About.com Review

Based on looking at the website, About.com presents itself as a robust digital and print publisher, aiming to provide answers, experiences, and information across a vast array of topics.

However, a strict review from an ethical and comprehensive standpoint reveals several areas where it falls short of what a truly trustworthy and user-centric platform should offer, especially for a discerning audience.

Overall Review Summary:

• Website Transparency: Lacks immediate, clear information about ownership, editorial policies, or data privacy on the homepage.
• Content Focus: Heavily emphasizes consumerism, entertainment, and certain lifestyle aspects that may not align with ethical values.
• Ethical Considerations: Features content related to finance investing, beauty glamour, smoky eye, and lifestyle manhattan cocktail, wedding planning which, while not explicitly forbidden, often push boundaries or promote excessive materialism and potentially problematic practices in their broader context. The mention of “Food & Wine Classic” and “make a manhattan” immediately raises concerns regarding alcohol promotion.
• User Experience: While visually appealing, the lack of immediate trust signals and focus on broad, sometimes ethically ambiguous topics is a drawback.
• Privacy & Terms: No direct links to privacy policy or terms of service readily visible on the homepage, which is a significant red flag for transparency.
• Impartiality: Appears to be an advertising-driven platform, which can compromise impartiality and editorial integrity.

The platform’s emphasis on “glamour,” “manhattan,” and “Food & Wine Classic in Aspen” immediately signals a significant concern.

The promotion of alcohol-related content, even implicitly through events or recipes, is unequivocally against ethical guidelines and should be avoided.

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Furthermore, the strong push towards consumerist “experiences” and “glamour” can lead to excessive materialism, which is not conducive to a balanced, principled lifestyle.

While some content categories like “houseplant” or “getting kids classroom ready” are benign, the overarching theme leans heavily into areas that are either directly problematic or indirectly encourage a materialistic, unprincipled way of life.

Here are better alternatives that focus on ethical, beneficial, and knowledge-based content without compromising principles:

• Khan Academy
  • Key Features: Free, world-class education in math, science, history, economics, and more. practice exercises, instructional videos, and personalized learning dashboards.
  • Average Price: Free
  • Pros: High-quality, comprehensive educational content. accessible globally. focuses on core academic subjects. strong ethical foundation.
  • Cons: Primarily academic, less focused on general lifestyle topics.
• Wikipedia
  • Key Features: Collaborative, open-source encyclopedia covering an immense range of topics. community-edited for accuracy with disclaimers.
  • Pros: Vast amount of information. good starting point for research. available in multiple languages. non-commercial.
  • Cons: Information can sometimes be biased or subject to vandalism though usually quickly corrected. not a primary source.
• Coursera
  • Key Features: Online courses, specializations, and degrees from top universities and companies worldwide. covers a wide range of subjects including technology, business, and personal development.
  • Average Price: Varies, many free courses. paid specializations/degrees from $49-$79/month to thousands.
  • Pros: High-quality, structured learning. reputable instructors. certification available for paid courses.
  • Cons: Can be expensive for full programs. not all content is free.
• Project Gutenberg
  • Key Features: Library of over 60,000 free eBooks. focus on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired. diverse genres from literature to non-fiction.
  • Pros: Extensive collection of classic literature and public domain works. promotes free access to knowledge. no ads.
  • Cons: Limited to older works. no modern bestsellers.
• Instructables
  • Key Features: User-created DIY projects and how-to guides across various categories like technology, crafts, home, and food with care for ethical recipes. step-by-step instructions with photos.
  • Average Price: Free with premium options for ad-free experience
  • Pros: Practical, hands-on learning. encourages creativity and skill-building. diverse range of practical topics.
  • Cons: Quality varies depending on the creator. some projects may require specific tools or materials.
• EdX
  • Key Features: Online courses and programs from leading universities and institutions. covers academic subjects, professional development, and more.
  • Average Price: Many courses are free to audit. verified certificates cost from $50-$300.
  • Pros: High-quality educational content. reputable partners. flexible learning. focuses on structured knowledge.
  • Cons: Certificate fees can add up. primarily academic.
• The Spruce Home While part of Dotdash Meredith, The Spruce Home specifically focuses on home improvement, decor, and gardening, which are generally permissible and beneficial categories, provided the content itself remains within ethical bounds. It’s a pragmatic choice for practical home advice.
  • Key Features: Guides on home decor, gardening, home improvement, and cleaning. practical advice and DIY projects.
  • Pros: Focuses on tangible, practical home skills. helpful for creating a comfortable and functional living space. generally beneficial content.
  • Cons: Still part of a larger publisher with questionable content areas. users must filter for truly beneficial and ethical advice.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

About.com Review & First Look

About.com, now under the umbrella of Dotdash Meredith, has undergone significant transformations over the years.

Originally conceived as a network of topic-specific websites, each managed by an “Expert” or “Guide,” it aimed to provide comprehensive information on virtually any subject imaginable.

This model positioned it as a broad-based knowledge repository.

However, a closer look at its current homepage reveals a shift towards a more commercial, lifestyle-oriented approach.

The site prominently features its role as “America’s largest digital and print publisher,” highlighting its reach to “Nearly 200 million people each month.” While this scale is impressive from a business perspective, it raises questions about the depth, impartiality, and ethical alignment of its content. Joessportinggoods.com Review

The Evolution of About.com

It was designed to offer more structured, editorially-guided content compared to the nascent web’s free-for-all.

Over time, as search engines became more sophisticated and other content platforms emerged, About.com faced challenges in maintaining its unique value proposition.

Its current iteration, as part of Dotdash Meredith, signifies a move towards a diversified media portfolio that includes well-known brands like PEOPLE, Investopedia, and Food & Wine.

This integration allows for cross-promotion and leverages brand recognition, but also means inheriting the content focus and potential ethical compromises of these associated brands.

Initial Impressions and Homepage Elements

The homepage immediately presents a mix of lifestyle aspirations and information snippets. Dereo.com Review

Phrases like “to escape into glamour,” “to pick a houseplant,” “to have a baby,” “to invest sustainably,” and “to make a manhattan” are displayed prominently, indicating a broad content strategy that spans from practical advice to leisure and entertainment.

The inclusion of “make a manhattan” and a mention of “Food & Wine Classic in Aspen” is particularly concerning, as it directly promotes content related to alcohol, which is in direct conflict with ethical principles.

The focus on “glamour” and consumer goods like “the perfect smoky eye” also points towards a materialistic emphasis.

While some elements, such as “getting your kids classroom ready,” are harmless, the overall impression is that of a commercial entity focused on capturing audience attention for advertising purposes, often through content that is either frivolous or directly problematic.

Missing Trust Signals and Transparency

For a platform that claims to provide “answers you need,” About.com’s homepage is notably lacking in immediate trust signals. Axiscapitalgrp.com Review

There are no easily accessible links to a comprehensive “About Us” section detailing its editorial philosophy, a clear “Privacy Policy,” or “Terms of Service.” While a “Contact Us” link is present, and a “Learn More” link directs to the Dotdash Meredith advertising page, this absence of upfront transparency is a significant oversight.

Users seeking reliable information expect clear declarations of how their data is used, who is behind the content, and what editorial standards are upheld.

Without these, the platform’s credibility is diminished, making it difficult for users to fully trust the information provided, especially given the broad and sometimes sensitive nature of the topics covered.

About.com Content Focus and Ethical Concerns

About.com, under its current Dotdash Meredith branding, showcases a wide array of topics, aiming to be a comprehensive resource for everyday life.

However, a detailed examination of its content focus reveals significant ethical considerations that warrant a cautious approach, especially for those seeking principled and beneficial information. Gapsos.com Review

The content, while diverse, appears heavily skewed towards consumerism, entertainment, and lifestyle choices that can be problematic from a moral and ethical standpoint.

Emphasis on Consumerism and Materialism

The homepage prominently features snippets designed to entice consumer engagement.

Phrases like “to escape into glamour,” “to get the perfect smoky eye,” and the visual representation of luxurious events suggest a strong lean towards materialistic desires.

This focus can encourage excessive spending, an obsession with external appearances, and a perpetual pursuit of worldly pleasures, which often distract from more meaningful pursuits and a balanced life.

While practical advice on home decor or parenting exists, the overall marketing tone appears to cultivate a culture of consumption rather than self-improvement or community well-being. Pricepointshop.com Review

This creates a subtle but pervasive message that happiness is linked to acquiring goods and experiences, which is a problematic worldview.

Promotion of Prohibited or Discouraged Practices

One of the most critical ethical concerns stems from the direct or indirect promotion of activities deemed impermissible.

The explicit mention of “to make a manhattan” and the inclusion of “Food & Wine Classic in Aspen” are clear indicators of content related to alcohol.

Alcohol consumption and promotion are explicitly forbidden, and any platform that features such content, even as a lifestyle choice, immediately compromises its ethical standing.

This is not merely a preference but a fundamental ethical boundary that About.com crosses. Vitanaturalshop.com Review

Furthermore, while “invest sustainably” sounds positive, the broader financial advice domain as seen with Investopedia, a featured brand often involves interest-based financial products and speculative investments, which also pose ethical dilemmas.

Blurred Lines in “Entertainment” and “Lifestyle”

The site positions itself as offering “The experiences you want” and highlights brands like PEOPLE, known for celebrity news and entertainment.

While entertainment itself is not inherently problematic, the type of entertainment often associated with these brands can include gossip, objectification, and content that promotes superficiality or immoral behavior.

The “glamour” aspect, intertwined with beauty tips and wedding features, can also contribute to an unhealthy focus on external validation and societal pressures rather than inner development and moral strength.

It’s crucial for platforms to curate entertainment that is uplifting, educational, and morally sound, rather than that which panders to base desires or perpetuates harmful societal norms. Onlyviptips.com Review

Lack of Explicit Ethical Filtering

The sheer breadth of topics covered by About.com, from “houseplant” to “invest sustainably,” suggests a lack of a clear, overarching ethical filter for its content.

While it aims to provide “answers,” the critical question is, what kind of answers? Are they answers that lead to a balanced, principled life, or those that merely fulfill immediate, often fleeting, consumerist desires? Without a stated commitment to ethical guidelines that actively exclude problematic content categories like alcohol promotion, or explicitly immoral entertainment, the platform becomes a digital free-for-all where users must constantly discern between beneficial and harmful information, a burden that a truly reputable and responsible publisher should alleviate.

The responsibility of a publisher is not just to provide information, but to provide information that is conducive to the well-being and moral upliftment of its audience.

About.com Pros & Cons Focus on Cons

When evaluating About.com from a rigorous, ethical standpoint, the “Pros” become exceedingly difficult to identify without significant caveats.

The platform’s structure and advertised content suggest a primary focus on broad consumer appeal and advertising revenue, often at the expense of genuine ethical guidance or the promotion of beneficial, principled lifestyles. Automobile18.com Review

Therefore, this section will heavily lean into the “Cons,” highlighting why About.com, in its current form, may not be a suitable or trustworthy resource for those seeking truly ethical and beneficial information.

The Overwhelming Cons

The list of drawbacks for About.com, particularly when viewed through a lens of ethical responsibility and principled living, is substantial:

• Promotion of Prohibited Content: This is the most significant concern. The explicit mention of “make a manhattan” and the “Food & Wine Classic in Aspen” unequivocally demonstrates the promotion of alcohol, which is forbidden. Any platform that normalizes or encourages such activities cannot be considered ethical.
• Emphasis on Materialism and Frivolity: The recurring themes of “glamour,” “smoky eye,” and aspirational “experiences” push a narrative of consumerism and superficiality. This encourages excessive spending, an unhealthy focus on external validation, and distracts from inner development and genuine societal contribution. This is a subtle but potent harm.
• Lack of Transparent Ethical Guidelines: There is no easily accessible, clear statement on the homepage outlining the ethical framework or content moderation policies. For a platform with such vast reach, this lack of transparency is a major red flag. Users are left to guess the underlying values guiding the content.
• Advertising-Driven Model: While not inherently bad, the commercial nature of About.com as part of Dotdash Meredith’s advertising network suggests that content choices might be influenced by advertiser interests rather than purely by factual accuracy, ethical soundness, or public benefit. This can lead to biased or overly promotional content.
• Information Overload Without Curation: While offering a wide range of topics, the sheer breadth without clear ethical curation means users must constantly filter and discern what is truly beneficial versus what is merely distracting or harmful. This places an undue burden on the reader.
• Potential for Misinformation/Unreliable Advice Indirect: While specific instances of misinformation aren’t highlighted on the homepage, a content model that prioritizes broad appeal and commercial partnerships over deep ethical vetting carries an inherent risk of promoting advice that, while not outright false, may be incomplete, biased, or steer users toward undesirable outcomes from an ethical perspective e.g., certain investment strategies, beauty practices, or lifestyle choices.
• No Clear Mission for Societal Upliftment: Unlike educational or charitable organizations, About.com’s public-facing mission seems to be primarily about delivering “answers you need” in a broad commercial context. There’s no evident commitment to fostering moral growth, community well-being, or intellectual rigor beyond superficial engagement.

Limited and Contradictory “Pros”

It is challenging to articulate “pros” without acknowledging the significant ethical compromises.

If one were to purely look at the surface, About.com:

• Offers Broad Information Access with caveats: It attempts to cover a vast array of topics, potentially providing initial information on various subjects. However, the quality and ethical alignment of this information are highly variable.
• Leverages Established Brands with caveats: Being part of Dotdash Meredith brings in brands like The Spruce and Investopedia. While The Spruce focuses on practical home and garden topics which can be beneficial if ethically presented, Investopedia’s financial advice, while often accurate, can promote interest-based practices.
• Visually Appealing Interface: The website is professionally designed and easy to navigate, offering a polished user experience. However, an attractive facade does not compensate for problematic content.

In essence, any perceived “pro” of About.com is overshadowed by its significant ethical shortcomings, particularly its promotion of forbidden content and its overall materialistic slant. Totalmaxbet.com Review

For a principled individual, the cons far outweigh any superficial benefits.

About.com Alternatives

Given the significant ethical concerns surrounding About.com’s content, particularly its promotion of alcohol and general consumerist slant, it is imperative to seek out alternatives that align with principled living and offer truly beneficial knowledge.

The market offers numerous platforms that prioritize education, practical skills, and wholesome content without compromising ethical standards.

These alternatives provide reliable information, foster positive habits, and contribute to intellectual and personal growth.

Educational and Knowledge-Based Platforms

For those seeking genuine knowledge and skill development, several platforms offer structured, high-quality content: Wreathnawat.com Review

• Khan Academy: A non-profit organization dedicated to providing free, world-class education. It covers core academic subjects like mathematics, science, history, and economics. Its content is meticulously vetted and focuses on foundational knowledge, making it an excellent resource for students and lifelong learners alike. This aligns perfectly with the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual growth.
• Wikipedia: While not an “ethical guide,” Wikipedia remains an unparalleled collaborative encyclopedia. It offers a vast, free repository of information on virtually every subject. Users should always cross-reference information, but it serves as an excellent starting point for research, offering comprehensive overviews and citations. Its non-commercial, community-driven nature is a strong positive.
• Coursera and EdX: These platforms partner with top universities and institutions globally to offer online courses, specializations, and degrees. They provide structured learning experiences across a multitude of disciplines, from computer science to humanities. Many courses can be audited for free, offering access to high-quality academic content without cost. For professional development and in-depth learning, these are invaluable.

Practical Skills and DIY Resources

For practical, hands-on learning and skill acquisition, ethically sound options abound:

• Instructables: This platform is a treasure trove of user-created DIY projects and how-to guides. It covers a vast range of categories, including technology, crafts, home improvement, and even ethical cooking though users must select recipes carefully. It encourages creativity, problem-solving, and practical skill development, promoting self-sufficiency rather than reliance on external services. The focus is on tangible creation and learning.
• The Spruce Home: While part of the same parent company, The Spruce Home specifically focuses on home improvement, decor, and gardening. These topics are generally beneficial and align with creating a comfortable and functional living environment. Unlike other sections of About.com’s network, this domain tends to offer practical, wholesome advice on maintaining and improving one’s home, which is a commendable pursuit.
• eHow: Similar to Instructables, eHow provides step-by-step guides on a wide variety of topics, from home repairs to basic crafts. While it’s a commercial site, its emphasis on practical “how-to” content often leans towards beneficial skills and general knowledge that can empower individuals. Users should still exercise discretion with specific content, but its utility in everyday tasks is notable.

Curated Content for Specific Interests

For those seeking curated content in specific ethical niches, independent blogs and specialized platforms often provide a more reliable and principled approach. For instance, instead of generic financial advice from a broad media conglomerate, seeking out independent, Sharia-compliant financial blogs would be a far more appropriate choice. Similarly, for parenting advice, look for resources that emphasize strong moral character and family values rather than consumerist pressures. This involves a proactive search for niche, ethically focused content creators and communities.

The key takeaway is to prioritize platforms that demonstrate a clear commitment to ethical principles, provide genuine educational or practical value, and avoid content that promotes prohibited activities or excessive materialism.

About.com Pricing

About.com, as it currently operates under the Dotdash Meredith umbrella, is not a subscription-based service for consumers in the traditional sense. You don’t “subscribe” to About.com or pay a direct fee to access its content. Instead, its pricing model is primarily focused on advertising and affiliate marketing. This means the platform generates revenue through:

Advertising Revenue

The core of About.com’s business model, as indicated by its “Learn More” link directing to dotdashmeredith.com/advertising, is selling advertising space. Onlinequranexplore.com Review

Advertisers pay to place their ads across About.com’s vast network of websites and content, reaching nearly 200 million monthly users. This can include:

• Display Ads: Banners, pop-ups, and other visual advertisements.
• Native Advertising: Ads designed to blend in with the surrounding content, sometimes making it difficult for users to distinguish between editorial and paid content.
• Sponsored Content: Articles or features that are paid for by an advertiser but are presented as editorial content. This model inherently raises questions about editorial independence and the potential for content to be influenced by commercial interests rather than pure informational value.

Affiliate Marketing

About.com likely engages in affiliate marketing, where it earns a commission when users click on links to products or services mentioned in its content and subsequently make a purchase.

For example, if an article reviews kitchen appliances and links to an e-commerce site, About.com would earn a percentage of any sales generated through that link.

While a common online business practice, this model can sometimes incentivize promoting certain products or services over others, not necessarily because they are the best, but because they offer higher commissions.

Data Monetization

Like many large digital publishers, Dotdash Meredith likely collects user data browsing habits, demographics, interests which can then be used for targeted advertising or sold to third-party data brokers. Barafutours.com Review

While not a direct “price” paid by the consumer, it is a form of value exchange where user data becomes a commodity.

Transparency around data collection and usage is critical but often lacking in readily accessible terms on the homepage.

Implications for the User

From a user perspective, About.com’s content is “free” in monetary terms. However, users “pay” in other ways:

• Exposure to Advertising: Constant bombardment with ads, which can be intrusive and distracting.
• Potential for Biased Content: The advertising and affiliate model can subtly influence editorial content, leading to recommendations or information that serves commercial interests rather than purely objective advice.
• Data Collection: Users contribute their data, which is then used for commercial purposes.

In essence, About.com doesn’t have a consumer-facing “pricing” structure because its product is the audience’s attention and data, which it then sells to advertisers.

This indirect monetization model makes it crucial for users to be critical consumers of the information presented, always questioning potential biases arising from its commercial underpinnings. Graphis.com Review

For those seeking truly unbiased and ethically pure information, platforms that are explicitly non-profit or subscription-based without relying on problematic advertising models are generally preferred.

How to Cancel About.com Subscription N/A & How to Cancel About.com Free Trial N/A

Since About.com, as it operates under the Dotdash Meredith brand, is not a direct subscription service for consumers, there is no “About.com subscription” to cancel and no “About.com free trial” to manage.

Users access its content for free, supported by advertising revenue, as discussed previously.

Therefore, the traditional processes for managing or canceling paid subscriptions or trials do not apply to About.com directly.

Understanding the “Free Access” Model

The “free access” model means that About.com’s content is available to anyone with an internet connection without requiring an account, payment, or enrollment in a trial period. This is typical for ad-supported content websites. Auobd2.com Review

Your “access” is simply granted by navigating to their domain or one of their associated brand sites.

Data & Privacy Concerns Instead of Cancellation

While there’s no subscription to cancel, users concerned about their privacy and data interaction with About.com and its parent company, Dotdash Meredith should consider managing their online footprint related to the site. This primarily involves:

• Cookie Management: Most websites, including About.com, use cookies to track user behavior, preferences, and for targeted advertising. Users can manage or delete cookies through their web browser settings. This can reduce the amount of personalized advertising they see.
• Ad Blockers: Implementing reputable ad-blocking software can prevent most advertisements from loading on About.com and other ad-supported sites, thereby reducing exposure to commercial content and potentially problematic promotions.
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information CCPA/CPRA: For residents of California, the California Consumer Privacy Act CCPA and its successor, the California Privacy Rights Act CPRA, grant consumers the right to opt out of the sale of their personal information. Large publishers like Dotdash Meredith are typically required to provide a clear link for this option, often found in their Privacy Policy or a footer link labeled “Do Not Sell My Personal Information.” While this isn’t a “cancellation,” it’s a way to limit how your data is used for commercial purposes.
• Reviewing Privacy Policies: While not prominently displayed on the About.com homepage, Dotdash Meredith will have a comprehensive privacy policy that details how user data is collected, used, and shared across its network. Users concerned about their data should actively seek out and review this policy on the parent company’s website e.g., Dotdash Meredith’s corporate site. This is the primary method for understanding data practices.

In conclusion, if you no longer wish to engage with About.com’s content, the simplest action is to stop visiting their website.

There are no accounts to close or recurring charges to stop.

The focus for a privacy-conscious individual should be on managing browser settings and understanding broader data privacy rights. Txmstore.com Review

About.com vs. Alternatives: A Comparative Analysis

When comparing About.com under the Dotdash Meredith umbrella with its alternatives, a critical distinction emerges: About.com’s primary model is commercial content delivery driven by advertising and affiliate revenue, often at the expense of ethical purity or depth.

Its alternatives, particularly those recommended for a principled audience, typically prioritize education, unbiased information, or specific ethical niches.

About.com’s Position

• Strengths from a business perspective: Broad reach, established brand recognition through its affiliated sites like PEOPLE, Investopedia, professionally designed interface, wide range of topics that cater to mass consumer interests.
• Weaknesses from an ethical/user perspective: Promotion of forbidden content alcohol, strong emphasis on materialism and consumerism, lack of immediate transparency regarding ethical guidelines and data usage, potential for content bias due to advertising model, diluted information quality across vast topics.
• Target Audience: General consumers seeking quick answers, lifestyle inspiration, and entertainment, who may not be critical of content sources or ethical implications.

Versus Educational Platforms e.g., Khan Academy, Coursera, EdX

• Focus: These alternatives are explicitly dedicated to education and learning. Khan Academy is non-profit and focuses on foundational academic subjects. Coursera and EdX offer structured courses and degrees from reputable institutions.
• Ethical Alignment: Generally high. Their mission is to impart knowledge and skills, not to sell products or promote problematic lifestyles. They are free from the conflicts of interest associated with advertising revenue.
• Content Quality: High. Content is typically peer-reviewed, developed by experts, and structured for effective learning.
• User Experience: Designed for learning pathways and skill acquisition, often interactive and progressive.
• Monetization: Primarily through donations Khan Academy, paid certificates/degrees Coursera, EdX, or institutional partnerships, minimizing ethical conflicts.
• Key Distinction: These platforms offer genuine, deep learning and skill development, directly contrasting with About.com’s broad, often superficial, and commercially driven content.

Versus Collaborative Knowledge Platforms e.g., Wikipedia

• Focus: Wikipedia is a collaborative encyclopedia focused on objective information dissemination.
• Ethical Alignment: High, as it’s non-profit and community-driven, with strong policies against bias and promotional content.
• Content Quality: While varying, it relies on community vetting and citations, aiming for neutrality.
• User Experience: Designed for quick information retrieval and exploration of interconnected topics.
• Monetization: Donations only.
• Key Distinction: Wikipedia offers a vast, non-commercial knowledge base, providing factual information without the commercial pressures or lifestyle promotion seen on About.com.

Versus Practical Skills/DIY Platforms e.g., Instructables, The Spruce Home

• Focus: These platforms excel in providing practical, actionable guides for hands-on activities, home improvement, and crafts.
• Ethical Alignment: Generally positive, as they promote self-sufficiency, creativity, and improving one’s living environment. Users must still be discerning about specific content e.g., ensuring food recipes are permissible. The Spruce Home is notable for its specific focus on home.
• Content Quality: Varies based on user-generated content Instructables but generally practical and visually guided.
• User Experience: Step-by-step instructions with rich media, designed for direct application.
• Monetization: Often a mix of ads sometimes less intrusive, premium memberships, or e-commerce partnerships.
• Key Distinction: These alternatives provide concrete, beneficial skills and projects, empowering users to create and improve, contrasting with About.com’s often passive consumption-oriented content.

In summary, About.com serves a purpose for general, quick information retrieval, but its commercial model and problematic content make it a less desirable choice for individuals prioritizing ethical conduct, deep knowledge, and beneficial life practices.

The alternatives offer focused, ethically aligned, and often higher-quality content for specific needs, making them superior choices for a discerning audience.

FAQ

What is About.com?

About.com is a digital and print publisher, currently operating under Dotdash Meredith, that provides content across a wide range of topics, including lifestyle, finance, home, and entertainment, aiming to offer answers and experiences to nearly 200 million people each month.

Is About.com a reliable source of information?

About.com provides a broad range of information, but its reliability can vary by topic and its commercial model advertising and affiliate marketing introduces potential biases.

Users should exercise discretion, especially concerning content related to ethically sensitive areas.

Does About.com promote alcohol?

Yes, About.com, through its homepage highlights and associated brands, explicitly mentions and promotes content related to alcohol, such as “make a manhattan” and “Food & Wine Classic in Aspen,” which raises significant ethical concerns.

Is About.com free to use?

Yes, About.com’s content is generally free for consumers to access, as its revenue is generated through advertising, affiliate marketing, and potentially data monetization, rather than direct user subscriptions or fees.

What kind of content does About.com primarily feature?

About.com primarily features content related to lifestyle, consumerism, beauty, home improvement, finance, and entertainment, aiming for broad appeal to a mass audience.

Does About.com have a privacy policy?

While not prominently linked on its main homepage, as part of Dotdash Meredith, About.com operates under a broader privacy policy that details data collection and usage practices, which can typically be found on the parent company’s corporate website.

How does About.com make money?

About.com makes money primarily through selling advertising space to various brands, engaging in affiliate marketing earning commissions on sales generated through its links, and potentially through the monetization of user data.

Are there any ethical concerns with About.com’s content?

Yes, significant ethical concerns include the promotion of alcohol, a strong emphasis on materialism and consumerism, and a lack of immediate transparency regarding its ethical guidelines and potential content biases due to its advertising model.

What are some good educational alternatives to About.com?

Excellent educational alternatives include Khan Academy for academic subjects, Coursera and EdX for online courses from universities, and Wikipedia for general knowledge.

Are there alternatives for practical DIY content like About.com offers?

Yes, for practical DIY and how-to content, Instructables and The Spruce Home offer valuable resources for home improvement, crafts, and other hands-on projects.

Is About.com suitable for children or young learners?

Given its broad content, including potentially problematic lifestyle advice and advertising, About.com is generally not recommended as a primary or unsupervised resource for children or young learners seeking ethical guidance.

How can I avoid seeing ads on About.com?

You can minimize ad exposure on About.com by using reputable ad-blocking software in your web browser.

Does About.com require a user account?

No, About.com does not require users to create an account to access its content, as it operates on a free, ad-supported model.

Is About.com related to Investopedia or PEOPLE magazine?

Yes, About.com is part of the Dotdash Meredith network, which also includes well-known brands such as Investopedia for finance and PEOPLE for culture and entertainment.

What kind of “experiences” does About.com promise?

About.com promises experiences ranging from “escaping into glamour” and “picking a houseplant” to “making a manhattan” and “investing sustainably,” highlighting a broad and often consumerist-driven spectrum of lifestyle content.

What is the “Food & Wine Classic in Aspen” mentioned on About.com?

The “Food & Wine Classic in Aspen” is a culinary event highlighted by About.com, featuring “culinary leaders, innovative wine & spirits experts,” which directly promotes alcohol-related activities.

Can I trust the financial advice on About.com?

While About.com features brands like Investopedia, which is generally reputable for financial information, users should be cautious.

Financial advice often includes concepts like interest-based investments or loans that may not align with ethical principles, and the commercial nature of the site could influence recommendations.

Does About.com have a strong editorial policy for ethical content?

Based on the content prominently displayed on its homepage, About.com does not appear to have a strict, transparent ethical filter that excludes problematic categories such as alcohol promotion, which raises questions about its overall editorial policy concerning ethical content.

What happened to About.com’s original “Guide” model?

About.com originally operated with individual “Guides” or “Experts” managing specific topic sites.

While the content from those days may still exist within the broader Dotdash Meredith network, the overarching presentation has shifted towards a more integrated, brand-focused, and commercially driven model.

Where can I find ethical information about home improvement and gardening?

For ethical information on home improvement and gardening, The Spruce Home is a strong alternative, offering practical advice and guides on these topics without the broader ethical compromises seen on other parts of the About.com network.