At-Home Dads, At Home Online
Posted on 06. Nov, 2006 by Brian Reid in General
Well, that didn’t take long. Within days of my two posts on the end of slowlane.com and the need for a new online hub, Mike Biewenga has come through.
Adhering to one of my favorite web maxims: get a first version out there, ASAP, even if you go back and change it later, he has already established the bones of a new online hangout for SAHDs at www.athomedad.org (note the .org).
Once again, that’s www.athomedad.org.
The trick, to becoming the resource that slowlane once was is getting visitors and getting content. As it relates to visitors, the key is links. If you’re a blogger and can spare the space on your blogroll, please give www.athomedad.org a link. As for content and participation, let me quote Mike:
We’re just getting started and we need your help to keep the ball rolling. The most important thing that we need is your participation - register for an account (free), visit the discussion forums to post something meaningful or just to say hello, vote on the polls, invite a friend to the site, spread the word, and just visit, use the site, and enjoy it.
Mike also has a list of ways you can help out. If you are able to contribute, drop me a line and I’ll be sure to mention it (and your blog) here.
I’m thrilled that this is up and running, and before the convention, no less. Kudos to Mike.
Related: Art, the gentleman behind the Dad Daily blog is setting up a social network for dads. Beta launch is scheduled for next week. They’re taking sign-ups at DadDaily. It’s not a SAHD thing, but it looks to be an ambitious effort.
Seattledad
06. Nov, 2006
Sounds great, but…
Can we verify (and agree, and publish) that the site is and will always be NON-PROFIT?
There is no statement on the site to that effect. There is also NO privacy statement on the site, and there is not even an “About Us” page. Not a reassuring first look.
So before celebrating (and volunteering), maybe we should investigate more. Is the missing statement of privacy and non-profit just an oversight, because the site was started quickly (without any planning or experience)?
My own site’s privacy statement was the second page that I wrote and published, right after the front page banner.
Bruce R.
http://www.seattledads.org
Rebel Dad
06. Nov, 2006
Bruce -
Excellent points. I tend to trust Mike, but getting some of this stuff set in stone can’t hurt. Mike?
Mike Biewenga
06. Nov, 2006
Thanks for your interest in the site. I appreciate your concerns.
Let me explain why there’s not a privacy policy. It’s really quite
simple, and I’m guessing that you’ll be able to understand: I haven’t
written it yet, becuase I’m working on the site in between taking care of
my daughter, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, earning a little bit of
money, and all the other things that a typical stay-at-home dad does.
Bruce, it’s not my intention to invade anyone’s privacy in between my
trips to the preschool.
My initial goal was to set up a basic framework that could be a starting
point to discuss and build on before the convention. We’ll get to the
privacy policy as one of the higher prioirty things on the (very long)
to-do list.
Despite having a busy life
and honest intentions, I’ll do my best to appease Bruce’s concerns over
the next few days. I would hope that, given the nature of the site, this isn’t a major hangup for anyone else in the meantime…
I think RebelDad made this clear, but let me re-emphasize that the site is a work-in-progress and will develop and evolve over time - both in the short-term and long term.
So, if you’re feeling…ummm…displeased about something on the site, realize that things will evolve. If you want, feel free to make a suggestion, just please do it in a friendly way. Realize that your comments go to a fellow busy stay-at-home dad, not some faceless corporation.
Thanks!
Mike
Seattledad
06. Nov, 2006
I sent Mike an example privacy policy, really short and simple, including a never-for-profit statement (from on http://www.privacy.org).
Mike Biewenga
06. Nov, 2006
No problem. The site now has a privacy policy posted. Hope that helps.
As always, I’m willing to listen to comments/concerns/suggestions. All I ask is that you offer your thoughts in a nice, civil, respectful and constructive way. (hint..hint..that makes me listen and will probably get you what you want…). Those who know me know that I’m a nice guy with good intentions, so that doesn’t seem like an unreasonable expectation. Thanks!