The full article was originally published at San Jose Mercury News, but is no longer available.
Mark Brooks – The government is treading a fine line, but I don't have a problem with them seeing aggregate search results and URL's, as long as they can't snoop on individuals. I was interviewed on the subject by the Associated Press for this National TV news piece (first person to comment).
NY POST — Jan 19 — Starbucks and Yahoo! Personals will announce the start of a new relationship today. The coffee giant will give away $10 Starbucks gift cards to people who register for the Internet dating site through Feb. 19. The site will have a location finder for the nearest Starbucks store.
Mark Brooks: That's a good start on a great potential relationship. I was wondering when Starbucks would cotton on and seek out a deal with a dating company. I recommend the 'coffee date' as the ideal first quick-date after meeting someone online.
BUSINESS WIRE — Jan 19 — 90% of singles feel more relaxed if that initial face-to-face happens in a familiar place, according to a new national survey of dating preferences (303 surveyed) and trends conducted by StrategyOne. 39% of Americans have gone on a date with someone they met online. Starbucks and Yahoo! Personals have joined forces with the "Espresso Dating Guide" offering advice on coffeehouse first-dates. Singles receive a $10 Starbucks card when they subscribe to Yahoo! Personals, the leaders in making online dating connections that lead to great first dates and more.
Mark Brooks: Click on 'Meet over Coffee' at Starbucks.com and it leads to a Yahoo Personals cobranded page.
Mark Brooks: Facebook is also enjoying similar success. What of Friendster? Too little too late, or is the social networking pioneer going to rise from the ashes somehow. Myspace has stolen it’s thunder. I live in hope that Friendster can find it’s way again. Alexa Chart
NY PRESS — Jan 18 — JDate is a Jewish dating service but does not exclude gentiles. A surprising number of its purported 300,000 members aren't of the tribe. In particular, many goyishe women seem to join with the hopes of bagging a successful doctor or lawyer. Some disenchanted JDate members have complained to me that the site seems to draw an especially mercenary female crowd. Appledates.com: A new site that's attractive, well-designed and singular, run by an employee of the New York Press. That said, it offers something that no other internet dating site offers: It asks members to pick events from local lists that they wish to attend. At present, though, it has few members.
The full article was originally published at NY Press, but is no longer available.
Mark Brooks: If you want a piece of Asia, you should consider coming along to iDate Asia.
The full article was originally published at European Jewish Press, but is no longer available.
Mark Brooks: JDate is a hugely profitable niche site.
BUSINESS WIRE — Jan 18 — Userplane Webchat Version 1.8.7 features streaming audio and video (through Flash MX), mini-profiles, a user photo, and an overall usable and flexible Flash interface. The new version allows for full support of unlimited user video streams, integrated chat history display, advanced user and administrative block and ban functions, and site-administered room alerts. In addition, Userplane has significantly improved security functions and will soon offer advertising revenue-sharing to clients. Userplane's Webmessenger 1.8.11 include a much-requested skinning feature allowing full color and icon customization, advanced notification of accepted and rejected IMs, and a resizable interface. This Flash instant messaging tool provides live text and audio/video instant
messaging. "There is a lot more to come – 2006 will be an exciting year for us," CEO Michael Jones said. "Look for a range of new partnerships and developments that will enable us to expand our features, to drive exciting user experiences and additional revenue for our users and partners." Recent clients include: Date.com, Friendster, Honda, and Red Bull.
Mark Brooks: Mike knows how to look after his customers and is a pleasure to work with.
The full article was originally published at South Bend Tribune, but is no longer available.
Mark Brooks: Speed dating offers more instant gratification.