Update: iVillage Connect was developed by OneSite.
We got a tip-off today that iVillage is rolling out a social network at connect.ivillage.com. It may or may not be relevant, but I remember back when NBC got very close to buying Tribe.net, there was talk that they wanted to integrate the social networking software into iVillage - it seems that idea has gone ahead using a different platform.
iVillage Connect, as the service is being called, is a bona fide "MySpace for Moms" - something that may concern existing social networks for parents (CafeMom, MothersClick, ParentsConnect etc). It's really well made, too, providing users with profile pages, blogs, a network of friends, profile design customization and the ability to embed external widgets like RockYou slideshows. The most popular widgets right now seem to be BunnyHeroLabs pets, Kaboodle wishlists, Slide.com and RockYou slideshows, the Shelfari bookshelf widget and the iLike player.
It's deeply integrated with iVillage, too, to the extent that it's hard to tell where iVillage ends and Connect begins. However, it seems that the new user-generated video galleries, photo sharing feature, groups, forums and sharable calendar are all part of the new social network - an impressive set of features that's been implemented well.
In short: a really good job by iVillage that will no doubt lead to even greater engagement from users.
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