Women and the Internet - Women.com Networks

WOMEN.COM NETWORKS

Prior to its buyout by iVillage, San Mateo, California-based Women.com exceeded iVillage in total site traffic. In fact, Jupiter Media Metrix listed Women.com as third among the most visited Web sites in the U.S. in 2000. Established in 1992 as part of an effort to form an Internet-based meeting ground for women, Women.com also conducted a successful IPO in 1999. That year, it joined forces with the online arm of magazine giant Hearst Corp., gaining access to content from traditional women's magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Good Housekeeping. . Like iVillage, Women.com saw its advertising revenues start to tumble in 2000. As a result, its stock price plunged to roughly 25 cents per share, compared to a high of $20.25 in 1999.