Table of Contents
omidyar.net source code
The source code for omidyar.net is available to anyone for free. This would offer the functionality of omidyar.net without the content. There are two significant costs associated with running that platform: the server hosting and paying someone to maintain the system.
Here's a discussion of NED's plans to use the omidyar.net source code.
please join the related discussions about using the omidyar.net source code (and/or) whether there should be any modifications to the source code (and if so, which ones?)
Wiki-centric platforms
Wiki-centric platforms are like the workspaces in omidyar.net - they offer the ability for multiple people to edit the same document. They are appropriate for communities that are focused on collaborative work like creating resource lists or coordinating meetings, etc. Here's a great introduction: Exploring the World of Wikis. And here's a tool to compare the features and costs of a wide variety of wiki platforms.
Unless otherwise noted, the first four in the table below offer:
- easy set up and maintainance
- easy-to-use WISIWYG editing
- hosting so that you don’t have to worry about making arrangements to set up your own servers
- option to set up areas that aren’t open to public
- some comment functionality although not as robust as the pure forum-centric platforms below
Wetpaint could work well for a small community whose members don’t want to worry about technical or financial costs and don’t mind advertisements. Includes profiles and groups. Especially good for group blogging. Tagging and rating comments. Takes only a few minutes to create test community. No way to get rid of ads. There doesn’t appear to be many communities similar to omidyar.net using the platform so not much chance for synergy. Free with advertising. No paid option. Link to site: Wetpaint
Socialtext seems appropriate for a limited number of very active collaborators who are willing to pay. Disclosure: Omidyar Network is an investor in SocialText. No ads. Has many advanced features like file management, RSS, and email integration. Includes wikis, blogs, and groups. Cost is based on number of users. Expensive to scale. Not part of a wider community of people with similar interests. Non-profit rate - based on the number of users. Link to site: Socialtext
Wikispaces could work for many types of communities, especially those who want a low-cost option with no ads. The wider network includes groups with similar interests. No limits on numbers of pages, spaces, or members. Full RSS support. Easy space backups in zip and tgz. Less features than Socialtext. Limited profile functionality. Free with ads or $5/month without - for up to 2GB of file storage. Link to site: Wikispaces
AboutUs might work best for a community that is interested in connecting with other groups and doesn't require a totally autonomous group. Created by and used by some omidyar.net members. Offers opportunities to connect with similar communities already there. Does not have true WISIWYG editing so some may find it tedious to edit links, etc. No option to create a private area. Free with no ads. Link to site: AboutUs - Here's a omidyar.net discussion on AboutUs
OpenPlans could work for project oriented organizing. It refers to itself as a platform for social activism, and provides collaborative wiki pages and other tools. Link to site: OpenPlans
Forum-centric platforms - aka bulletin board systems
Forums are like the discussions in omidyar.net and make sense if dialog is central to your community. You can set up a forum that is for members only but opportunities for connecting with other communities are limited. Here's a site where you can compare the features and cost of many forum platforms.
Community type Strengths Weaknesses Cost & LinksvBulletin would be good for a larger community who can afford and make use of the strong set of tools. WYSIWYG editing. Admin tools for threads,Post rating, User reputation, Polls, Post Reporting to moderators, Private Messaging, Buddy list, Calendar, Who's online, Shared Project Management option. Cost and time to arrange hosting $85/year plus hosting. Link to site: vBulletin
MyBB would work for a community or cluster of communities who want a simple free platform and don’t need all the features of a paid option. Free, no ad hosting alternative. Multiple groups. Security features like IP Blocking. Karma/Rating system. Shows users online. Options for threaded or flat comments. No WYSIWYG editing so some may find it tedious to add links, etc. Only around since February 2007. Free service but charges for upgrades. Free options. Link to site: MyBB Free hosting at FreeForums
Yahoo or Google groups would work well for a community that wants a free platform and doesn’t mind ads, and doesn’t need lots of flexibility. Free. WYSIWYG. Some group functionality including membership, forums, mailing lists, and file hosting. WYSIWYG editing. Easy to set up and test for free. Widespread and so familiar to many. Advertising. Lack of flexibility. Free with advertising. Link to site: Yahoo Groups. Link to site: Google Groups.
Social Network-centric platforms
These platforms make it easy to connect with others. It may be difficult to translate a social network into an effective community. All three are really easy for anyone to test out quickly by forming an instant community for free.
Community type Strengths Weaknesses Cost & LinksWiserEarth could be useful for a community that has another way to stay cohesive and is looking to connect with other organizations and individuals. Great for cataloging nonprofit groups and for connecting with people and groups outside your community. Includes wikis, job, resource, and event postings. Groups within WiserEarth don't have members. So there is no way to limit who can edit a wiki. Might be hard for group to be autonomous. Free, no ads. Link to site: WiserEarth - Separate link to Update on new WiserEarth features.
Ning might be appropriate for a community that wants to be tight-knit and is not concerned with using the platform to connect with other resident communities. Free option. Allows you to create your own dedicated network with privacy options. Strong social network features include blogs, forums, profiles, groups. Ning received a new round of funding so expect more features. No wiki function. Limited forum functionality. Not used by similar communities so not much potential for synergy. Free with ads or $20/month without. Link to site: Ning
Facebook could work for communities who want to recruit members and be linked to other groups - campaigns could spread from one personal network to another. Has different group options: Open group: Anyone can join and see content. Closed group: approval is required for new members to join. Secret group: Membership is by invitation only, and only members can see the group information. Lots of additional applications, including donation options. Can show related groups. There is a discussion board for each group. It is possible to do more than one discussion but there are no notifications of posts. There are many distractions. Free with ads. Link to site: Facebook Link to omidyar.net Facebook thread.
Open Architecture Network Focused on the built environment and how to open access to the tools needed to create innovative and sustainable buildings, communities and public spaces. Allows teams to manage projects from idea to implementation. Supports Creative Commons as a licensing mechanism for physical structures. Users are able to create project slideshow, upload photos and CAD files for sharing. New features developed all the time. Users do not need to be professionals or required to use certain software. It is a new site and is slowly building its membership. It is still in beta and is a little buggy. Resources section yet to be put on-line. No reputation or feedback functionality. Free with sponsorship however may move to ads. Link to site: OpenArchitectureNetwork
Zaadz Good for groups focused on making ourselves and the world a better place, connecting with like-minded individuals and being known by our ideals and highest goals. Allows groups to create "pods" that are interest-centered. Supports rich individual user profiles and unlimited pod discussions. Users are able to embed photos and videos in profile, participate in web chat, and share personal goals, in addition to blogs and lots of tagging. Entire network is focused on things like Love, Spirit, Consciousness and Sharing. New features developed all the time. Its strength could be its weakness: the fluffy-bunny love could be a turn-off for some people. No wiki-like functionality that I can see. Use of the community would really be about creating cross-connections, not really good for organizing work for groups. No reputation or feedback functionality. Some might view all of the podcasts as a slow way to communicate. Free with ads. Link to site: Zaadz - Link to a Zaadz discussion here.
Ned the Platform Will be using the onet source code Familiarity We all know them, they have been discussed enough! Discussion ned
Razoo A beta site Good way to connect with issue based causes. Has community blogging, a novel reputation feature based on various categories like doing, speaking, inspiring, thanking Doesn't seem to be a way to have work spaces razoo.com
exom A drupal based platform in the birthing stage with lots of potential flexibility exomSite, Discussion exom
Other
Community type Strengths Weaknesses Cost & LinksWagn.org deep knowledge management tool that works much like a wiki and has tagging and real database abilities, the developers are onet members, tool also in use for consumer empowerment at hooze.org Ask for an invitation. Discussion Wagn
We encourage you to offer other possibilities.