Social Framework

When choosing a social network platform, there's more than features to take into account. It is more about how functionality is available, how it is built and how it can be managed. What's not for everybody's eyes is equally important, in order to make the network manageable as it grows and to understand how and why it grows.

The Framework consists of a number of essential features that are required for any social network such as member lists, networks, messages and forums. In addition to this, the platform has included features that can bring substantial revenue, as they can be included in a premium features package. Examples of this are image galleries, heat mapping, classifieds and job search. Bindcity not only delivers a turn key solution to start a social network but also packs services to create a better experience for the visitor. This service is included in the price of the social network platform until the version is built, tested, implemented and bug free. Below are listed the most important features of the social network that are included in the platform. The framework is created to simplify adjustments and additions according to each project needs.

Member Presentation

My Public Page

Member information

Communication

Images and Video

Groups

Event Calendar

Yellow Pages Directory

Market Place

Member Presentation

My Profile – A dedicated are where the user enters all personal information. The user can also choose to make certain information either private, visible to friends, or to the entire network.

My Private Page – The private page gives a member a summary of all information that concerns him/her. Most social networks choose this page as the start page, after login, as it gives the member a good overview. Examples of information that is displayed on this page are: Messages, New network connections, Replies to forum threads created by me, Groups I belong to Member status (unread messages, pending connections, member since etc)

My Public Page

The Public Page is how a person is how a person appears to others in the network. Several different “Public Pages” can be created depending on the purpose. Public pages are created to suit the needs of clicking on the name from different areas on the site. Each time a name is displayed on the site, it will be hyperlinked to some kind of a public page. It can be everything from a full page with tabs for each profile area to a small pop-up with only the most basic information. You can choose what presentation you prefer from each section of the site.

Member information

Member lists – A social network exists because of its members. Member list is a fully adjustable catalogue of all (or a limited number) members that are listed. Member list can be searched and sorted by any variable in the system. By categorizing members (by location, industry, age or any other type of your choice) member list can be filtered to display only members that fit into a chosen criteria.

Invitations & Join – The framework can either be a totally open network letting anyone join, or an invitation-only network, which only accepts members that have been invited by another member. The administrator can choose to turn on and off members’ invite rights, hence giving the administrator the power to choose the ultimate member growth. Each member will always have to join the network. As soon as a member does join, he becomes part of the social network, and will appear in the member list.

Networks – The network is the key to any social network that creates the glue that makes the network special. The framework enables presentations of a network any way you like. The network is a function of all accepted invitations and connections a member accepts, as well as the members that accept each invitation or connection that is sent. The platform has an advanced system to take care of and log all no replies, ignores, declines and accepted connections to make the system manageable from a user standpoint, without having to involve administrators or webmasters. Each member can choose to categorize a member any way he likes. This is a personal categorization, which is never visible to others. This can then be used to segment the network by family, friends, co-workers or acquaintances.

Connections – All connections are mutual. This means there is never any risk of two people seeing a connection differently in the system. Connection notifications can be sent out by email, newsletters or displayed on the site. All connections (accepted, ignored, declined and those not yet replied) can be handled on a dedicated page “manage network”. It gives each member the possibility to change their minds about an action taken at any time.

Communication

Messages – The framework has a complete messaging system giving each member the possibility to reach any other person in the network. It supports all kinds of attachments, reminders and notifications. It is important to note that this is a feature that needs careful consideration before implementation. Attachments are a big risk for virus, notifications are often considered spam, and reminders are usually never appreciated. A social network messaging system is not a substitute to email, but rather a complement. The choice of implementation shall take that into account.

Instant Messaging – Instant messaging allows members to chat like the hugely popular ICQ, MSN Messenger, SKype chat etc. It has its own built in web-based instant messaging. It uses the latest technology (AJAX) which means that it can be used by anyone without any installation required. The platform also works together with various third party IM client like Userplane, and can also offer a stand alone client. There is no “best” solution to choose. It all depends on which members are targeted and what they are expected to desire.

Forums – Forums are for many the main reason to visit a social network. Depending on the type of social network, the choice of forum is essential. Topics on the one hand are important to make the members feel that the network has understood the needs of the target group, and must be carefully selected. On the other hand there are the features in a forum, with everything from a plain and simple post and reply feature, all the way to a forum that enables rating and categorization. It is possible to give users all different kind of possibilities.

Chat – A chat can be created in many different ways. The platform has a simple chat of its own, but we recommend clients to select one of the third-party chats that give users both video and audio capabilities. The platform has chosen not to focus on these aspects in the system, as the third party solutions offer a broad variety of features.

Blogs – The framework Blogs give anything from one to all members the opportunity to express them selves. The administrator area can appoint certain members to be blog admins, which gives selected members the option to choose who shall get the right to blog. This feature can also be turned off, which gives every member their own blog.

Newsletter – The platform has an integrated Newsletter tool making it possible to send out individual newsletters to each member. After an initial setup, members can on a regular basis receive not only information about the company but also personalized information such as unread messages, pending connections etc.

RSS Feeds – The platform has an integrated Rss Feed Reader where the administrator can add optional sites that each user can subscribe to and get listed on their start page as they log in.

Images and Video

Photo Albums – The photo album is a top of the line, flash driven, image gallery. Members can upload and share images to any person both members and non-members of the social network. An advanced upload tool gives members the possibility to upload multiple images at once, making the gallery fully flexible for the user. The photo albums offer both slideshows as well as single viewing features.

Video – Video has a customized encoder allowing users to upload video that can be displayed on the site. Each user can choose to share videos publicly or to only make it accessible for certain friends.

Groups

Groups are a mini social network within the platform. By selecting certain areas of interest, these topics can be discussed with the group. The platform offers three different kinds of groups: Open, Apply Only and Cosed. Open groups can be entered without permission being granted, Apply Only groups require an application being filled and an acceptance by the group owner. Closed groups are not visible to others than those that are members of the group. Only the group owner can invite new members to a closed group. A group will also get a unique url, enabling members to join directly into the group, without passing the social network’s regular login.

Event Calendar

The Event calendar offers both a private and a public calendar. Private events can be shared and displayed to others, but can also be kept private, only letting the member see the events/appointments being posted. The public event calendar can either be hosted by the administrators or by the members that get the option to post public events that are of interest to others.

Yellow Pages Directory

The platform offers a complete directory listings section. The administrator can choose if the guide shall only contain information provided by the administrator, or if users shall have the ability to contribute. Any category is possible and all listings automatically get the functionality to be rated, commented and reviewed.

Market Place

Job Search – For the social networks that are targeting members in a certain industry a job search feature can be a good way of making revenue on the site. The framework has all the usual features, and can be personalized to fit your site. A job search feature within a social network has great possibilities to reach out, not only to people that are actively seeking a new job, making it increasingly interesting for employers.

Classifieds – It is possible to have a regular classifieds tool where members can post products for sale. The client can choose to make the tool entirely a member to member tool, if the social network shall act as an intermediary, making it possible to receive a percentage of each deal made on the site. This feature can also include bidding facilities to create your own eBay.