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This is a personal request, having nothing to do with real estate.  If that turns you off, just skip this and read the next post.  If you'd like to win $500 or just learn about my sons' new business venture, read on...

 

My two sons need your help to name their new business and you could win $500 if your suggestion is selected. I told them my friends on Activerain could probably come up with 100 ideas, and there might even be some folks here who would like to become beta-testers of their product as it comes out of development.

Here's a little background...

 

Do you know where your kids are?  

They may be sitting right across the room from you at this very moment either texting or playing electronic games on their phone (at least that's what you assume they're doing).  ...Or perhaps chatting on Facebook (instead of working on homework) at their computers.  Harmless enough, right?  After all, you're right there in the same room!

Do you respect their privacy, or do you occasionally pick up their cell phones and take a quick glance at their recent activity - for example, the nature of their text messages?  My son did that one day, and discovered that his 15-year old son was being solicited by a sexual predator - a 43-year old middle school teacher who ('til this moment) had never been caught.  

This individual had "friended" him on Facebook and they subsequently developed an online friendship which spilled over into texting. Fortunately, my son interrupted this so-called friendship before it evolved into anything more serious. (Other families were not so lucky, it turns out.)

Now this former teacher is sitting in solitary confinement in a Maryland prison for 8 long years (32 of his 40-yr sentence was suspended at sentencing), after a plea deal acknowledging guilt to one count of sexual solicitation of a minor (my grandson) and three counts of third degree sex offense (other children discovered during investigation of the solicitation charge).  He will be on probation for five years after his release and he will forever be required to register as a sex-offender.  

One observant parent brought an end to this man's years of preying on children and teens.  

 

As a result of that experience, my two sons are starting a business to:

1) Educate parents about the danger of unsupervised communication technology in their kids' hands and

2) Develop new technology that will track traffic on designated phone and Internet accounts to alert parents if their child's online communication is "inappropriate".  

This is an early stage start-up with lofty goals, the first round of funding under their belts, and much work to be done. Naming the company was not their first priority, but now the time has come... and I told them we could probably get 100 ideas from Activerain alone.

If you want to post a name suggestion in your comment, I will pass it on.  BUT you must submit it online at NamingForce.com to be eligible for winning the $500.  You can also view other name suggestions at that site.

Thanks everybody!

Copyright 2006-12.  All rights reserved.

  DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.
__________________________________

Margaret WodaMargaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct:  (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL

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Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500

 
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90 Comments on Win $500 for Suggesting the Name of a Start-Up Company

FEB
21
2010
469,491 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

What a wonderful company... I wish your son's great success ..Thank you for the opportunity in participating in finding a name for this company ..That is very kind of you ...

HelpfulHannah

1:27pm • #1
708,952 Points 63 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Margaret... I submitted my suggestion!  But I'm not telling which one it is so that I don't influence the judges!  :)

2:25pm • #2
120,617 Points 5 Featured Posts

From the desk of David Dee,

Margaret, sounds like a great project. Just submitted mine. :D

2:39pm • #3
734,092 Points 136 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hey, that's great!  'Would love to have Activerain produce the winner.

3:28pm • #4

Margaret,

Am putting on my thinking cap and will see what pops into my pea brain!  A worthwhile endeavor - particularly poignant with your personal experience.

4:26pm • #5
1,008,071 Points 208 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Margaret!  Chances are I'll come up with more than one--when I start brainstorming, I can come up with some silly ideas but, one good one may come of it!  Like Irene, I'll put my thinking cap on!

6:56pm • #6
380,893 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

I've lost my thinking cap....but I'll work on something too!

8:29pm • #7
176,333 Points 8 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

Will you tell us what the "winning" name is? Great company idea - I hope that it is very successful for them!

8:59pm • #8

WodaKnows

9:06pm • #9
553,669 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret, glad to hear this story turned out successfully.  Haven't thought of a name yet.  Will you let us know the results?

9:34pm • #10
548,242 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Sound like it could be successful I'm still thinking of a name.

10:47pm • #11
100,237 Points 1 Featured Post

"Safe Cellie" - What do you think? What a great idea your two sons have. A similiar thing happened to a younger cousin of mine who was in highschool. She had some crazy stalker. Caused a lot of drauma. Most people think it would never happen to their kids but it unfortunately does!

11:48pm • #12
FEB
22
2010
734,092 Points 136 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Haha... I knew I could count on my Activerain friends!  When you click through to NamingForce.com (link above), you'll see there's a calendar marking down the days 'til the contest is over.  Last time I looked, there was still over 3 weeks.  When they do unveil their choice, I'll email directly everyone who comments on this post.

Irene - Thank you!

Debe - I'm like that, too.  But 99% of what I come up with is an unavailable domain name.  (By the way, they're willing to buy one that's taken, but it's probably not available if it's actually actively in use now.)

Tom - That would be great!

Lise - Both of them have started other companies before, but this one is more than a business idea... it's a passion.  For that reason, I think this has the potential to be the best yet.

Ross - I'll pass it on.

Kay - When you think of something, be sure to go to the NamingForce.com website (link above) to enter it so you'll be eligible for the $500 prize.

Terry - With your creativity, I'm sure there's a winner percolating just below the surface of your consciousness...

Christopher - I like it!  Did you enter that idea on NamingForce.com?  (Link above)  And the best part is that the domain is completely available... but just to be sure it stays available, I just snapped it up.  (Don't want a potential competitor buying it.)  If this idea wins, I'll treat it as YOUR domain if there's any profit for selling it to my guys.  Haha.

 

 

7:58am • #13
837,453 Points 163 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret - This sounds like the type of thing that I would definitely use in the upcoming years.  Kudos to your sons for being proactive and developing a tool to help.  I have a couple of name ideas.  I'll go to NamingForce and submit soon. 

11:14am • #14
221,977 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Sounds like a great business and product that I would use but I need now! I have a 14 yr. old and 10 yr. old. I will try to think of a name.

11:25am • #15
615,509 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Every parent needs this so it is an idea whose time has come -- will think on this for a name.

11:34am • #16

Seems like this has become an epidemic -- I know it happens way too often in my area, and I live in a small town -- it should be unheard of around here. I'll be working on a name...

11:39am • #17
2 Featured Posts

I am going to submit my choice. Great concept, did you say that they already have first round of funding?

11:42am • #18

Sounds like a great business venture. Good luck. I submitted my name.

11:42am • #19

Great idea. I will submit one...

11:51am • #20
754,282 Points 7 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Indeed a great business anmd I wih your sons great success in their new business adventure...look forward to hearing what they name their company.

11:54am • #21

That child predator should never see the light of day. 

12:02pm • #22

What a great idea, I'm sure you'll get lots of great suggestions! 

12:12pm • #23
176,614 Points 52 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

This comment is so of related and sort of not - but thought it would be cool to share with the group.  For anyone wanting to start a business, or launch a product, this is a pretty cool site to help http://www.quirky.com/.  Basically it uses social media to develop the idea. It isn't for everyone, because you give up a portion of your potential business, but I think is it really interesting and a good solution for some entrepreneurs. 

12:22pm • #24
1 Featured Post

Great idea! Thanks for posting this. I may share it with some friends on Facebook if you don't mind.

About that predator...so glad they caught him. Its a darn shame that we have to protect them by putting them in solitary confinment. They should let the prison population have at them in my opinion!

Kim

12:29pm • #25
763,233 Points 62 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret - first of all I'm so glad you're son checked his phone.  It's scary to think of what this monsters are doing to kids.  What a good solid idea for a new MUCH needed service.  I'll put my thinking cap on and submit a name or three. 

12:39pm • #26
552,626 Points 78 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Margaret, great idea for a new company.  Sad that it had to come along the way it did.  I just submitted a couple of names.

12:45pm • #27
194,157 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

I came up with two names.  I think that once a pedophile has been caught, they should keep them in jail for the rest of their lives.  8 years?  How many more kids will he ruin before he is caught again.  As a mother of two teens, this is one of my nightmares.

12:46pm • #29
194,157 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

I came up with two names.  I think that once a pedophile has been caught, they should keep them in jail for the rest of their lives.  8 years?  How many more kids will he ruin before he is caught again.  As a mother of two teens, this is one of my nightmares.

12:47pm • #30
279,128 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Margaret ~ Wow, I am so sorry your grandson had to experience the ugly of life. I am proud of your sons taking action to help prevent future criminals who prey on children. I called my daughter and son (both in college)  and told them about your psot. I forwarded your email and told them and there friends  to come up with a good name for the business. One way to spread the word among our future generation and hey college kids always need money!

12:50pm • #31
552,626 Points 78 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Margaret, great idea for a new company.  Sad that it had to come along the way it did.  I just submitted a couple of names.

1:01pm • #32
896,322 Points 43 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Not looking for money but to help the cause. Names to consider that are short, sweet could include "The Shield", "Guardian Angel", "Pocket Protector" "Kid Tracker" "Force Field". Net Nanny is pretty well known now so you need something that is memorable, says what it is all about right up front. You have quite a think tank here to tap in to.

1:03pm • #33
181,260 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Great idea...admirable course...good for them! I'll chime in when something hits me...

1:08pm • #34

It's refreshing to see someone take a negative experience and one that was potentially harmful and turn it into something that the masses can benefit from.  I would definitely try their product when my kids are old enough.  I submitted a name and had a thought that this is a great way to market themselves through the naming contest.  Thanks for sharing this opportunity with all of us. 

1:35pm • #35
750,674 Points 100 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

How about "SafeText" or "SafeText Kids

1:42pm • #36
848,842 Points 153 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow, so glad that your son found out before anything HORRIBLE happened.

I will think of a name but if I had young kids I would definitely be interested in this product.

Best of success to your son, take after his mom, and entrpreneur.

1:43pm • #37
2 Featured Posts

Oh boy this is fun!  I used to do naming as one of my services "in a past life."  Am planning a trip soon and could use the money.  Gotta put my thinking cap on...

1:46pm • #38
5 Featured Posts

That's so cool ~ what a good idea.  Good for you, Margaret, and joining the fray with this good idea.

1:50pm • #39
314,804 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Margaret. I'm glad that nothing horrible happened to that child. So scary. Well I submitted a few.

1:52pm • #40
122,854 Points Outside Blog Called Shot Master

My partner and I have our thinking caps on.  Best of luck with their company.  It sounds like a very worth while project!!

I have two granddaughters in highschool.  I will check with my daughter to see if she ever checks phones, etc.  Thanks again.

1:54pm • #41

Hello Margaret,

I must admit, I am one of those parents that is always snooping into the texts and Facebook pages.  I befriended my own children and they don't even realize that it is my way of checking up and reading what is going on in their lives.  We can never be to careful!  Kudos to you boys!!!  What an excellent idea and how proud you must be Mom!!!  Give your boys a message of great luck and success with their new company from us!  What a wonderful thing they are doing!

Dawn

2:05pm • #42
390,969 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Me I am no good at coming up with names-but I am sure you are going to get some really good ones, please post the result here.

2:25pm • #43
393,129 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

That is some list.  I saw many really good names.  It's going to be tough to pick one.

2:30pm • #44
516,076 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret what a great great thing your sons are doing!  My friend's daughter just recently did a very brave thing.  She knew HER friend had been talking to someone through texting (they are 13) and had planned to go and meet this person.  She finally told her mother who told the girl's mother which steam rolled and I believe they caught this person too.  It was extremely brave of my friend's daughter because you know how mean children can be and I am so proud of her.  I wish your sons much success!

2:46pm • #45
384,516 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret, First, thank goodness your grandson was not "taken in" by this predator.  My hat goes off to your son for checking in on his son.  My daughter knows I have and WILL randomly check her myspace, FB and phone.  Sad that we have to check on kids these days, but it's the reality of our high tech driven world.

I thought of a great name and then went to check...someone else already thought of it :)  I'll keep tossing some ideas around in my head.  There are so many great entries already.  I really like several of them and can see the marketing for them in my head.  

You kids will have great success with this.  I'd pay for it!

2:48pm • #46
106,600 Points 2 Featured Posts

Funny I just talking to my sister about this today. Her two children want to be on FaceBook. Wish your sons lots of luck.

2:55pm • #47
577,905 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Goodness, Margaret. I'm glad your son thought of this, and that he caught the slime who was tring something.

I've seen some of the names that have been submitted already. All of them are great and appropriate...I liked Andrew Mooer's "Guardian Angel" idea, but I'll definitely think of at least one or two of my own to submit before the deadline.

2:57pm • #48
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Margaret

I will kick this around.  What a wonderful idea!  So sorry to hear that your grandson was involved in something so horrible, but blessedly, he has parents who aren't afraid to parent!  So many parents want to behave as though they are their children's friends. Sorry, but that just won't cut it in today's world.  I wish your sons the best of luck. 

3:01pm • #49
126,363 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Great Idea...however, it seems that when these people are caught not much is done to them.  I have a distant acquaintance whose alcoholic father was caught in a sting...over 60 counts of child porn.  He claimed he didn't know what he was doing and charges were reduced to probation and he is a registered sex offender...big deal.

3:14pm • #50
408,192 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow, I am so glad there are parents out there like your son who helped break this case! I am off to submit a name!

3:53pm • #51
222,324 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp

I left a suggestion.  Make sure you let us know the winning name!

4:06pm • #52
129,974 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

What a great idea.  Your son's are to be commended for taking a negative event and turning it into something positive.  That's how progress is made.

4:11pm • #53
152,636 Points 1 Featured Post

I really hope that they do come up with something that everyone can use. It would save much anguish. I will put my thinking cap on as well.

4:17pm • #54
734,092 Points 136 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

ason - Apparently it's never too soon to start monitoring your children's online communication tools... The statistics are are mind-boggling!  Thanks for your help.

Kristi - Your kids are right in the heart of their target market... pre-teens and young teens. Be sure to talk to your kids about this and "trust but verify" -

Bob & Carolin - Thank you... REALTORS are creative by nature, and I'm sure you'll come up with an idea (or 2 or 3...)

Pam - I was celebrating that my kids are grown and I didn't have to worry about things like this...  It never occurred to me that it's something that would touch my grandchildren.

Scott - Yes, they've raised some "friends and family" seed money.  I think they're trying to avoid venture capitalists, since they weren't thrilled with VC involvement in their previous business venture.

Nicholas - Thank you! 

Linu - Good luck!

Rebecca - When they go roll out their business to the public, I'll let you know.  I suspect that's the first time we'll know for sure what name is selected.

4:42pm • #55
734,092 Points 136 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Richard - The initial charges added up to 150+ yrs in jail, if convicted, but the guilty plea brought it down to 40.  I was stunned the judge automatically suspended all but 8 years.  Apparently the solitary confinement is not a punishment for him, but a protection from other prisoners who typically don't like child predators.  It's been quite an education for us about things we here happy not knowing.

Dixon Team - I hope you have one (or 2 or 3)...

Sara - Thank you.

REVATS - That would be terrific.  Thank you.

Anna - Imagine the surprise of those other victims' parents when the police contacted them about this after finding evidence of crimes against their kids on the man's computer.  Parents need to do some parenting regardless of their kids' protestations.

Brian - I'm just betting you made some good suggestions! 

Tere - "They" tell me not to worry because statistics indicate that it's likely he will commit a similar crime when he gets out and will automatically have the probation suspended and have to serve the whole 40 years plus any time associated with another conviction.  I guess his next victim will "just" be collateral damage.

Monique - What a GREAT idea!  Thank you for spreading the word.  Kids can be so naive, and it never dawns on them that an innocent online friendship with a stranger could turn into something ugly.  When it does, they feel guilty and don't want to tell an adult... 

Andrew - I hope you submitted those names to NamingForce.com (link is in the post) so you'll be eligible for the $500 prize.  You've got some good ones!

Brian - Thank you... I know you will wake up in the middle of the night with the winning name.  LOL.

True North Realtors - Thanks for submitting your idea.  Good luck with the contest.

Charles - Did you post those names to NamingForce.com?  Good ideas!

5:06pm • #56

Submitted a few!  Thanks for allowing us to be a part!

5:16pm • #57
508,721 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Margaret,

What a great idea for this company. I will try to come up with a good name. Congrats on the feature here:)

5:28pm • #58
734,092 Points 136 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Missy - Thank you... Yes, they're both entrepreneurs and they've learned a lot from their previous business start-ups.  Maybe this will be "the one" -

Evelyn - I noticed there seem to be some "regulars" on NamingForce.com who submit for lots of businesses.  I guess that's a side benefit of participating in this contest - you might find some other businesses on the site that inspire you and multiply your chances of winning some money.

Keith - Thanks for your comment.  I hope you've got an idea or two for a name.

Lana - Thank you.  Yes, I'm glad, too.  Unfortunately there were other children who weren't so lucky.  Interesting that some of his students were commenters on BadBadTeacher.com, and all of them claimed to be surprised... considered him their favorite teacher.  To me, that's as scary as anything else about this story.

Barbara - The scary thing is that this can go on right under the eyes of parents who assume the child/teen is playing electronic games or texting with friends.

Dawn - Good for you.  'Gotta "trust but verify" - that was my motto when my kids were teens.

Corinne - Thanks for your moral support.  Spread the word... maybe someone you know will come up with an idea.

Tim - Hope you added one!  There's gotta be a winner...  It has to be unique, have an available domain name, and not step on anyone else's trademark.

Debra - Good news!  That 13-year old did a very brave thing... it's not easy for someone to "rat" on their peer.  When this product is in the marketplace, parents will have the option of using it their phones - the scary thing is that many parents will be more worried about the kids' privacy than their safety.

Elizabeth - Glad to hear you're on top of your girls phone and online activity.

 

5:48pm • #59
734,092 Points 136 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Lisa - I think Facebook is fine, but parents have to "friend" their kids and "trust but verify"

William - That would be great.  I like Guardian Angel, too, but the name has to be available as a domain - and guardian angel isn't. 

Charlene - Thank you.

Linda - You're right, that's just not enough.  If there had not been a plea deal in these cases, this guy could have been sentenced to more than 150 years (if convicted of all counts).  There were many more victims uncovered in the police investigation, I understand, but most of the parents would not press charges.  I hope they at least got their kids some counseling.

Jo - Thank you! 

Michael - You definately will know if your suggestion wins.  LOL.  I will post it, however.

Carol - Thank you.  'Hope you enter.

Jerri - They have a team of soft-ware developers working on this... it looks promising.

JoAnn - That's great... thank you!

Mike - 'Drove through Tennessee last month... what a beautiful state!  Thanks for your support.

 

6:11pm • #60
425,489 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Margaret~  I love the idea!  Anything that promotes protecting our children is a good thing!  I am going to suggest something as soon as I think of it!

6:41pm • #61
351,800 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Will have to think about a name idea to submit but I sure agree this is a great business idea!  The latest eye-opener where I live has been some teenagers (young teenagers) being arrested for "sexting" where a girl had initially texted a naked picture of herself to her boyfriend and when they broke up he forwarded it to a friend and next thing you know it had spread like wildfire at their own school and even one across town!  Caught a whole bunch of parents off guard that this is even happening among teens! Lots of parent/child conversations going on!

6:45pm • #63
112,625 Points 3 Featured Posts

Wow!  I hate how this came to be, but love the idea of protecting our kids.  I work with middle school students and to get them to understand what could happen to them is difficult.  Any way that we can protect them is priceless and I am thrilled that your sons are giving this a try.  You are right - there passion will set this endeavor apart from anything else they have tried before.  I can't wait to see how this evolves.  Please keep us posted!

6:54pm • #64
412,393 Points 1 Featured Post

Hmmmm....well let me think about it for awhil. I'll get back with a name soon.

Patricia/Seacoast NH

7:19pm • #65
428,716 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I'm not talented at this stuff but i'm sure you'll get some great options.  Sounds like a great company.  Keep us posted on how it's going.

7:49pm • #66

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9:02pm • #67
1,009,885 Points 36 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

What a great way to help parents keep their children safe.  I'm sure that they'll find a great name.

11:38pm • #68
531,237 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

What a great idea for a company and a contest too Margaret.  I'm sure it will be a heated contest and your sons will have a great business name too !

11:46pm • #69
FEB
23
2010
Outside Blog

Margaret, This is such a terrific way to begin a business venture AND alert parents out there that they don't have to wait for the business venture to get off the ground. They can check in on their children's internet conversations now.

12:31am • #70
135,575 Points

How smart and independant we felt as kids, yet how vulenerable we see our children. I will add my name too.

1:00am • #71
687,910 Points 83 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

This is such a cool site . . . I'm have TOO much fun contributing names!!  Good luck to your boys.

2:34am • #72
6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Isn't it nice to have a community like AR you can come to with things like this...  I submitted my couple of ideas.  Tell them they can do a direct deposit into my account with the winnings.  I will be looking for it in 27 days...:)

6:33am • #73
734,092 Points 136 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Vicki - That would be great!

Nancy - Thanks for mentioning that.  Yes, you're right.  The statistics on how many kids are "sexting" is amazing.  They may not realize that they are either soliciting porn from a minor or sending porn to a minor and therefore breaking the law (and risking jail time), not just participating in a harmless teen prank.  This is one of the many reasons parents must parent (the verb) and risk their teen's outrage by investigating how their kids are using their phones and computers.

Sheila - I know they will appreciate your support.  Thank you much.

Patricia - I'm betting you'll think of a name (or several) when you least expect it.  That's how I always come up with my best brainstorms.

Stacy-Ann - Thanks for your well-wishes.

Coretta - Thank you!

Christine - In the meantime, before this product is ready for the market, tell people you know who have teens to trust BUT VERIFY!

Roland - Did you see how many ideas have been submitted?  If they can't find something on that list...

Sherry - You're right... parents don't have to wait for a product that will monitor kids online communication... that will be a tool to help parents, but it's their job with or without the tool to help.

 

7:44am • #74
734,092 Points 136 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

ATTENTION - YOUR HELP NEEDED.

They are testing the product on several different phones and with different providers.  It would be very helpful if you would please take a minute to send a text message to 471-499-9133 with any message at all AND send an email with any message to kidsafedemo@gmail.com.  (Not affiliated with kidsafe.com).  They need to add some "good" messages into the mix as they test their monitoring technology.

Thank you!

11:10am • #75
128,159 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

Margaret, Excellent idea. My 11 year old just asked for a Facebook account. I said 'Sorry Toots, the answer is NO!'

12:58pm • #76

This is wonderful Margaret! The concept for the company and the site to name the company! I am now hooked on another site! :-)

And thankfully my teenage son closed his FB account, said he didn't really use it. I am thankful for that!

2:29pm • #77
699,136 Points 35 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Margaret - This is a great concept and something I'd definitely purchase.  I wish your sons much success.

3:34pm • #78
181,260 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hi Margaret,

You mentioned you're betting I made some good suggestions....I'll see that bet & raise you!

I'll bet I win!

I sent them a test text a moment ago.

"SocialEyes" & "SocialEyez" were my suggestions.....

All the best!

4:17pm • #79
181,260 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

"Error Invalid Number" came back from my test text...FYI

4:33pm • #80
Outside Blog

Margaret: Thumbs up for your sons. WAY TO GO!

4:52pm • #81
579,208 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Margaret,
What a terrible story.  I will try to think of something....Nothing came to me right away. I wish them the best of luck....

6:14pm • #82
861,708 Points 76 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow, that would be an incredible tool for any parent. Good luck with it!

6:31pm • #83
861,708 Points 76 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow, that would be an incredible tool for any parent. Good luck with it!

6:31pm • #84
861,708 Points 76 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow, that would be an incredible tool for any parent. Good luck with it!

6:32pm • #85
680,298 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
I'll go enter the first name that popped in my mind. I am better at rhymes and slogans. Gotta fund my Starbucks card.
7:41pm • #86
680,298 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

My thought was educate and track so Edgetrack or Edgeutrack or something like that. I can see a slogan with tracks in the snow on the way to a graduation cap or something that ties snow tracks and education together. That's my two Starbucks cents!

7:57pm • #87
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

What a great idea!  I just just joined Active rain and this is my first comment.  My suggestion on your sons site was  "Big Brother Watch Dog", I can visualize some great cartoon type graphics go with the logo.

9:37pm • #88
148,050 Points 2 Featured Posts

good Evening Margaret - Gppd luck with the contest and the business.  I wish you all the best.

11:29pm • #89
FEB
24
2010
734,092 Points 136 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Linda - That's a tough one... there is some validity to "everyone is doing it", but tithe important thing is to oversee or supervise kids' use of online communication.  It's easier to do with a computer that you can place in a public area of your home, but cell phones are much tougher.  One way is to put the charger in a public area of your home, and take a look at it periodically, as to recent text messages. 

Mindy - That's great he reached that decision on his own... makes me wonder if there's more to it, such as an uncomfortable friendship, or knowing someone else who had one...

Michelle - would you like to be a beta tester?  If so, let me know.

Brian - Thank you so much.  I like SocialEyes... that could be a winner.  And thanks for sending the text message.  I wonder why the problem with the text message... I didn't have the same problem, but I'll pass on the info. 

Haina - Thank you.

Ruthmarie - Thank you, too.

Erica - I hate that it's necessary to worry about these things, but apparently parents need all the help they can get to stay on top of this issue.

Cheryl - Thank you and good luck with the name.

Brooke - Welcome to Activerain, and thank you for honoring me with your first comment.    'Hope we cross paths again soon.

Andy - Thank you.  They're off making a presentation at another school tonight, and parents seem to be enthusiastic whenever they do one.

 

8:12pm • #90
FEB
25
2010

Hi everyone.  My name is Steve Woda, and I am one of Margaret's sons and the CEO of the new business she mentions in her post.  I want to take a quick moment to thank all of you for your encouragement and insights as well as your participation in our $500 naming contest (http://www.namingforce.com/assignment/4010/).  There have been almost 500 name suggestions, and the majority of those suggestions have come from the ActiveRain community.  I sincerely appreciate it.

Today, we call the business KidSafe, but for a variety of reasons, we have to find a different name.  Obviously, this is the reason we created the naming contest.  Again, thank you for your amazing support!

Let me give you a brief overview of the business since a few folks have asked to learn a bit more...

KidSafe is an online and mobile service that empowers parents with smart tools to keep their social and mobile kids safe from the scariest digital dangers including child predators, sexting, and cyberbullying.

My brother, Tim, and I co-founded KidSafe with with a couple of other experienced technology experts last year because we believe there is a new, growing, severe problem facing parents that the marketplace simply hasn't addressed adequately yet.  The bottom-line is that kids are evolving the way they communicate in our digital world faster than parents have been able to adapt.

Almost 37 million U.S. kids age 9-17 now use social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace, and 17 million of these kids have a mobile phone. Unfortunately, parents have little insight into the activities taking place via these communication channels. This information gap makes it possible for child predators to communicate directly with our kids without parental oversight. It also enables kids to engage in risky activities such as sexting and cyberbullying.

These problems have staggering implications.  1 in 7 kids have been sexually solicited online, and 1 in 25 kids have been “aggressively” solicited for sex.  1 in 5 teens including 10% of 13 year-olds have shared nude photos electronically with friends or strangers.  I could go on and on, but the practical reality is that digital communications creates new digital dangers for kids...
http://www.kidsafe.me/overview/video.html

In short, KidSafe provides parents with an insightful view of what is going on in their child's digital world, with a focus on social networks and the mobile phone, while also respecting the privacy of their kids. KidSafe helps parents protect their kids by specifically identifying the things that parents are most concerned with – the child’s digital connections, risky activities and developing threats to their child's safety and well-being.

We will launch to the public in Q2 of this year, and we are currently testing the product with parents in a private beta.  So far, the feedback has been amazing.  We gave US News and World Report a sneak peak at the product a few months ago, and you can read their article on KidSafe here...
http://www.usnews.com/money/business-economy/articles/2009/12/16/entrepreneurs-take-on-sexting-and-child-safety-online.html

Again, we sincerely appreciate the support of the ActiveRain community.  Thank you.

Steve Woda
President & CEO
KidSafe
http://www.kidsafe.me
http://twitter.com/stevewoda

p.s. - If you are interested in receiving an invitation to KidSafe's private beta program, simply send me an email via my ActiveRain profile.  We sincerely appreciate the community's support, and I would be pleased to provide any ActiveRain member with an invite as a token of our appreciation.

p.s.s. - Thanks for the unexpected post Mom!  I really appreciate your support too!  That was nice of you. - Love, Steve

1:48pm • #91
FEB
27
2010
168,521 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Steve,  Good Luck with your business, nd thank you for protecting children!

7:55pm • #92

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Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation Services

Crofton, MD

More about me…

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Crofton, MD

Address: 2191 Defense Hwy., #120, Crofton, Bowie, and Davidsonville, MD, 21114

Office Phone: (410) 721-1500

Cell Phone: (301) 346-2923

Email Me

Real Estate and community information for homebuyers, sellers, and rookie agents in Bowie, Crofton, Crownsville, Davidsonville, Fort Meade, Gambrills, Odenton, Millersville, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Proven systems - combining local expertise, professional experience, and technology - to give you a competitive edge when you buy or sell a home.

EHO



Margaret Woda




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