Objective:
Few online resources are available for teens and young adults living with hemophilia. Frankly.net aspires to serve as a candid, trusted resource on real issues of concern for this age group. Our online forum provides news, tips and information to help young adults with hemophilia live the lives they choose.
Method:
In 2008, an editorial board was established to guide the creation of Frankly.net, an online magazine targeting young men with hemophilia. Board members include experts in the areas of healthcare, social work and advocacy, and two are young men living with hemophilia.
Frankly.net content is controlled exclusively by the editorial board and sponsored by Bayer Healthcare with the goal of casting light on often taboo subjects within the community, such as sexuality, drugs and depression. An editorial calendar is maintained to ensure fresh content is published regularly.
Frankly.net is mobile-optimized and includes rich video content. Users are encouraged to keep up with the latest content by following @FranklyNet on Twitter.
Summary:
Since its inception, the editorial board has guided the creation of more than 80 stories. Articles include topics that resonate with young adults such as travel, entertainment, relationships and sex. Engaging video stories are also available in English and Spanish.
To date, Frankly.net has seen nearly 7,500 visitors from more than 125 countries across the globe, including the US, India, Germany, Canada.
In 2013, Frankly.net underwent a site makeover, re-launching with a new look and feel. Plans to further engage with an international audience are also underway. Korea launched a fully translated site in early 2013 under the guidance of a Korean editorial board. A Latin American version is in development and content from the site has been repurposed and translated in a dozen countries.
Conclusions:
Frankly.net is a unique resource for teenagers and young adults with hemophilia around the world. It continues to push boundaries as a way to help young men navigate the ups and downs of living with hemophilia.