GENERAL

Who founded SkinnyScoop and why?

Is SkinnyScoop only for moms?

How is SkinnyScoop different?

I am a big supporter of local volunteer-run moms groups. Are you trying to compete with them?

I've heard about SkinnyScoop Tastemakers - what are they?

CREATING & SHARING LISTS

How do I get started on creating a list?

What are some tips for creating a good list?

Can I put the list on my blog or website?

How do I add a suggestion or item to someone else's list?

ASKING OR ANSWERING QUESTIONS

How do I craft a new question?

What are some tips on how to ask a good question?

How do I ask a question anonymously/privately?

How do I answer a question anonymously/privately?

How can I change an answer I have given?

How do I share an existing question or results with more people?

How do I mark a particular question as useful?

Why do some answers have percentages next to them but some don’t?

PRIVACY

What are the default settings for privacy?

If I mark a question or answer as private, who can see my question or answer?

How do I ask a question anonymously/privately?

How do I answer a question anonymously/privately?

What information can someone see if they are a registered member?

Can I create a list privately?

If I connect using Facebook Connect, will my questions and answers be posted back to Facebook?

EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS

What are my options for email notifications?

How do I change my email notifications?

PROFILE

How do I change my profile information?

How do I change my profile image?

POINT SYSTEM

What are points and levels?

What activities earn points?

What can I do with the points I earn?

Can I give another member points for helping me?

PARTNERING WITH SKINNYSCOOP

I am a blogger. How can I work with you?

I am a journalist. Can I use you data and content for an article?

I have a content site. How can I partner with you?

Do you work directly with companies on sponsorships or other programs?

OTHER

I don’t like some of the ads that are served up in the right column. Can you control that?

How do I report abuse such as inappropriate questions or answers?

What do I do if I forget my password?

GENERAL

Who founded SkinnyScoop and why?

SkinnyScoop was founded by Eden Godsoe and Erin McBride Crocker. Erin was a “go-to” kind of woman while Eden was more of a “get-from” type of person. Eden always wanted the skinny and Erin always had the scoop. After rooming together at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, Eden pursued a career in technology while Erin pursued a career in banking before switching to a more grueling job of full-time mom. Erin wanted an effective way to share her research and knowledge, and Eden wanted a quick and easy way to get the info she needed. In a classic you-scratch-my-back-and-I’ll-scratch yours moment, SkinnyScoop was born. Enter Larissa Dinh, our third co-founder (a true product guru!), and things really took off.

Is SkinnyScoop only for moms?

Not at all. While we were founded by moms and the majority of users are women ages 25 to 50, we don’t limit membership to moms - or even women. We have members who are dads, single women without children, married women contemplating families, grandparents, aunts, uncles…you name it! Some of our content will be specifically targeted toward women or moms, but we’re happy to welcome everyone.

How is SkinnyScoop different?

We’ll explain in three words – simple, fun and rewarding. SkinnyScoop was founded by a group of busy women so we understand. We admit that all these young gun male engineers are brilliant - but they really don't really get! We set out to create something that would delight women and simplify our lives while recognizing ladies for the influence and power that we have.

Did you know that women make 85% of all purchase and household decisions? No wonder you’re feeling overwhelmed – that’s a lot of responsibility! While we’re all answering real questions and creating lists on important topics, we also want to have fun. At SkinnyScoop, you’ll find content about everything from the risqué to the absurd or even the downright funny. Reap the rewards of being an active SkinnyScoop participant by earning an invitation to our Tastemaker Program, engaging in contests and forming new friendships! We’re all in this together.

I've heard about SkinnyScoop Tastemakers - what are they?

Tastemakers are recognized leaders in the SkinnyScoop community who can make a big wave out of a small idea. We rely on Tastemakers to contribute top content and help us spread the word. In return, SkinnyScoop Tastemakers enjoy benefits like first access to new features, special badges/widget and the opportunity to participate in the SkinnyScoop guest-blogging program. Hop on over to our Tastemaker page for more information!

CREATING AND ENGAGING WITH LISTS

How do I get started creating a list?

Click on the "Create" tab found in the pink navigation bar at the top of each page and select the list option. From here, the process is simple and quick. We will walk you through naming and describing your list, putting items (product recommendations, website links, tips, anything!) into your list, and publishing and sharing your list.

What are some tips for creating a good list?

When people see some of the lists other people create, they assume it must take a long time or that you need technical know-how. Not true! If you have ever shared a suggestion in an email, posted something to Facebook or even handwritten a list, you can make a great SkinnyScoop list. We eat our own dog food here so we put our tips into a list - Tips for Creating "Cool" Lists.

Can I put the list on my blog or website?

We are glad you asked…yes you can! In fact you can post any list (not just lists you have created) to any blog or website. When you are on a list you like, click on the orange "Post to Blog" link at the top of the page. You can choose a size that fits with the blog or website. Then cut and paste the resulting code onto the page. It's that simple.

How do I add a suggestion to someone else's list?

We want all lists to be collaborative, evergreen and useful, so please do share suggestions on lists you find interesting. You will find a blue "Add a Suggestion" button at the top of most lists. The exceptions are lists that the author wishes not to have suggestions. Click on the button and follow the steps to share your recommendation, tips or other suggestion. The list owner will be notified of your suggestion and may even chose to promote it to the official list.

ASKING OR ANSWERING QUESTIONS

How do I craft a new question?

The first step to getting an answer to a question you have is to search to see if the same or similar question has already been asked by another woman. Chances are it has. You can go to the "All Questions" tab and look through the appropriate category or (even easier) you can type the topic into the search box at the top right of every page. To get the best results, you just need to type in one or two words such as "nanny contract" or "cell phone". We will then show similar questions that may be helpful.

If you find a similar question has already been asked, you can share it with your group of friends to get more answers and see how they answer since most of us like to know what women similar to us think or do.

If you do not find a similar question, you can click on the "Ask Your Own Question" link found just under the search box in the top right corner of every page. From here, the process is simple and quick. You will choose your question type, craft your question, select the audience, choose if you want this to be private/anonymous, and send.

What are some tips on how to ask a good question?

It is not difficult to ask a "good" question that will yield more answers or more useful answers. Some of the tips we suggest include:

  • Check to see if the same or similar question has been asked. You can share an existing question with friends or specific individuals. The nice thing is the question is already crafted and there are already some answers even if not from your friends.
  • Ask a question in a yes/no or multiple choice format. People tend to answer these more than open ended/advice-type questions. You can still get detail or comments for these questions. You may even want to put in the question "please include specifics in comments."
  • Keep the question short and simple. While it’s natural to want to explain your situation fully, it is best to keep the question short.
  • Try to keep your question and answer options unbiased. The less of your opinion in the question, the cleaner the results.
  • Include your name if you are comfortable. If you have a question that is private, by all means click that box so your name is not revealed. But if your question is not private, you may get more answers by attaching your name to the question. Friends will be more inclined to answer if they know if is from you.
  • Put your question in the appropriate category. We have found members comb through categories of interest from the "All Questions" tab and answer many.

How do I ask a question anonymously/privately?

To ask a question privately simply select the "Private" box for "Pick Sender" during step 2 of the craft a question process. Your audience will only see the question is from "a friend" or "a SkinnyScoop member." You will be able to track the question on your "My Questions" tab within "My Skinny". Those questions asked privately will be denoted with a large pink dot.

How do I answer a question anonymously/privately?

You can answer any question privately by marking the "answer anonymously" box just below the answer selections on any question page. If you forget to do this when answering a question, you can click on your "My Answers" tab, find the question under "Questions I Have Answered" section, click on the question and go to the "Edit or View Your Answer" tab to change your answer or privacy setting for that question.

How can I change an answer I have given?

The easiest way to change an answer or add more to your comments is to click on the question link. From there you can edit your answer or add more comments. Click "Update Answer" to save it.

How do I share an existing question or results with more people?

Just below the pie chart of answers on each question page is what we call the share box. From there you can ask friends to answer an existing question or share the results with them. You can do this via email or you can post the question or pie chart of answers to Facebook.

How do I mark a particular question as useful?

If you find a question you like and may want to go back to, you can click the "Follow Question" box at the top of the question page. The question will then be put in your "Questions I have marked as useful" section of your "My Questions" tab and you will be updated on new answers.

Why do some answers have percentages next to them but some don’t?

If the question is a yes/no or multiple choice type, then you will see the answers displayed as percentage, bar charts and/or pie charts. The percentages show what percent of respondents select each answer. For example, 20% yes – 80% no means that 20% of members who answered said "yes" while 80% said "no" to the question. If the question is asked free form without giving answer options then there will not be percentages but just the advice or answers that respondents typed in.

PRIVACY

What are the default settings for privacy?

Your default settings will only allow people you have accepted as friends to view your profile. If you would like to open that up to more members or the public, you can go to the "Settings" link in the upper right corner when you are logged in.

If I mark a question or answer as private, who can see my question or answer?

If you mark a question as private, no one will know the question comes from you. Your friends or others you send it to will only see that "a friend" or "a SkinnyScoop member" has asked them a question. When you look at your "My Questions" tab under "My Skinny" you will see the question but there will be a pink dot that indicates you asked it privately.

If you mark an answer as private, no one but you will know you answered the question. Your answer will be captured as part of the data but your friends or others on the site will not know you answered the question.

How do I ask a question anonymously/privately?

To ask a question privately simply select the "Private" box for "Pick Sender" during step 2 of the craft a question process.

How do I answer a question anonymously/privately?

You can answer any question privately by marking the "answer anonymously" box just below the answer selections on any question page. If you forget to do this when answering a question, you can click on your "My Answers" tab, find the question under "Questions I Have Answered" section, click on the question and go to the "Edit or View Your Answer" tab to change your answer or privacy setting for that question.

What information can someone see if they are a registered member?

If someone is a registered member but not your friend, they can only see your name, your thumbnail image, and the city you live in. In order to see anything more about you, they need to friend you or you would need to open your profile up beyond the default setting of friends only.

Can I create a list privately?

Not at this time. While we appreciate that people may want to ask or answer a question anonymously, we think it's important for list creators to "own" the lists they create. People want to see who recommendations or suggestions are from. Would Oprah's favorites lists be as popular if they came from someone called "anonymous in Chicago"?

If I connect using Facebook Connect, will my questions and answers be posted back to Facebook?

No. Nothing will be posted back to Facebook unless you explicitly want it to by clicking on the "Post this to my Facebook wall" button. The default is to not post, so you need to click this box to have something posted.

EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS

What are my options for email notifications?

When a friend asks you a question, you can choose to be emailed as each one is asked, group together for a daily digest, or receive no email notification but have those questions funnel to the "Pending to Answer" tab on your "My Skinny" page. The default setting is to receive a daily digest. You will also receive emails when someone friends you, when someone responds to your friend request or when you have asked to be notified of updated answers to questions you have asked or followed. All of these can be changed via the "Settings" link.

How do I change my email notifications?

You can change your email notification settings by clicking on the "Settings" link in the upper right corner. Go to the "Notifications" tab to view your options.

PROFILE

How do I change my profile information?

You can update or change your profile information by going to the "Settings" link in the upper right corner. The "Profile" tab within "Settings" will show your current information. Click on the corresponding "change" link, update the information, and click "save."

How do I change my profile image?

You can change your profile image by going to "My Skinny" and clicking on the "Update Picture" link that is under the image. If you do not want a personal image, your image will default to our simple blue line drawing. If you are connected via Facebook Connect, your image may be pulled from Facebook.

POINT SYSTEM

What are points and levels?

We want to recognize and reward women who help the rest of us by inviting more members to SkinnyScoop, asking or answering questions, and giving really good answers or comments. We do this by giving points for these activities. We are still developing our rewards and recognition program, and welcome any feedback to feedback@theSkinnyScoop.com.

What activities earn points?

All members start with 100 points. You can earn points by doing the following:

  • Inviting new members to join
  • Asking a question
  • Answering a question
  • Receiving a "useful answer/comment" from another member
  • Connecting (friending) other members

What can I do with the points I earn?

We are still developing our rewards and recognition program, but you can currently earn "Maven" status (and all the bragging rights associated with being a SkinnyScoop Maven) by getting to 500 points. You can also earn category-specific badges (Eden is the proud recipient of her Gold badge for our Love category!). We plan to introduce product discounts and giveaways, donations to non-profits of your choice, and access to special functionality. Hold tight!

Can I give another member points for helping me?

Please do! An easy way to do this is to click on the "great comment" link after a question comment that helped you or made you laugh. If you find a great list, you can follow it. Not only will that recognize the creator but you will stay updated on other things that person adds or creates.

PARTNERING WITH SKINNYSCOOP

I am a blogger. How can I work with you?

Here’s the skinny - we love partnering with bloggers and think we’ve created the perfect social platform where you can really embrace your passions and unleash your ‘inner Oprah!’ We’d love to have you come aboard and join our community. Being a part of such a fantastic group of people provides constant inspiration, reader engagement and traffic growth. Get more of the scoop on our blogger page, or get in touch with Claudia who is our outreach specialist!

I am a journalist. Can I use you data and content for an article?

We’re happy to work with journalists! We think that SkinnyScoop data and content is especially powerful in conjunction with fun and well-written articles or stories. Some of our experience with publications includes work with AOL, SheKnows, Blisstree and Daily Candy.

If you’re interested in using SkinnyScoop data in a piece, please contact our Community Manager (and resident wordsmith) Krista. She’ll be psyched to help you out.

I have a content site. How can I partner with you?

We have a few different programs that we use to effectively partner with content sites. Learn more about our work with bloggers on our blogger page, and feel free to reach out with any different ideas you may have for partnership. We especially love creative, fresh alternatives to boring targeted ads! Brownie points if you knock our socks off.

Do you work directly with companies on sponsorships or other programs?

Yes, yes, and yes! We particularly love engaging with passionate companies and branded campaigns. Get in touch to learn more about using SkinnyScoop to market to influential women in a high-impact, engaging way.

OTHER

I don’t like some of the ads that are served up in the right column. Can you control that?

We're sorry that you don't like the ads! Unfortunately, we don't have the ability to control what ads display on SkinnyScoop at this time.

How do I report abuse such as inappropriate questions or answers?

Please let us know of any content you may see as inappropriate or offensive by emailing us at support@theskinnyscoop.com. We take these matters very seriously and you can rest assured that we’ll take all action necessary to ensure that SkinnyScoop is always a positive and fun user experience.

What do I do if I forget my password?

We’ve all been there! Just e-mail us at support@theskinnyscoop.com and we’ll reset it and send you a new password. Just remember to change it to something that’s easier to remember once you log back in. You can do this by clicking 'settings' and going to 'profile'. Voila!.