a last resort can be comforting.
One last note–free software is never really free. There are always some catches. In some cases, the ability to export information to another platform maybe that catch!
I was so happy that you asked this question because i was wondering the same thing…and I too was a little put off by their response. I think that it may only emphasize the need to research thoroughly the platforms we choose…but it is still scary because research is much different than actual use!
Hmm. I thought one guest spoke frankly about going down the road with Ning and then leaving for WordPress and having some problems…. And in response to Christopher’s question, I thought one panelist remarked about the importance of making sure your data was portable, and she mentioned that Tumblr doesn’t allow for this, which is why she avoids it for blogs.
Did i imagine that?
“Free software is never really free.” Very true, especially in terms of dev costs… But I do think WP offers a pretty good deal in terms of data compatibility and import/export. At least from what I’ve experienced.
Also, it was alluded to but not said outright…. Ning is awesome for some stuff but not for import/export. Me personally? I’d only use it for temporary communities that serve a short-term purpose. But again that’s just me.
@Clint. Thanks for your comment. I guess I was more remarking on the fact that no one seemed to make the mistake of choosing the wrong platform. I honestly had NO idea there were so many tools out there and it seems inevitable that a wrong choice could be made.
Social networking platforms are fluid and dynamic, so trial and error is key to determine the most effective tools for our objectives. So yes, have a plan A, and plan B, and plan C, with pros and cons outlined for each option. It’s impossible to keep track of all the options! Overwhelming.
If the platforms are anything like other installable software then they are not so fluid and dynamic. Platforms are limited in different ways (language, space, features, upload-able material, etc). More importantly, one of the first lessons in a project launch is making sure your site is ready before going public. Launching something that is a test scenario is bad news. It really goes back to what Shirky talks about in his book – that amazing balance. Once consumers or potential participants visit your site and their needs aren’t met, you will bet that they will not return (and they WILL spread the word).