Finding a Safe Dating Site
Seems like everywhere we surf on the Internet nowadays we run across this little advertisement: 'Free online personals'.
They are everywhere, they are dating sites, and more are opening up shop every day.
Welcome to the newest internet gold rush.
More and more people are signing up to these new and "free" dating sites.
What they are really getting is a place on the web where they can post their profile and let strangers contact them.
As more and more dating sites pile up on the web, more people are ending up with very distasteful experiences because of this.
Why? 99% of today's (and tomorrow's) dating sites do not screen their members at all. This means there are sex offenders, predators, scam artists
mixed in with genuine people who are looking to find a match.
Dating services need to be very discretionary and much safer, until that time comes here are some important things to consider
when thinking about joining a dating site.
1). Examine the site's physical properties. Is it poorly constructed with missing graphics or jagged fonts, mis-aligned sections? If so, this indicates a lack of attention to detail in the construction and layout of the site. It may have been pre purchased and the owner does not have the skill to alter it correctly. Why would you care? Well, a site in a state like this gives a clue that the back end program probably is also in a state of disarray or disregard. If the webmaster cannot construct the face of the site, then it is likely they cannot also construct important safety features behind the site. A hacker then could easily penetrate it and get your personal information including your photo. If you eventually pay this site, your credit information could be stolen as well! A nicely designed site means careful construction and a better chance of good quality code running the site in the background.
2). Look at some sample profiles on the site before you sign up by running a quick search. Do the profiles look a little bogus? A lot of them are. Many sites (especially new ones that have just started up) pad their membership database with photos of models or random (usually good-looking people) to attract new members. Do the profiles have a lot of jibberish characters or nonsensical phrases in the descriptions? That means the dating site you are at does NOT screen the people who sign up. This welcomes people with ill-intent. You should get out of there immediately and go to one that does.
3). Does the site have a privacy link? Look at the bottom of the site's main page. If they have a privacy link, click it and examine. Make sure they specifically state that they do NOT sell your information to anyone. This is an invitation to a spam and junk-mail nightmare. Also look for some sort of a web site rules page or a terms of use page. Check to see if they screen their profiles or somehow >disallow racial, hate or overly sexual material. If they don't state this than, anything goes for this site, another reason to leave.
4). Does the site have a links page? If so click and examine. See who they are affiliated with. Usually, there will be graphical banners or icons next to the names of their associations. Are they sex-sites? Spam sites? Even a quick glance in this area could tell you what kind of a dating site you are at.
5). What is the copyright date at the bottom? This could indicate the age of the site. If it is very young, this could help you determine if the site has worked out all the kinks (program bugs) and how many members they have accumulated.
6). Be wary of statements like "You are the 4697th member to join today." and "Search through millions of profiles." these statements are usually false. Major sites, which have been running for YEARS usually can support these statements. look for a "whos online" link. If you are the only person (1 guest online means JUST you are there) then you know these claims are false. A site with millions or even thousands of members will always have a bunch of people currently online. If you detect this in a dating site, it is better to leave than to take a chance with a dishonest site. This is just a short list of ideas to help keep you safe when dating online. Be leary, be safe. More information can be found at www.cupidsblackbook.com .
Leif Croonquist is a 34 year old writer from Portland, Oregon. He is a member of www.cupidsblackbook.com
MORE RESOURCES:
 The Inquisitr | Seattle is sixth-best place in US for singles, according to Forbes Bizjournals.com, NC - The city scored its highest marks in the “coolness,” job growth and online dating categories. Seattle didn’t do well in the category of cost of living alone ... San Francisco No Longer Top City For Singles Atlanta ranked top city for US singles Charlotte among ‘Best Cities for Singles’ |
 Vancouver Sun | "Green" is the latest trend in niche dating Vancouver Sun, Canada - Although staying home and getting naked with the one you love is probably as green as it gets in the dating department, eco-sensitive singles are like ... |
 The Gossip Girls | Rachel Bilson Says She's Happy Dating Christensen Post Chronicle - by Staff Hollywood actress Rachel Bilson says she is happily dating her Jumper co-star Hayden Christensen. Bilson starred in the former hit TV series The OC ... Rachel Bilson Leaves Town, Talks Hayden |
Dating scene also full of Nice Gals struggling to find the right guy Chicago Tribune, United States - Crawl outside our dating boxes. I'll guarantee that those boxes are what's keeping us apart. Marla: I've met many so-called Nice Guys over the years. ... |
 E! Online | Dramarama! Dating Aubrey O'Day E! Online - AP Photo/Evan Agostini Don't look for Making the Band's new star Donnie Klang to be reuniting with former flame Aubrey O'Day anytime soon. ... |
I’m dating my sister’s ex-BF Inquirer.net, Philippines - His last girlfriend is my sister, and she doesn’t know I’m dating him. Knowing my sister, she will not talk to me for two years if she finds out. ... |
 AhlanLive.com | Hugh Grant dating woman 21 years his junior Sify, India - British actor Hugh Grant has been spotted with former model Catherine Fulmer, who is 21 years younger than him. According to thesun.co.uk, Catherine, 27, ... Grant Dating Former Model? A YOUNGER MODEL FOR BACHELOR HUGH Hugh Grant denies new romance |
Looking for speed dating? Compare a range of sites online DSB Direktoratet for samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap, Norway - Discover the hidden secrets to a successful dating experience. Special bonus: Get the free Dating Self Help Guide, just to say thank you for stopping by. ... |
 stv.tv | RACHEL BILSON - BILSON: 'DATING CO-STARS IS NORMAL' Contactmusic.com, UK - The former OC star met the actor while they were making the 2008 action movie and they soon started dating. Bilson was also romantically involved with Adam ... RACHEL: I FALL FOR CO-STARS Style maverick Rachel Bilson |
Premier Singles - PittsburghSingles.org launches local dating ... NewDesignWorld (press release), UK - “Joining a dating service is a very emotional decision for people,” noted Stone. “First off, it’s not a step of last resort like some people make it out to ... |
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