Online Dating Service
From LoveToKnow Online
There are literally hundreds of online dating services available. The choices are endless, but there are just as many bad sites are there are helpful ones. How can you tell which is which? It can be quite difficult, as recent legal action against a prominent online dating service proves. A lawsuit involving Match.com alleges 'phony dating' practices by the online dating service including bogus romantic emails and people on the company payroll going on dates with subscribers. Whether or not the allegations are true remains to be seen, and Match.com representatives categorically denied the accusations. Even among companies with no controversies at all, finding the right one can be a difficult journey. Much of the search is just trial and error--finding the right fit. In other areas there are definitely things to keep an eye out for and particular ways to handle your ad once you've found the online dating service for you.
Looking For More Than a Date?
The best online dating services don't cater exclusively to matchmaking--they are part of a larger service to inform, educate or entertain. One great example is Nerve.com. This website features an excellent stable of writers, photographers and storytellers. The Nerve Personals section is just part of the subscriber-based service. In spite of the lawsuit against Match.com, it has to be pointed out that the dating service does something quite right in offering the Internet magazine Happen. Any online dating services offering these kinds of perks are likely to be helpful. In the end you'll need to evaluate each site to see what is the best match for you.
The Ins and Outs of Using Pictures in Your Ad
Choosing an online dating site is only part of the process. Once you've located one you like, you'll have to decide how to word and present your online ad. The first dilemma is the most troublesome for many online daters; submit an ad with pictures or without? Online dating safety concerns aside, you need to ask yourself a few very important questions. How small is your community? Will people on the street recognize you from your ad? Don't snicker, it happens in cities as large as Chicago. Posting a photograph can be risky in ways you don't expect. Forget the stalker problem for a moment and consider your co-workers, who may be surfing the very same dating sites you frequent. The key to using photographs is to make them appealing without giving away your true identity. One of the best ways to do this is to use a photograph taken of you alone from a bit farther away than normal. People who view the picture will get to see your hair, your dimensions and your taste in clothes without your being instantly recognizable to all your fellow single office workers.
Online Dating Service Pics, Part Two
Pictures are tricky because you can accidentally send the wrong kind of message to people in the online dating community. The swimsuit photos that are posted by some are often interpreted as being a come-on for one-nighters and "no-strings-attached" arrangements. If this is exactly what you want, by all means post away, but for those looking for something more, conservative photos are best. It's never a good idea to post a picture of yourself with other people. Half the time the viewers of the pics are wondering who is who, and many forget to identify themselves in the pic. A 'solo' picture is far better as it is less distracting. Make sure your photo is in focus, shot in good light and has you at your best. You don't need to pay someone to take a professional photograph, just have a friend who knows their way around a camera take some nice, flattering shots of you.
Profiles and More
Writing an online dating profile can be difficult, but remember to take the whole thing with a dash of lightheartedness. You won't win any points by telling the world you want to meet your number one all time great love and get married. Instead, write a profile that sounds realistic and makes you seem interesting enough to contact out of the clear blue sky. Self-depreciating humor works if you keep it light, but don't send the message that you don't believe in yourself. Be confident, fun and a little daring. Above all, be honest, but appropriately so! These are strangers you're talking to, so you don't need to tell your life story--just a few interesting bits. When you are posting--and responding to-an online dating ad, remember that you are advertising your personality, it's good to be a bit secretive in just the right places. It's a lot like advertising--the fast food commercial concentrates on how juicy that burger looks, not that little ring of grease that it leaves on the bag. Keep things lighthearted and you'll find you get much better responses over time.
Keep It Safe And Fun
Remember to use good common sense when searching for an online date the same as you would in any other dating situation. Meet your new friends in public places with lots of people around, get to know someone before spending time alone with them and always let someone know where you are and what you'll be doing. Have fun and good luck in your online search.
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This page has been accessed 3,664 times. This page was last modified 08:25, 6 May 2006.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
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