by Selene N.
Member since:
July 26, 2006

I Wish They Would Respond

March 30, 2007 08:15 PM UTC
views: 0 | comments: 10

Soon after I came home with the newborn from the hospital, I received a flyer in the mail. It was from National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. It said, "Ever Wonder What Babies Are Thinking?" and went on to say that they were conducting a research study on babies between 2 and 6 months old. The purpose of the study was, of course, exploring infants' development - how they see, how they move, and how they react to objects.

I was very interested in this research project and I called the phone number right away. It was a voicemail and I left my phone number. I also sent an email right away, stating that I was interested, and again, left my contact information.

I have not received any response whatsoever. I even tried to call and email again and still have no response. I wonder why. I thought they would want to get as many "guinea pigs" as possible. I am annoyed because I responded to a blank solicitation and they aren't replying back.

Comments: 10

Ronnie Ray Jenkins Mar 30, 2007, 8:35pm UTC
Maybe they want you on a mailing list to send you all kinds of junk about baby stuff? Did you see if they are actually an accredited government agency. But the more I think of it, that might be just as scary.
Jenna S. Mar 30, 2007, 9:12pm UTC
Do you know the exact company. I'm always cautious without knowing if it's a reputable company. I got in on a infant study last month that paid 30.00 and only took me like an hour. The company was a legit company but they made a mistake with how the emails went out and I got spammed from someone that signed up for this. I complained to them and got things worked out. This was my first time dealing with that company. They were legit and even the legit ones screw up. Goodluck.
William M. Mar 31, 2007, 12:14am UTC
If you find out, let us know.
Carol Lloyd Mar 31, 2007, 12:30am UTC
Chill and enjoy this child they change so much so fast and you never get it back
Cecile V. Mar 31, 2007, 1:13am UTC
Congratulations of the baby, just love 'em and enjoy 'em they grow up too fast! And don't worry about the company - too many things like this turn out to be scams!
They tend to prey on newparents, new homeowners, and elderly when it comes to things like this.... these are vulnerable times in our lives.
Jennifer M. Mar 31, 2007, 5:01pm UTC
It could be that they are in need of certain "demographics" and the one you fall into already is "filled up."
Nicholas H. Mar 31, 2007, 9:50pm UTC
Along a similar line, I saw something interesting on TV. (on Oprah I believe... don't tell anyone... I only watch it when my wife has it on.... I swear!)

It was about a woman who has learned to translate babies cries. There are specific cries for "I'm hungry, sleepy, wet" etc. Fascinating, and she had examples of women who had tried her translations and found them to be very accurate. If I had any more babies around the house, I would definitely buy her book. (Or was it a CD? I'm not sure... I wasn't really watching... honest.)
Selene N. Apr 1, 2007, 1:04am UTC
All - This is not a company. It's (supposedly) a government agency, I think, because the contact email ends with ".gov". I also checked out their website (http://www.nichd.nih.gov/). I believe it's legit.

Nicholas - Yes! I know what you are talking about. I happened to watch that particular episode, because I saw the advertisement about the babies cries, and I was interested. I normally don't watch this show. Not that I despite it. I just don't have time. Anyway, I don't think she's really as much an expert as she claims. I remember her answers to the questions from the audience were pretty iffy and I didn't buy them.

I also read similar topics (how to decipher babies cries) on magazines and newsletters, but they turned out not to be very applicable nor accurate with my baby. I wonder if it's a language difference - my baby is speaking Chinese, and the magazine babies are speaking English!? LOL.
Karolyn Q. Apr 1, 2007, 6:08am UTC
Thank you for sharing.

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Business | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Giveaways | Health | Money | Moms | News | Politics | Sports | Style | Technology | Travel | Writing
Version 18247, "Zach"; Copyright © 2013 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.