As we all
know, different people like to get their information in different
ways. Some might have permanently left newspapers behind the day
these went online, while others still hold that nothing compares to
reading a crisp, new paper while having your morning coffee. Divorce
Magazine readers have had the choice since 1996: pick up a free
copy of the magazine or go online. DivorceMagazine.com
started as an electronic reprint of its paper counterpart, but over
the last six years, it has become much more. With its interactive
features, immediate access to a wealth of information and resources,
and its user-friendly set-up, the website, after its third makeover,
continues to affirm its position as a valuable entity on its own.
Part
of this value stems from the support network that this interactive
community creates. Having a place to go for guidance and support —
whether this is during a bout of insomnia or after bumping into your ex
on your lunch break — is an important part of the divorce-recovery
process. Your friends might not always be available, or you might be
worried about becoming a burden to them. At such times, you can log
on to “Divorce Discussions,” DivorceMagazine.com’s bulletin board.
Within seconds, you can read about, or participate in, the discussion of
daily active topics, or you can post your own topic/question. It’s a
great place to share your own experiences, to get things off your
chest, and to articulate your concerns to individuals who can be of
help. As Dan Couvrette, Divorce Magazine’s publisher and CEO,
explains, with the site and the magazine, divorced individuals can “get a
sense that they aren’t on their own.”
For straightforward, no-nonsense advice, you can also read John Gray’s “Mars & Venus” column or turn to “Love Notes” — a weekly online column by noted sex and relationship expert Dr. Pat Love.
If it’s professional advice you’re after, try the FAQs
for your area. The FAQs are separated into “Before,” “During,” and
“After” divorce; choose from a list of 30 questions and answers to
find the ones that most closely mirror your situation. These FAQs
are written by experts in the legal, financial, and counseling
fields; although their advice cannot take the place of personal advice
you receive from a professional, it can help to educate you about
some of your rights and obligations.
Exclusive to the web, the “Professional Forum”
allows you to choose from a list of topics and have access to a
wealth of articles written by experts in various fields.
Professionals such as lawyers, psychologists, and financial experts
can post their own articles here. Although these articles are actually
intended for other professionals, many of them are equally relevant
for those experiencing the challenges of separation and divorce.
If you’re in the market for professional help, both this forum and the “Find Professionals”
link are good ways to screen potential candidates — without
shelling out “initial meeting” fees. And since Divorce Magazine is
committed to working with people who share their philosophy, you can
rely on these professionals to be trustworthy. As Diana Shepherd,
Divorce Magazine’s Editorial Director explains, although they can’t
be responsible for everything these professionals do, the magazine has,
in the past, severed ties with a few contributors and advertisers
because of their bad practices.
Another
important aspect of the site is the depth of information that it
contains. Whereas most online magazines have difficulty providing
enough content, DivorceMagazine.com, able to feed off Divorce Magazine’s
resources, can offer something extra: the quality and quantity of
divorce-related feature articles that you just won’t find on any
other website. As a result, you get all the interactive features,
plus “Food for Thought” (the quote of the day), the Divorce Poll,
and the Daily News (stories that are entertaining, informative, or
both). Perhaps most importantly, you also get access to lots of
useful information about divorce — whether you’re now single or a
single parent.
Among the products and services
available on this site are accountants, mediators, real-estate
agents, home products and services, family-counseling services, and
business valuators. You can also find information on children, cars,
beauty, loans, jewelry, and anything in between. Then there’s the
ever-expanding list of books that range from divorce information in
general to dating, parenting, health, education, and finances. If
books aren’t your thing, you can satisfy your curiosity online with a
listing of more than 150 helpful web links on the same range of
topics. For those who prefer the human touch, the “Divorce Support”
section lists support groups and seminars for those affected by
divorce — including children. Within it, you can find out what
kinds of workshops, groups, or counseling services are available in
your area, and how to choose the right one for your type of personality
and needs.
If you have some time, I recommend entering “The Reading Room,” where you can sample some of the magazine’s best articles. Some of them offer practical “news you can use,” such as “Top Ten Divorce Tips,” an article about how to maintain control of your legal expenses while getting a divorce. Others, like “Stupid Parent Tricks”
and “Child’s Play,” offer advice for divorced parents. These two
stories deal, respectively, with the biggest mistakes divorcing couples
make with their children, and with the how, what, and when to tell
your kids about your divorce. Some articles, like “Dating after Divorce,”
have been excerpted from books — giving you a taste of what the
book has to offer. This one is based on Leah and Elina Furman’s The
Everything Dating Book, which offers a fresh look at the rules of
the dating game in the 21st century, and discusses factors to beware
of as well as general dating tips and dating scenarios. The
“JumpStart!” section of the Reading Room provides its guests with
practical information for anyone whose life is in transition. For
instance, “Looking Good!” outlines the steps required for both men
and women to make positive changes in their appearance and body
image. As well, articles on how to cope with anger, beat stress,
rebuild trust, get the right kind of exercise, or choose colors to
create a happy living environment all provide valuable information
that applies to all aspects of living. After all, there is more to
life after divorce than your civil status!
When
it comes right down to it, DivorceMagazine.com is a website, and
the most precious gift it can offer its many users is quick, easy,
and accessible information. The web design team has made a conscious
effort to make this site easy to navigate and fast to load, recognizing
that people need information in a hurry — regardless of the speed
of their Internet connection or the proficiency of their navigating
skills. Whether you’re looking to advertise on the site, respond to a
world event, consult the frequently asked questions, or simply marvel
at the bizarreness of the Daily News, you’re never more than a few
clicks away from your goal. Along your travels, you’ll encounter no
clutter and no bother: tons of useful information awaits you, and
you can use or ignore it all at your own pace.
Averaging
over 120 thousand unique visitors per month, and winner of the
prestigious “Cool Site of the Day” award in October of 2001,
DivorceMagazine.com is hardly a secret. But it is another source of
important information that you shouldn’t neglect the next time
you’re in need of a little help and encouragement.
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