Online Dating Can be a Challenge  Prepare Yourself For Success

• You can reach out to virtually millions of people in a matter of minutes.

• You can search for someone who you feel is a potential match from the comfort of your own home.

• You can ofter use the "compatibility" service and be linked up with people with similar interests.

• You can filter down your search to a select few individuals who come closest to your match.

• Members can literally send a message to thousands of potential partners, thus casting a wide net (higher chance of meeting someone).

• You can avoid the awkwardness of approaching someone "in-person".  Rejection is somewhat easier online.

• Remaining somewhat anonymous online.

• Based on pure volume alone, it is possible to find love online.

• This is particularly important to men. Many internet dating services allow members to post pictures.

• However, many do not post their pictures along with their profiles. This could be to lack of technical knowledge or lack of equipment (such as a digital camera).

• Studies of online communities have shown that dishonesty occurs often. People can exaggerate about themselves making them more attractive than they really are.

• Most sites charge monthly fees in order for members to contact other members.

• With the exception of the leading online dating services, most online services do not supply enough personal information to allow members to judge each other accurately.

• In order to attract new members, internet dating services must have a large database of members.

• Even when a company reports that they have millions of members, only a small percentage of members are active or subscribing members.

• Maintaining and growing membership is a challenge because once a member finds a significant other, they tend to not use the service anymore.

• Advertisers can effectively direct banner or e-mail ads. Thus, a lot of money can be made through direct advertising at the expense of members' privacy.