I need help a parents perspective on my chores website.

[Arcticfox217]

So, I'm in an awkward position here. I created a website for my family to help us track our chores. I'd like to promote it, but I think it's bad form to try and promote it by turning every thread into a commercial to get people there. If I'm going to respond to a thread, I want to respond in good conscience, without wrong motives. So I'm putting all my cards on the table with this post, hoping to get some truly honest feedback. If it's a good site, it'll eventually get some visits. If it's a bad site, it'll flop. I'd rather not see it flop, hence the request for your input.

It's turning out to be pretty cool, and I've had some good response to it. However, I know it can be better, and my friends don't want to "hurt my feelings" and tell me what doesn't work. So, here I am, asking for anonymous perspectives (hoping to get to the truth).

The site is a chores game, where every family member can log in and check off their chores. When chores get completed, players earn points which they can cash in for rewards that are set up by the parents. Chores can be delegated to each family member, scheduled (daily, once per week, monthly, etc), changed or deleted. You decide on the rewards which can be material things (money, gift cards, toys, etc) or other things (hugs, special occassions, etc).

The most interesting things to come out of it so far are the conversations I've had with my son. He's 8, and it's been cool to see his decision making process as he earns points and has the option or cashing them in for something small or saving them up for something better. He's developed some good habits as well (wanting to brush his teeth 2x's per day, getting his homework done first and then playing, etc). It seems like it has some promise of being something value added, but then, I'm a little biased.

So, if you'd like to offer some feedback, the link is on my profile page. I only have a couple of posts here, so I cannot include a link in this post.

Thanks in advance for your help!

John

 

[homeofmew]

I don't get why you need a website for chores for a family being that effects no one else. I mean if you want to start a site with a program to store information for other people as a a service that's an idea, but still, far fetched.

Sorry but I don't think anyone wil care about your kids chores, just being straight and up front about it.

- homeofmew

 

[Arcticfox217]

Hi Homeofmew,

I looked at what I wrote above, and I can totally understand your response. I guess I should clarify... I built a site that anyone can use for their family with their own login, etc. I built it for my family initially, but realized that if it was helpful for our family, it might be helpful for others as well. I totally agree with you, I don't think anyone else in the world would be interested in what my family does to keep their chores in line. Sorry for the miscommunication!

 

[lucypevensie]

It's kind of a neat concept. On the games section, have some suggested games that families can play. I didn't really get that. More about how that works.

 

[Arcticfox217]

Thanks for the feedback. I see what you're saying. Hmm, I'm going to work on that. It makes sense... it's not very clear, is it. Sweet! This is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. Much appreciated!

 

[homeofmew]

Hi Homeofmew,

I looked at what I wrote above, and I can totally understand your response. I guess I should clarify... I built a site that anyone can use for their family with their own login, etc. I built it for my family initially, but realized that if it was helpful for our family, it might be helpful for others as well. I totally agree with you, I don't think anyone else in the world would be interested in what my family does to keep their chores in line. Sorry for the miscommunication!

I said this in my post, it's still an idea that I personally don't get.

Who would go to a website log in and use an excel type prrogam to use for chores?

There's paper and pencil.

Not everything has to be on the internet.

Sorry again but I am not getting the potential in this.

-- homeofmew

 

[Arcticfox217]

That's okay. It's good to know that not everyone will get it. I appreciate your honesty. It helps me to know where the limits of the site concept are. Some people seem to get it, and are using it and enjoying it, so I think there are some positives to it.

Sometimes we try to automate too many parts of our lives, at the expense of living.

 

[melissamagnus]

What a cool idea, I love it! Have just had a look, I will try it out on my kids and let you know how we get on. I have 4 kids aged 4, 5, 7 and 9. I have been using starcharts but have difficulty organising all 4 of them with the stuff they have to do.

 

[wanderingone]

There's already stuff out there, chore wars, chore buster...

 

[1faithme]

I would love to use your website, however I can not get in. I get sent to a Domain Tools website. Please help. Thanks.

 

[akmom]

I think it's a waste of time, but if some families like it and it makes chores funner, good for them.