OpenSocial a dud?

[Jake L.]

So how many people actually implemented custom OpenSocial apps on NING? I'm talking about real apps and not games or ways to "bling" your site/page or some freebie apps provided by NING.

I, for one cannot find a developer for a simple database app where users can enter their opinions, ratings and reviews.

Until we see some serious (useful) apps being developed OpenSocial is a big dud.

Take a look at the Applications list here, 95% of it useless to me, and I don't mean any disrespect to the developers but I don't care about "blinging" my site or playing games and neither do my users.

Where is an OpenSocial directory app?
Where is an OpenSocial classifieds app?
Where is an OpenSocial ratings/review app?
Where is an OpenSocial jobs board app?

I have no problem paying for development of the above, it is just that no developer is willing to dedicate their time to an unproven platform.

Jake

[Kyle Ford]

Hey Jake! We encourage you to stay tuned over the next two months as we roll out our support for OpenSocial Applications at the network level, many of which will be targeting the functionality you've mentioned above. Thanks!

[Jake L.]

So in two months you will let people use OpenSocial applications site-wide. How is that going to help ME and all of your Network Creators?

This does not satisfy the need for above mentioned applications. Do you really think all of the sudden 100s of developers will be all lining up to develop applications for NING? I don't think so unless NING starts developing OpenSocial apps themselves I don't see a bright future ahead for this platform.

I'm being a realist, that is all.

jake

[Ernie H.]

Hi Jake,

Thanks for your feedback.

We are looking at different approaches to try to get developers on board with developing applications with Ning; the initial OpenSocial Application run has been exclusively through having developers contact us, rather than vice versa. We are reaching out to Developers for viable solutions, this time around, to build some of the applications you've previously mentioned. Which will be available over the next two months. Development takes time.

We understand your frustrations and respect your opinions; that said, saying that "OpenSocial is a big dud" isn't helpful to us on suggestions for improving the program. If you have any productive ideas and constructive feedback on ways to improve Developer Programs, drop us a line. :)

Thanks!
- Ernie

[Kurt]

Jake,
I asked the same question just a day or two ago (even more bluntly). All I see are kid's games (that even kids would think suck). Nothing useful at all in the way of applications that will enrich users (and site owners) experience. Not one Developer reached out to me to offer his/her skills.

Kurt

[Jake L.]

Exactly my point.

When developers had webDAV access and the platform was open development flourished. Right now it is non existent. All we hear are promises but nothing to show for. No developer responds to job offers and requests. To me that is a clear sign something is wrong with OpenSocial.

OpenSocial was released in November 2007. Someone at NING please enlighten us and give us a list of lets say 3 OpenSocial applications that are actually useful and would enhance a NING network like Scripts4NING addons did.

I expressed the same view to the CEO of NING. I believe NING is stubbornly supporting OpenSocial regardless of their users' dissatisfaction and lack of developer support.

Sooner or later another player will come into the field who will compete with NING and actually listen to their customers instead of Google.

Jake

[Ernie H.]

Kurt & Jake,

Thanks for your feedback. Additional constructive feedback can be sent to http://help.ning.com, but I am closing this thread for additional replies.

Thanks!
- Ernie