There will be a platform release this Saturday night May 17, 2008, from 9-11 p.m. Pacific. During this window, Ning.com and all networks will be offline.

In addition to some behind-the-scenes work to improve scalability and performance across the Ning Platform, we are unveiling a brand dew design for Ning.com! We are also setting the stage for a more streamlined Create Your Own Social Network path to be launched on Monday. Learn more about the release here and see more screenshots in our Preview section on Network Creators.

As always, to stay up-to-date during this release, be sure to check out the Ning Status Blog.

Landroof is a social network about the Dutch television program, Landroof, shown on the VPRO television network.

The most striking thing is design of the network; it captures your attention immediately. The use of a great header, which integrates with the rest of the network, provides a visual depiction of nature growing out of a building. Landroof takes advantage of included features like videos, photos and locations (groups). Landroof also makes full use of the language editor, choosing the Dutch option, and translating additional phrases to those of their choosing.

A major feature added to the main page of Landroof is the map widget, where you can “Bekijk meldingen van Landroof op de kaart” or “See reports of Landroof on the map” (thanks google translate). A few other custom features include a search box on the right side of the network, and a tag cloud in the lower half of the main page.

If you are a fan of the television program Landroof, enjoy the Landroof network!

The ASPCA Online Community is a network for and about the welfare of animals.

Members are passionate and show that passion through their forum discussions. Discuss current affairs such as the Marine, puppy throwing incident or simply gathering together to appear on The Today Show. Discuss hot button issues such as animal cruelty or give some advice about inconsiderate neighbors.

Join one of the many groups that have brought members together. Relive the happy times you had with your beloved pet in the pet memorial group or tell your happy story about the abused animal who has a happy ending. Maybe you want to talk about the type of animal you love. In that case, take a look at the catsville, dogsville or the reptile room!

Members post their absolutely adorable and heartwarming photos and videos of their pets and animals. Take a look at animals getting cozy, comfy, suckling, or simply not existing. Learn about animal organizations, watch them talk to each other or watch an animal placement ad.

Anyone who has a soft spot in their heart for animals will fall in love with the ASPCA Online Community.

If you’ve ever lost yourself in a great book, you know the value of a great story. With virtually an unlimited amount of choices, it’s tough to find engaging, up-and-coming authors and writers. Here at Ning, we’ve found the next best thing. The Podiobooks.com community is where listeners, authors and creators can come together and take advantage of the social space to talk about their favorite podcasts and audiobooks. We had a chance to chat to Network Creator Evo Terra about this fantastic network. Here’s what he had to say about the ‘Podcast Revolution’:

Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Evo Terra. I live in Phoenix, Az.

What made you decide to create a social network on Ning?
Many of our members and authors were looking for ways to communicate better with one another. I had a specific need to create a sort of “mentorship” program, where existing podiobook authors could help guide along those who were new to the process. And why build those sorts of features when Ning had them ready to go?

What makes Podiobooks so unique?
Podiobooks.com exists for a single reason: to help “underpublished” authors reach a wider audience. The tools and technology to make your own audiobook are ubiquitous, but we saw an opportunity to bring hundreds — hopefully thousands — of authors together under a single roof. They have 100 percent freedom with their content — it’s their book. Our job is to help make it as easy as we can for listeners to find and enjoy the books. We’ve got a long way to go, but we’re happy with where we are today — just over 200 titles!

What is your favorite audiobook or podcast? Any particular authors or artists you recommend us tuning into?
I’m a huge fan of many of the podcast audiobooks available on our site, and I’m constantly amazed at the level of quality many of our authors can achieve with very little money in equipment and a whole lot of attention to detail. I have my list of favorites, but we’re adding so many each week that it’s tough to keep up!

What features do you like the most on your network?
That I don’t have to mess with it. One of our authors, Nathan Lowell (great stories. Listen to them. All of them!) has taken on the mantle of “admin” for me. He’s fantastic. And even without him, there’s very little I’d have to do. With enough people contributing, this thing runs itself!

What surprises you the most from members ?
That they seem to live on the site. Seriously. I post a comment or a note, and I get feedback instantly. I always thought I was quick on the draw, but these people…

Any advice for aspiring Network Creators? How do you suggest Network Creators spread the word about their network?
You need to have a focused topic and a user base in need of “activation”. Without that, you’re just another SNS without a point or people. And really, we don’t need more of them. So if you fit that bill, give it a shot. As far as spreading the word, we sort of “pestered” our existing site users in a fairly innocuous manner. For about a month, any outbound email (service ticket, donation thanks,etc.) was accompanied by a very personal “Hey, you might want to check out our new community section at…” note. It worked!

Run for Tecnostress is a network created by Italian journalist and blogger Enzo di Frenna. The network is for anyone who spends their days in offices behind computers, anyone who feels the stress of being constantly connected and plugged in.

Much like another network we’ve featured recently, 52 Nights Unplugged, the idea behind Run for Tecnostress is that taking a break from technology and unplugging for even a short period each day or week is the best way to keep yourself safe and sane. Members of the network use groups to find other members in their area, and then organize group runs to battle “tecnostress.”

Network Creator di Frenna believes that running, walking and meditation are the best solutions for preventing the stress brought on by constant contact with technology. His network has caught on, and was recently featured in a segment on Italian television station Rai 3. One of the most important newspapers in Italy, La Repubblica, also wrote about “Technostress” and di Frenna’s mission to eliminate it.

He’s also done quite a bit of research into the professions that are most at risk for “technostress.” His research was presented at the Media 2.0 conference in Milan this past week, along with his proposed solution of running to prevent technology-induced stress. Read more about his research on the network.

If you need a break from technology, check out Run For Tecnostress and organize your own running group today!