Secret revealed

(A new SF story is coming, I promise!)

After months of cloak and dagger stuff, I'm so excited that I can finally talk about...my new job! Yesterday we finally launched (beta, please be kind) a hot, new parenting site called ParentsConnect. (Go look!)

What's it all about? Here's the official word:

• ParentsConnect is a new online community where parents, prospective parents and other caregivers can quickly find and easily share advice, ideas and opinions—even laughs.
• At ParentsConnect, parents—who have "been there, done that"—are the real experts.
• Key features include:  personalized home pages that update dynamically, Host Parents (like me!) who help keep discussions lively and blog on the site, and local advice and kid-friendly listings powered by GoCityKids.
• As an umbrella brand, ParentsConnect will be expanding to offer more “expert” brands like GoCityKids, providing more useful tools and content for parents.
• Also in the works: ParentsConnect TV, a free video hub for members, local message boards and blogs, and communities within the community—built around common experiences or interests.
• ParentsConnect is for ALL parents—as well as grandparents and caregivers—not just moms, and not just those who share one particular philosophy or experience.
• ParentsConnect is for parents of ALL kids.  You won’t feel ignored on the site if your kids are over 6—or over 16.
• There’s no walled-off premium content on ParentsConnect.
• The site’s 20 Host Parents were hired through a nationwide search based on their background, parenting experience, writing ability and enthusiasm for helping other parents get connected to information and to each other.

Please check out the site! Sign up is free. There's is lots to see and do: you can participate in the message boards (we've worked hard to make it a kind and supportive place free of "trolls"), read the blogs or start your own(!), or check out happenings in your city (more coming) with our local guide which is powered by GoCityKids.

I'd love you to help us build our community of caring parents, and, equally important: I'd love your feedback. (Your input is taken very seriously.) We need your help to make the site the best it can possibly be!

Again, please keep in mind that this is a beta launch (the blogs especially might be a little buggy).  The ParentsConnect team is constantly making improvements to the site. Now, go! Check it out! Have fun and be sure to let me know what you think!

Comments

[raquita]

I'm in looks like its gonna be a great place to get info and meet people! anyway I'll see you over there!

[karrie]

Ok, I'll give it a go. I like the idea of a clearinghouse for local events since I often hear about them a day too late.

[Busy Mom]

Looks great! Anxiously awaiting local stuff about Nashville.

[Kristen]

Awesome. Headed over to check it out (again). :)

[Dani]

Long time a fan of yours, and now a regular member at parentsconnect. Being Brazilian and new to the US, I am sure I'll find great tips there!

[honey]

where's Portland in the Cityguide? I'll check out the new community but I *was* instantly bummed to see my city was missing from the list.

Congrats on the job!

[leslie]

Looks great! I'm sharing this site--this seems like a winner. Congratulations!

[RookieMom Heather]

I'll have to check out this new site... it sounds pretty cool. It was great to meet you in person again today at lunch.

I wonder if the rest of you are still there? Cheers!

[badkitty]

Wow - You've been busy over there! It looks very cool, can't wait to hear how it all works out.

[CityMama]

Busy and Honey:

My understanding is Portland and Nashville are next up! But don't quote me on that!

[Andy]

Looks great, congrats!

[sweetney]

WOW. congrats, lady! and YAY for online jobs!!!

[lia]

Damn, I got get together with you and figure out how to get hooked into one of these jobs. I am scouring the internet everyday but must be looking in the wrong places.