I like the idea of using Ning communities over Facebook groups just because they're not a part of a walled garden but it's now clear that *any* choice of social network provider is going to come with its own unique risks and rewards.

Let's not let this story dissuade us from taking advantage of the social media smorgasbord before us though, it's just too useful to watch it pass us by.

I like the idea of using Ning communities over Facebook groups just because they're not a part of a walled garden but it's now clear that *any* choice of social network provider is going to come with its own unique risks and rewards.

Let's not let this story dissuade us from taking advantage of the social media smorgasbord before us though, it's just too useful to watch it pass us by.

In the DIY Social Network space, Ning has become the defacto 'do-better-than' reference not because it's great, but moreso because of their users lack of engagement (attributed to features and interface).

I would imaging that Widget Labs feels more of an opportunity they took with their direction than maintaining an allegiance to Ning. The fine print and available legal resources available lead me to think a settlement would result.

I look forward to seeing how this pans out.