In the latest This Week in Tech, Leo Laporte talked about how he got ripped off on ebay. He bought a camera, paid with paypal, and never got the camera, but since paypal can only insure up to $200, and since he paid $2100, he was just out the $1900 with little recourse. Here's how to keep the same from happening to you:  read more »

It's like an aquatic Webkinz.  read more »

It's a trading card game with an online component. But does the online component make up for a lack in the game or make a great game better?  read more »

Each virtual world for kids offers different features, and Littlest Pet Shop VIP's bring their own unique take on the online experience.

The Stuffed Animal

The huge-eyed cutetastic stuffed animals are just the right size to accompany kids to bed at night and play with during the day. Made from sturdy fabric and tight stitching, they look and feel like they'll hold up a long time.  read more »

With the success of YouTube, a lot of video sites have popped up, each with their own niche. TriFame is trying to be the Web version of American Idol. A Wii isn't much of a prize compared to a recording contract, though.

New Talent Community Launched Online to Discover the Next Biggest Stars

TriFame launched its new Web site where users and non-users can vote on content and decide the next biggest star in modeling, music and dance  read more »

Online worlds for kids take on many different forms. Among the older and more popular, you'll find Webkinz from Ganz. But how well will your child fit in with this world?

To begin, your child will need a Webkinz plush toy, which includes, like other retail toy worlds, a code on the tag that can be entered at Webkinz.com. Once entering the code, your child has access to the Webkinz world for a year before needing to renew.  read more »

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and   read more »

Tech Talk for Families has recently added discussion forums to allow visitors to interact with the site staff and other visitors. These forums have been designed with a family-friendly atmosphere in mind, allowing parents and kids to talk about the latest games, gadgets, and toys, share tips, and get help.  read more »

Cartoon Network New Media has launched a unique web game today for fans of the Ben 10 show: Ben 10 Alien Force: Game Creator. Using a collection of available game elements, players of this free game can create their own adventures and then share with friends or other fans at CartoonNetwork.com.

Cartoon Network obviously realizes the popularity of the Ben 10 franchise, so they've combined elements of the show with social media to create a new game experience for tweens.

A study released today by Consumer Reports Webwatch and Mediatech Foundation says kids' sites like Club Penguin, Webkinz, and others may have negative effects on kids because of their powerful marketing techniques. The study also suggests that the marketing should be more transparent for parents. It should be no surprise, but these site heavily emphasize consumerism. Their goal, after all, is to make money.  read more »