Announcing Dad-o-Matic

September 19, 2008 · Comments

Chris and Harold Parents have lots more choices for reading materials on the web than ever before. There’s Parent Hacks, by the ever-amazing Asha Dornfast. There’s GNM Parents, which I helped start and is now run by Megin. And for dads, I’m a fan of dads.alltop.com, run by Guy Kawasaki.

Well, we’ve launched one more.

Announcing Dad-o-Matic, a blog for dads, written by geeky web dads of all types. The goal of the site is to cover news, views, reviews, and advice, given to you by dads, for parents. What’s up there for posts right now are mostly advice. I think we’re still early into getting our voice, but man, look at who’s writing there:

Oh, and there’s a very very special guest post by Guy Kawasaki. (I say “guest” because I haven’t yet convinced him that having seven or eight regular blogs to write for is worth it yet.)

We have many more authors contributing to Dad-o-Matic over the next months. Look for folks like Shel Holtz, Darren Rowse, and a few other swell folks who happen to be dads *and* on the web!

Why Do it?

Dad-o-Matic stems from about three things I wanted to do. Number 1: I’m a dad and a very proud one, and I think there’s lots of information that we can provide that’s useful to other parents, including even some more tech information for how parents and kids navigate the digital world together.

Number 2: I wanted to try a content blog with many authors, and try a few things out. For instance, you’ll notice that we have ads. I want to try out the media model of a group blog and see what I learn and can share with you about it. If I’m not eating my own dogfood, why should I expect you to follow my advice? So, there’ll be Dad-o-Matic project updates posted here on [chrisbrogan.com], but more from the “business outside the business” perspective.

Number 3: I wanted a group project. It’s really fun to put together fun things like this, and if the dads involved keep posting, and if we build up even more dads, the work load of writing the occasional dad blog post won’t overwhelm the fun of being part of something fresh and interesting. I’m thrilled that we have some great dads putting out interesting (and often different than their main stuff) from their typical online stuff.

Please Check It Out

I’d love for you to check out Dad-o-Matic and tell me what you think of it. If nothing else, check out some of the great work from Jeremy, Guy, Scott, Ryan, Grant, Mike, and whoever I might’ve just forgot in listing that.

There’s so much more to come.

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  • Great site, Chris. Some really good insight there from some well-respected, broad-minded guys.
    As someone who spends a lot of time working to become better at an exciting and important day job, it's good to be reminded that I have a more important job--being the father of 3 remarkable kids--that should demand equal attention and self-development.
  • Love the idea Chris. The site looks great! The world needs more geek dads.
  • Verra kewl.

    You might add Writer Dad (www.writerdad.com) to your list of guest-posting prospects. :)
  • Really like this, Chris. Great idea, great site -- love the Dad-o-Matic blog design. The logo reminds me of my dad, actually. He was an auctioneer who ran several wholesale auto auctions. When I was three, I could name every car on the road; of course, there were a lot fewer models back them.

    Best wishes for success with the new site.
  • Site looks great, and a great idea! Answers my question in part on how to manage multiple interests online. Look forward to possibly hearing more about the different experience and lessons learned with ads and the solo vs. group blog approach. Is the long term vision possibly similiar to a BlogHer (note: BlogHer is comprised of many women. Some moms yes, but not all. =) ...only for males that are also dads?

    Genius! =)
  • Daniel J. Pritchett
    Funny, I saw @buckdaddy tossing around the idea of a "BlogHer" for dads this week on Twitter. This is certainly an underserved space and I'm glad it'll be out there for me to read.

    Thanks!
  • Where is the Mom-O-Matic? Ok, I know - it's a completely saturated area. This is a great idea! Glad to see Dad's getting more out there with their "Dadness". :)
  • Hey Chris,

    Don't know if you've heard of Odadeo yet - my friend Stef's Dad-focused startup. http://odadeo.com

    Think you'll like it. :)
  • Sounds pretty cool. I am not a dad yet but in a couple of years I will be and this is an awesome idea for a blog
  • I find it amazing how so many people can have a good idea at the same time. This is probably the fifth or sixth community blog or social network built around dads & husbands that I've seen start up in the last six months, although this one is easily the highest profile start up (even above mine).

    Obviously people are starting to see the power of giving guys the opportunity to create a collective voice on family issues. It'll be interesting to me to see how things shape up with all of these new blogs and social networks.
  • Hey Chris - best of luck with your new venture. Wish you nothing but tremendous success.
  • This is a sweet idea! Going over to check it out now...
  • kevin cimring
    Great site, and a superb reminder from guys at the top of their game that in life, it should be family first and everything else after (my kids are aged 6;7 and 8!)
    Thanks Chris.
  • Awesome - one dad clicking thru... now.
  • Congratulations, Chris, the site looks great and it's an under-served space, for sure. Passing on to my husband.:)
  • Just subscribed, can't wait for more. If you need more writers, please consider giving me a shout.
  • I love it! If you're ever in need of yet another blogging dad, please feel free to reach out!

    -Jon
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