The Ning is a powerful free network building website in which each member gets a web page to build their profile, advertise their work and network with other members. The Ning uses Google advertising to support its free service.

British SCBWI Members can use the webpage to display a CV, portfolio, embed existing blogs, videos and images that are related to children's writing and illustrating.

Setting up your own website is relatively simple, requiring mainly word processing skills. Webmaster Candy Gourlay has already posted a series of how-to's on the Ning to help those who want to do more.

The page has a comment facility which allows visitors to leave comments. Even if you have an existing website, a page on the Ning is a good way of driving more traffic to your website and broadening your presence.

The Ning will replace the members page of the website which was getting heavy and unwieldy.

Members (you must be a paid-up member) who would like to take advantage of this amazing opportunity to have their own web page can get in touch with Candy, British SCBWI's webmaster at webmaster AT britishscbwi.org.

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