Did you make any progress with this? I have my users from a different source, but would be happy to just transfer username and email address if I have to.

Getting the user data into any format I like for import is no problem. The question is, how the heck does one import something into elgg? I have tried my luck with the GUID tool, hoping to at least figure out the basics with just one user and then go from there. But somehow I can't even get that to work. I even used the tool to first export a user, change the exported data little, like different names etc and import the whole thing back again. Each time I get an error telling me that what I try to import isn't a valid OpenDD format. But it's exactly the format the system exported just a minute before!

I'm also looking into this --- if anyone has any stories about mass-importing and creating Elgg user accounts, please share.

Hi. I just spent a few hours going through a possible specification for importing NING members into Elgg. The database structure of Elgg is pretty unusual, but I had most of it worked out until I suddenly realised the big difference between the two structures: the NING system does not utilise a username for one thing, which is key for Elgg - without a username there is no account. I could generate usernames on import, sending them out to the members via email, but no doubt many of them would want to change their usernames. I suppose they could email back with their requested username changes, but there is nowhere you can directly edit a members username in Elgg - you would have to edit the users_entity table directly. Still, it might be do-able. Anyhow, let me know if there is still much of a demand for an Elgg import NING script and I will chew over it some more...

Related thread here: http://community.elgg.org/mod/groups/topicposts.php?topic=494236&group_guid=211069

Hi Guys! I think that with this new policy of Ning, that will charge since 2010 July, it's a great opportunity to improve Elgg's communities...

I think it's verrry important for Elgg to set up a tool for importing data from Ning. It will be verry useful for potential users of elgg. Ellg must think seriously at this opportunity created by Ning. I also need to transfer a network from Ning to Elgg, but i have no ideea how to do this and have no money to pay someone...

kewlworx, im interested in this plugin, too.

Hello @Cliff,

The username issue can be solved leting the users login by its email. Using Pedro Prez login by email plugin (http://community.elgg.org/pg/plugins/pedroprez/read/384496/login-by-email-02). This is, import all the users, create the usernames but let them login by its email address.

To transfer all the Ning data we suggest to ask for the data to the Ning's guys, check this out http://help.ning.com/cgi-bin/ning.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3772

If you are still looking for a developer just let us know (info@keetup.com)

Regards.

We have experience in importing all the ning users and their profile details to elgg for some of our clients. If you people need we can show some works done already. You can use our elgg user importer (Commercial service) and "login by email (free plugin in community)" for the users to login to elgg site.

(NB: We do import from any source)

Regards
Team Webgalli
http://webgalli.com

@kewlworks : by importer, i meant another plugin, not the contacts importer plugin and by login by email plugin, its available in the community for free.

Nb: i updated my earlier post to avoid confusion :)

Regards
Team Webgalli
http://webgalli.com