Match.com Takes Online Dating Offline Again
Posted by Mary
Image: Hotel Concorde Berlin on Flickr
Match.com, the winner of our Guy's Choice award and a five-star rating, recently announced the launch of a new program called "The Stir" that will take online dating back into the offline world. Rolling out in cities across the country over the next few weeks, the Stir will host a series of live events for single people hand-picked by Match.com to promote successful matches. Match.com daters will receive invitations to events with other well-matched singles, where they can enjoy happy hours, cooking classes, wine tastings, dance lessons and more. At The Stir events, singles will know that other attendees are single and looking to meet someone new, and will be more likely to meet someone with similar interests and goals.
In addition to this innovative live events program, Match.com is launching new games, which allow people to get to know each other while they play. The site's titles will include Best & Worst, Food Critic, Romance Rip Off, Name That Dance, and Drawn Together. Singles will recognize some of the most popular online games of recent years in the premises of many of Match's offerings, and the site plans to integrate instant messaging and video chatting with the games to let singles connect realistically.
This kind of facilitated interaction helps daters take what online dating has historically been great at–introducing people to each other–and add in the ability to assess important elements like chemistry, communication style, and real-time conversation that usually come with offline interactions.
Will you give Match's new features a try? If you haven't signed up yet, you can take advantage of our special deal with Match.com, which allows NextAdvisor visitors to get a 20% discount on one, three, or six-month memberships by clicking through from our review.
Chemistry.com Offers Free Communication For Daters All Weekend Long
Posted by Mary
Image: Franck Mahon via Flickr
From Friday, May 4th through Sunday, May 6th, online dating site Chemistry.com is offering FREE communication to all users. If you've gotten started on the site for free, you can use this opportunity to test out the paid communication features, and if you haven't signed up yet, this is a great introduction to the service.
The top-rated online dating site in our tests, Chemistry.com earned our Lady's Choice award for its highly-personal feel and great matches. Our testers enjoyed answering the personality questions and reviewing new matches each day. Chemistry uses a four-step communication system to help users get to know each other securely before they exchange personal information.
Not sure if online dating is right for you? This weekend could be the perfect chance to try it out without paying anything, and if you like the service you can use the NextAdvisor discount to get six months of complete access for just $26.65/mo.
Seniors Increasingly Finding Love Online
Posted by Mary
Source: Ian MacKenzie via Flickr
With the Baby Boomer generation now solidly into their 50's and 60's, seniors have become one of the fastest-growing demographics for online dating. Men and women who have divorced, lost a partner to death, or just never married are flocking to sites like Match.com, eHarmony, and Chemistry.com in record numbers. In a 2010 survey, eHarmony determined that online dating was the single most popular way for people over the age of 50 to meet and marry.
Many other researchers report the same trends that eHarmony saw. A report from Nielsen/NetRatings recently announced that users over the age of 55 accounted for 16.7% of all traffic to online personals sites, while another study named the 50+ segment the fastest growing group of subscribers for online dating.
Seniors, just like all other online daters, find that the current crop of popular dating websites allow them to meet and communicate with a large dating pool of interesting people. Tools that let you search by age and location help daters narrow down their results to just people they'd be interested in meeting, and secure tools like in-site email and IM let them communicate safely with new people without exchanging too much personal information too soon.
Interested in dating at any age? Check out our reviews of dating sites or compare them with our detailed comparison chart. You can also read our FAQ section or lead us a comment or question in the comment field below.
Five Signs You Should Try Online Dating
Posted by Mary
Source: Kevin Dooley via Flickr
If you've been considering joining an online dating site but haven't been quite ready to take the plunge, here are a few signs that now's the time:
1. You're looking for a matchmaker: Online dating sites, particularly those with matching algorithms and questionnaires like Match.com, Chemistry.com, and eHarmony can serve a lot like a matchmaker, highlighting which singles have important things in common with you. This streamlines the dating process by helping you filter your options down to just people you're likely to get along with right off the bat. Like "real-world" matchmakers, these sites aren't perfect at pointing you to the right people, but they sure can help.
2. You're short on time: Busy professionals often have good luck with online dating, since it lets them meet lots of people quickly, without having to spend a lot of time looking and waiting. You can browse dating profiles, send and reply to messages, and set up dates all on your own schedule and without leaving your home. Then you can spend your valuable free time out with the people you think have the most potential.
3. You want to remove some of the guesswork: One of the great benefits of using an online dating site is that you can be reasonably sure everyone you see on the site is interested in dating. This eliminates the initial problem of figuring out if the guy or girl you just met in the elevator is single and looking or just really friendly. Likewise, people reading your profile know that you're actively dating and would probably welcome a message and maybe a date.
4. You want to look beyond your social circle: Online dating can be a great way to expand your dating pool beyond friends and acquaintances and meet some people you might not run into otherwise. Even if you don't find your future spouse, you might meet a few great new friends.
5. You're out of practice: Dating sites can be a great way to get back into the swing of dating if you've been in a relationship or have been otherwise taking a break. With a large selection of interested daters, you can pretty easily set up some low-pressure first dates to get a taste of dating again without all the pressure of going out with someone you know well. Plus, dating is fun! Dating sites will introduce you to a broad range of other people, and if nothing else, you'll get to spend time with a number of other single people.
Ready to get started? Check out our dating site reviews, comparison chart, and online dating FAQ.
Illinois Senate Passes Online Dating Background Check Bill
Posted by Mary
Source: Sam Howzit via flickr
If the bill that passed through the Illinois State Senate yesterday makes it through the House and becomes law, online dating sites will have to clean up their acts when it comes to sharing information with their users about background checks. The bill proposes that online dating sites doing business in Illinois be required to post safety tips, give users clear information about what background checks they run, and use approved government resources to check for criminal records if they claim to have run background checks. The bill will not require dating sites to check users, but will tightly restrict what claims they can make about their safety and security measures.
Two dating sites that have earned high ratings from NextAdvisor testers, Match.com and eHarmony, already check users against sex offender registries, and eHarmony says this measure has helped them keep a number of offenders off of their site. Though eHarmony already notifies users about its safety and background checking policies, the site has announced that they will add extra, prominent notifications for users in Illinois if the bill gets signed into law.
If you're concerned about online dating safety, you might consider using one of our top-rated background check and people search sites to run your own checks on potential dates. As always, remember that background checks are not fool proof, so be sure to take basic precautions on your dates. This includes meeting in a busy public place, letting a friend know where you've gone and who you're meeting, and not giving out personal details like your address too soon.
How to Write a Great Online Dating Profile
Posted by Mary
Source: Quinn Dombrowski via Flickr
After signing up with an online dating service, like our top picks, Match.com, Chemistry.com and eHarmony, most daters find that their first task is to write a profile that will draw in interesting people and weed out those they won't match well with. Though many of the sites we've liked the best use matching algorithms to pair up users and avoid the least compatible pairings, the profile page is the primary way many daters choose who to message, which messages to respond to, and which to ignore. Users with great profiles will have more success with online dating than those who neglect this important opportunity to present themselves to potential dates.
Online dating profiles serve two main purposes, and a great profile pays close attention to both. First, a profile should portray its writer in an attractive, but accurate light. This will encourage people who are interested in your particular qualities, interests, and personality to get in touch and will discourage those who aren't interested. Choose a few good, recent photographs of yourself, preferably at least one fairly close up, and one further back. If you have the option, think about including pictures of yourself doing things you love. An avid hiker might choose a picture from a recent trip, while pet lovers might include a shot out at a dog park. If you don't have clear photographs of yourself from the last 6 months to a year, consider asking a friend to help you take some, maybe at a local park or out at an activity you enjoy.
It might be tempting to gloss over some things, exaggerating your height or salary, for example, or choosing a more flattering body type description or an outdated picture, but while a certain amount of this is expected and acceptable, be sure not to varnish the truth too much. If you describe yourself inaccurately, any potential dates you meet in person will see through the deception fairly quickly, and you will ultimately have more fun on your dates and more success with online dating if you are honest. The pool of online daters is very large, so there is someone who will be interested in almost everyone. Play up your best features, but don't lie or try to hide things too much. After all, if things work out, this will be your first impression on someone you care about. Better to start things off on the right foot!
In addition to describing you and your life, your profile should tell readers about some of the things that are most important to you. It can help to include your hobbies, loves, and interests. Be specific! Many people list "good food" in their interests, but how many mention a favorite souvlaki recipe or an ongoing quest to try out every Indian restaurant in your city?
This brings us to the second role of a great dating profile: to give people browsing your profile something to talk to you about in a first message. You'll get more messages if you present other daters with a few "hooks." These can include a quirky question you'd like the answer to, an unusual hobby, a favorite book or musician, or any hobby or interest you're particularly involved in. A great first message shows that the writer read your profile and engaged with it, so make that process as easy as possible. Including a few hooks like this also makes your profile seem more open and approachable, reinforcing that you'd welcome messages and emails.
If you're still just considering dating online, check out our detailed reviews of dating sites, the comparison chart, and our FAQ section. You can also ask a question or leave a comment below.
10 First Date Tips for Online Daters
Posted by Mary
Photo: MeSHaRi via flickr
Our editors here at NextAdvisor have tested lots of dating sites, from our favorites, Match.com, Chemistry.com, and eHarmony, to some we weren't such big fans of. Some of us have even met significant others online. With all that experience, we've picked up a few first date tips for making the move from online flirting to something more. Meeting someone you've only interacted with online is a little different from going on a first date with someone you met in person, so if you're planning to take the plunge, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Meet (relatively) soon: Online dating is a great way to meet new people, but not a great way to get to really know them. Send a few messages back and forth to be sure you feel safe and that you're interested in meeting, and then set up a date. There's no substitute for an in-person meeting when it comes to figuring out chemistry.
2. Think of it as a pre-date: People can come across differently online than they do in person, and chemistry is nearly impossible to assess over email, so don't put too much pressure on the first date. You'll both be testing the waters, so pick a short, casual activity where you can talk, but will also have something to do if you can't think of anything to say. Meeting for coffee, a drink or two, or checking out an art show or other (short!) event can be great icebreakers. If you really like each other, you can always continue the date with dinner or another activity, but leave yourself and your date with polite "outs" if it's just not clicking.
3. Don't share too much, too soon: Pick a public place to meet, and don't give out too much information beforehand. You and your date should exchange phone numbers and names in case you need to change plans, but don't give out your address or other sensitive information to someone you met online until you know them a little better. Instead of picking your date up, plan to meet there so you can both feel comfortable.
4. Tell a friend or two: Make sure at least one person knows where you're going and when. You might want to plan to text a friend to confirm you're ok, have one call you, or just leave a note at home about where you're going and with whom. Most internet daters never have a serious problem meeting someone they first encountered online, but better safe than sorry.
5. Have an exit planned: Just in case, think about what you'll say or how you'll leave if you're uncomfortable. If you're meeting for drinks or coffee, you can plan to meet friends afterwards (or just say you have plans…) so you'll be able to leave when you're ready.
6. Listen, and ask questions: This is your opportunity to learn about each other, and most people love to talk about their lives. If you find yourself stuck for conversation, ask a genuine question about your date. It's even better if these questions show that you're paying attention to what they've said. For example, if you've already covered what you each do for a living, ask what your date likes best about his or her job, or ask a more detailed question about how their industry works.
7. But not too many questions: Keep in mind that you've just met this person. No one likes to feel interrogated, so don't pry too much into things you wouldn't ask a stranger under normal circumstances. Super personal or pointed questions are more appropriate for later dates.
8. Offer to pay: Not everyone agrees about this one, but in general, it's better to offer to at least pay for yourself on a first date, particularly if it's a short, casual one with someone you met online. If you asked the other person out on the date, be prepared to pay for his or her coffee, drink, or ticket as well as your own. Paying for your date's food or drink is a nice gesture, but don't insist on it if he or she seems really uncomfortable with the idea. Likewise, if you offer to pay for your half and your date declines, don't push the issue unless it's extremely important to you. Again, this is where a cheap, short date can be an advantage. Letting someone pick up the tab for a $5-$10 drink doesn't feel like the commitment a whole fancy dinner would be.
9. Listen to your instincts: If you're uncomfortable, not feeling a spark, or just change your mind about dating the person, be polite, leave when you can, and don't feel too bad. Not everyone you meet online will be a perfect match, and first dates are always kind of a gamble.
10. Have fun, and follow up: Ultimately, a first date is supposed to be fun! Relax, enjoy your time out, and don't let the pressure weigh on you too much. Afterwards, if you had a good time, let the other person know! This can include a short email or a text, just to say thanks for the date and reinforce that you enjoyed meeting.
Got more questions about online dating? Check out our reviews, the online dating comparison chart, and the FAQ section, or submit a dating question in the comments. Good luck!
Take Advantage of eHarmony's Free Communication Weekend
Posted by Mary
Source: Moyan Brenn via flickr
If you've been considering online dating, now is a great time to get started, since eHarmony is offering free communication for users all weekend long. From March 16th to March 19th, users can talk, flirt and set up dates with their matches for free, no credit card needed.
Our testers recommended eHarmony for daters looking to establish a serious relationship, citing the detail of its matching quiz and the tone of the user population. If you try eHarmony out for free this weekend and decide to sign up for a full membership, you can take advantage of the current NextAdvisor deal with eHarmony, which offers 20% off a 6 month membership if you use the coupon code provided in our detailed review. This code brings the monthly cost down to just $23.96.
Interested in more information about online dating? Check out our reviews, the comparison chart, the FAQ, or some previous blog posts.
Chemistry.com Offering 3-for-1 Pricing This Weekend
Posted by Mary
Thinking about giving online dating a try? This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Chemistry.com, the top-rated dating site in our tests, is offering a special 3 for 1 promotion for NextAdvisor visitors. Just click through any NextAdvisor link to sign up with Chemistry.com and receive a three month membership for the price of one month.
Chemistry.com got high ratings from both our male and female testers, and even earned the Lady's Choice title! Testers highlighted the site's careful personality matching measures and recommended Chemistry.com for daters willing to put a little time into finding the right person.
Got questions about online dating? Head over to our FAQ section, read some detailed reviews, or check out our comprehensive comparison chart to choose the right site for you.
Free Communication on eHarmony This Weekend
Posted by Mary
Source: zoetnet on Flickr
If your Valentine's Day date didn't go so well, this weekend is the perfect time to meet someone new with eHarmony. From Friday, February 17th through Monday, February 20th, eHarmony is offering new users free communication, no credit card necessary. Take advantage of the long weekend to talk, flirt, and date for four full days without paying a thing.
A regular membership on eHarmony is $59.99 per month, or $143.76 for six months with our discount code, so you can save big with the free weekend and try out all eHarmony's features without committing to a full month's membership. You never know who you might meet!
Want to read more before you try eHarmony? Find out what we thought of the site in our detailed He Said/She Said review of eHarmony and a wide range of other dating sites in our online dating section, or read our FAQs.
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