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Part 1: Online Dating Tips and Advice - Pro's and Con's of Online Dating
OK, you've read about some of the advantages of Online Dating,
so what's the problem?
Online dating has its Con's. The good news is most of these can
be overcome with some simple preparation and a few precautions.
Playing it Safe
Safety should be a paramount concern (see
Online Dating Safety Tips
for details and what you should do to ensure you have safe sane dating fun).
Preparation
Remember you are marketing yourself and like any marketing campaign
you're going to need to do some background work before you start!
So be prepared to spend a good number of hours assembling all you
need (see
Getting Prepared).
But this is not a big problem when you consider the amount of
time going to clubs, bars and other places singles meet.
Men vs. Women
There are more men seeking to meet someone online than women. But that
doesn't mean if you are a man, you'll get no replies to your profile.
If you're profile is right you'll start getting noticed. And besides, more women than
ever are getting online. Computer use has entered the mainstream.
Blocking Profiles
Some users report being pestered by unwanted solicitations.
Consequently, the better sites allow you to block profiles that don't match your
relationship goals. Before signing up to a online dating site remember to check out
it's advanced features.
Active Members
There are a number of sites that have literally millions of members. So it's a
good idea to check out those members who are active compared to the total number.
Another useful feature when choosing a dating site is the ability to disable your
profile. If profiles can be disabled those searchable are more likely to be from
active members, as those not looking have the opportunity to tune out. Also,
if you get too many replies, you can switch off your profile and catch up.
Misrepresentation
Misrepresentation online is a serious concern for genuine online dating users.
As a result some sites offer marital status and criminal background checks for
their members. However, even if a site does not provide a verification service,
by employing basic safety guidelines you can make sure you play safely online,
and when you eventually meet face to face.
NEXT ARTICLE -
Online Dating: A quick-start guide for the very busy
