http://gemini-and-scorpio.tribe.net/thread/d865ad23-0e3c-49cf-ad03-d33543f6784b?format=rss Tribe.net. Local Connections http://gemini-and-scorpio.tribe.net/thread/d865ad23-0e3c-49cf-ad03-d33543f6784b#22105745-ff9d-4088-aa0c-90ba9080680b We are in the process of compiling a list of the best (and worst) dating sites out there. There's a similar thread going on in the http://onlinedating911.tribe.net but we'd love to have your input here as well. Please share! Here are some sites we've tried (and have very strong opinions of): match/american singles/nerve or any spring st networks site/jdate/lavalife/yahoo. What have been yours? How did you come to join them? How long did you stay? What was your experience while there? We look forward to chatting with you :) G&S Sun, 29 Feb 2004 13:40:48 GMT http://gemini-and-scorpio.tribe.net/thread/d865ad23-0e3c-49cf-ad03-d33543f6784b#22105745-ff9d-4088-aa0c-90ba9080680b Gemini & Scorpio 2004-02-29T13:40:48Z http://gemini-and-scorpio.tribe.net/thread/d865ad23-0e3c-49cf-ad03-d33543f6784b#fb1eedfb-13a7-418c-bbb5-afea5e224ecf I believe that I may have had it with Nerve. The most recent "meet" was on crack, and she had tried to murder a relative. Maybe, it is not the dating site, but rather the search location... I think that I will extend the distance for the search to 10,000 miles!!! Sun, 29 Feb 2004 17:31:29 GMT http://gemini-and-scorpio.tribe.net/thread/d865ad23-0e3c-49cf-ad03-d33543f6784b#fb1eedfb-13a7-418c-bbb5-afea5e224ecf sabai 2004-02-29T17:31:29Z http://gemini-and-scorpio.tribe.net/thread/d865ad23-0e3c-49cf-ad03-d33543f6784b#7d71f250-d969-4a11-a097-c1672a1ddb36 Every site has its share of loonies. The trick is being able to tell them from the good guys. This is where we can help. Here are some things to look for: - first and foremost, examine your profile for turns of phrase that might inadvertently be inviting an unwelcome audience. A lot of the time people scan your ad quickly and respond based on 1-your photo and 2-what they THINK you are. We've had experiences where phrases we thought were deep and fascinating in our profiles ended up attracting total weirdoes who entirely misinterpreted their meaning. In fact, the more complex your profile, the more you'll find you need to filter out those who misread it. - obviouly, the same goes for your photo: could it be something there that's attracting the wrong crowd? Think, for example, how different your responses would be if you had a picture of yourself in a suit or medieval armor vs a pic of you in a santa suit. - once someone contacts you, note their online handle, an instant personality clue. "PsychoPuppyKiller" may not be the person you want to be in contact with. You think we're joking, but believe us, we've received replies from people with handles as obviously screaming "Danger, Will Robinson, danger!" as this one. similarly, look at the kind of photo they've chosen to represent themselves. - same goes for their headline or email adress. If the headline goes, "What does it matter, anyway?" chances are, this person is no the happy-go-lucky gal you've been searching for. - note the general tone of their writing, not just the words they say. There's a reason why serial killers can be studied by their writing. Note total lack of caring for grammar, spelling, etc. There's (sadly) an accepted shorthand that passes for writing online, but there's a point where the sentence fragments, run-ons, ums and hms, rambling asides and general lack of focus should make you think twice before handing out your phone number. - with that in mind, make sure to exchange a few emails and phone calls before committing to an actual face-to-face date. It may *seem* like a grand idea to skip the formalities, but trust us, it all becomes worth it the first time the light bulb goes on for you during a phone conversation that it's mighty excellent that this person does not know where you live. We've hung up on many a chat with a sigh of relief that we won't be trapped somewhere in public (or worse, private) with someone we wouldn't trust to take a takeout order over the phone. and finally, if you find your dates are still more misery than fun, bring along a friend. no, seriously. double date, if you can (at least you'll have someone you can exchange meaningful looks with) or simply invite the other person to bring along a friend for support, as well. you can learn a lot from whom someone calls a friend. and hey, you two just might hit it off! (we didn't just suggest that....) (this is all the kind of info we're working on putting into our official online guide, which is still in progress at the moment. there's some useful notes about creating your profile and having fun dates, though, so you might want to check it out. and we always welcome suggestions and criticisms.) http://www.geminiandscorpio.com Sun, 29 Feb 2004 19:18:14 GMT http://gemini-and-scorpio.tribe.net/thread/d865ad23-0e3c-49cf-ad03-d33543f6784b#7d71f250-d969-4a11-a097-c1672a1ddb36 Gemini & Scorpio 2004-02-29T19:18:14Z