BarbieGirls.com - Fun with Barbie

Ok, so the feminist in me is cringing a little bit when I say this, but Barbie.com is one of the best designed and managed sites online - even as a beta. And I cannot deny the staying power of Barbie, for good or bad (can you think of one girl who doesn't know who Barbie is?). In any case, the second you reach the site, you hear music, see pink, and watch a video that downloads very quickly. The video instructs the user (hopefully a pre-teen girl) how to get started. Its pretty easy, as the girl registers, creates her character, designs her room, plays games, and chats with other registered users. Right upfront they also have a clear and comprehensive message to parents to go over their privacy policy and site features to try and make the site as fun and safe as possible. That is smart and helpful, assuming of course that most parents monitor their chid's internet use. I'm not a huge fan of the blatant marketing to buy yet more Barbie products, but that is the prerogative of Mattel, the owners of Barbie. Overall, the site deserves high marks and will undoubtedly be a source of play for millions of Barbie-loving girls.

BarbieGirls.com - message to parents

Barbie is a cultural icon that remains as popular today as it was 30 years ago.

Since this site is new, do kids already have other sites they are using for virtual characters and chatting? How are they going to make a profit (through sales?)