Using Community Software
With the many benefits that social networking sites offer, it is not surprising why many individuals, private and public firms have jumped in on this trend. Social networking sites allow them to reach potential customers easily and at a low cost. This is also why there is a good number of community software available on the market and while all of them are designed to help you achieve the same goal, they greatly differ in price, and features.If you want to know more about community software products, also called social networking software, you might want to read through the following most commonly heard questions regarding the use of such product.
Why Should I Use Open-Source?
Most community scripts are open-sourced, which means that the source code is available to the public for use free of charge. However, the word open-source has achieved a negative connotation because of the number of inferior quality open source software found over the Internet. That's why software firms took it upon themselves to modify their permissions and offering their software as 99% open-source. For instance, with the Chameleon community software, you are free to modify it according to the parameters you prefer but you will only be limited to the files that are not encrypted. Nevertheless, you should have no problems in implementing your planned modifications.
In addition, Chameleon has a strict policy with regard to redistribution. Unlike the 100% open source that can be redistributed and shared by large companies, the Chameleon community software implements the "no selling, giving away, licensing and distribution of either an excerpt or the entire source code."
How Are Post and Member Screenings Implemented?
The integrity of your social networking site begins and ends with the posts that your users create. But no matter how strict your guidelines may appear to be, they will not be useful if they lack the tooth necessary in application. So choose the community software that offers you the choice of manually approving requests for memberships. The Chameleon community script includes functions for the manual or auto approval of members. This means that users can check other users out before they can add the latter. Users may also remove or edit existing members if they violate the site's terms.
This addition helps eliminate spammers and members that are using your community site for personal gains. This will also make the site a more fitting virtual space for everyone.
Do I Have to Upgrade My Computer to Enjoy The Site?
It depends on the site owner. By default, the software comes with an upgrade button that can be viewed from each user's homepage. However, the button can be hidden and the user can use all or some of the features for free. However, as the administrator, this community software gives you the option to set the period and conditions of your free trial membership.
With any community software, personalization is the key to creating a unique and successful social networking site. Yes, the source code can be used by multiple individuals in the same niche but because you are free to modify it, you should be able to come up with your own social networking site that is in line with your business and the perceived needs of the majority of your users.
