Actually, I put up three posts on the subject and gathered more than 175 comments on my blog specifically about their feelings on the name. I also listened to (at the time) the input from over 800 followers on Twitter. All of it was closely listened to. In fact, I wanted to continue to name the site something for parents - it was our readers who pushed back and specifically requested that we leave ‘parenting’ out of the name.

And based on the feedback I have received from nearly all of the people that gave their initial input (and even more that never weighed in at first), they love the new name and new direction.

Based on your comment above, that “By changing eMoms you diluted your laser-focused target, told us we are not special anymore just so you could capture some dads and non-parents and increase your revenue” - I DO take that personally. I didn’t change our name to make more money. I do hope that is a side benefit, but first and foremost I changed our name to reflect the changing needs of our readers.

They have, and always will, come before profits.

This is about branding, target audiences, defining niches and strategic growth…not about my name or whether I ‘know’ you or not. I hope you can appreciate this is not personal.

I don’t know what kind of research you did to determine sparkplugging was the right choice. I don’t know if you did focus groups with your audience, had them participate in a poll, invited those who felt disenfranchised under the eMom banner to discuss how you could help them feel more a part of the audience, all while maintaining your strong branding.

Did you ask the men what would make them feel more incorporated? The non-parents feel more welcomed? Or did you ask others outside your audience to project upon your audience what is best for them?

Think about the revenue generating giants on television today - American Idol, Dancing With the Start…the audience drives its direction while the concept stays clearn and tight and focused. Imagine if the audience had participated in your creative expansion…they certainly would have felt more ownership and commitment.

You should be able to incorporate constructive criticism and grow from it whether it is posted anonymously or not.

This isn’t an attack. This is an observation whether my name is gail, george or geronimo.

And, of course, you are always free to disregard and discount.

I’m sorry that you feel that way. I know in my heart I am 100% where I should be.

And don’t let advertising revenue dictate your success unless you determine success by initial advertising revenue. The internet is about niching in a unique voice. You were Madonna (who reinvented herself many times without giving up her brand.) Now, you are part of the choir.

As for sparkplugging, I think of a mother calling her five year old a little sparkplug because he is feisty and precocious. When I think of entrepreneurial womam or men, struggling to survive in this world by being enterprising and innovative…sparkplug just sounds demeaning and childish, definitely not contemporary.

Sometimes we have a such a good thing…we want more…and in grasping for more…we can lose what we have.

And The Man Page…well, amen to Grant on that one and he is a reader, a father and a man. Comes across as the token minority in the room…and demeaning to men.

Just my .02

In fact, the site and the name is receiving rave reviews and I’ve sold more advertising in the last two days than I have in the last 3 weeks.

So we must be doing something right.

I’m all for positive discussion about it, but eMoms at Home was NOT a brand that worked. Not for my audience, anyway. The new name won’t please everyone, but if the last two days are any indication, our audience is going to be a lot bigger thanks to the new name.

And, Wendy, really, c’mon, “The Man Page”. I hope you put up hot babes holding a bud light as that is what I see with the name. It reminds me of “The Man Show” which was on TV a few years ago. And that is what they had on “The Man Show.” Hot babes holding a bud light.

I am sorry for being so blunt with my comments. But, I also think others are being too nice in theirs, fearing the wrath of the Internet. I hope you value an honest opinion of the new brand. Because that is what this is. I honestly don’t get it. I honestly don’t see why you felt it was necessary to change what I and others felt was one of the great brands in the home office worker niche.

You had a huge market identity with eMoms that did not exclude anyone.

If I started Coca Cola, McDonald’s, Kraft, Google, or Dell today, I’d have to “explain” to you what the brand is.