CORANTE BLOG — Oct 18 — Dating sites think singles are sheep with credit cards tattooed on their foreheads. I look forward to the day when dating and social networking sites begin to respect their members and cater to their deeper, more evolved needs. There's not one single service in the US that I would, or could, give my money to that caters to my demographic and that I have a reasonably high level of confidence in. Where is the $500 hands-on service? Where is my 7-day pass to a network of dating sites? Blogging gets boring from time to time, it's difficult to stay charged up all the time about the next new dating site. Look at Onlinepersonalswatch, Mark works in the diet industry now, scans news feeds and writes about YouTube. When do you have time to get any work done? Match, Yahoo and everyone else on down the line have been misleading consumers for years. Clean up your act and your database. Major sites need to add video back into the mix. Anonymous calling, Background checks, voice/chat providers, time to get in bed together, on your own.
The full article was originally published at Corante Blog, but is no longer available.
Mark Brooks: I worked for diet.com back in 2004 and now focus 100% on online personals PR/bus dev/strategy. I've scaled OPW's news output 3x in the last 2 weeks and hired an assistant. It takes me an hour a day to read, review, (soak up) and edit the news. Dating sites execs are not sitting on their laurels. Expect Match to roll out high end services soon. Mobile dating is a dog right now but will be very significant in 3+ years. Btw, Dave, please, please, lose the squirrel in your picture. I read your site weekly and the l'il furry fella is starting to give me nightmares.
I’ve read you daily for almost 2 years; never knew you were involved with Diet. Personally, I think you have the best handle and most relevant news for the industry as it evolves.
Mark,
I personally feel it is extremely relevant that you have worked with Diet.com, and it speaks well that you have consulted with various dating/networking sites.
Your views are arguably the most direct and insightful because you are actively within the industry in many ways. Moreover, you exude a humility that clearly shows you are comfortable with yourself and your expertise.
There are many blogs and news feeds that insiders and the public could consult, but from what I hear from virtually everyone is that yours is the one that sets the standard.
Keep up the good work!
Thx,
James Houran, Ph.D.
Online Dating Magazine
P.S. It is interesting that even though you do not have formal experience with profile coaching, you still know what a good photo should — and more importantly — should not have! Yes, “props” of any sort rarely do a service for the person in the pic [now get that rodent off your shoulder ;)]
Touche gentlemen. Dave – it’s your turn.
LMAO – “Why can’t we all just get along”