I've been with webs since 2007, and used Ning off and on back in the day of free/lower pricing. Ive also used Shutterfly, Grouply when it existed and a few others. Webs can look quite smart, but even for the paid version, the interaction is so limited for members. Shutterfly isn't so bad except the pushing of advertisements for photo services - fair being that it IS primarily a photo service site - is quite unwanted by members.
Notifications at Webs are almost non-existent, and when I asked about the ability to 'follow' message board discussions, was told that there were no plans to update the Members application.
Spruz lacks a bit of the polish, but with tweaking can look good, the prices seem very fair. I am sure many people have complaints, just like ANYthing that provides a service ---- but my big thing is : Is Spruz around for the long haul?
I don't want to bring members over, and get everyone onto Spruz if it just shuts down like so many other places do. I know I can't find a 'forever home' for a group when it comes to online stuff, but I do want something that is going to stick around.