GAY&LESBIAN TIMES — June 18 — What began in 1989 as a telephone dating service called The Tool Line, is today the leading Web site for men looking to meet other men. The Gay & Lesbian Times sat down with Jonathan Crutchley, the co-founder of Manhunt to discuss how he and his business partner Larry Basile first came up with the idea for an online gay dating site.Q: How did you meet men in the ’70s?
A: It wasn’t until the introduction of telephone chat lines, like the ones founded by Larry Basile in 1987.
Q: Are people surprised to meet the man behind the Manhunt curtain?
A: Yes, the real me is not what people imagine. You wouldn’t find me marching in a Pride parade with my shirt off, but I’d be watching the parade from the sidelines.
A: Yes, the real me is not what people imagine. You wouldn’t find me marching in a Pride parade with my shirt off, but I’d be watching the parade from the sidelines.
Q: What is the secret to Manhunt’s success?
A: We developed a site that was easy for the average guy to use and we emphasized our 24-hour-a-day customer service to help guys use the site and be comfortable with it and with themselves.
A: We developed a site that was easy for the average guy to use and we emphasized our 24-hour-a-day customer service to help guys use the site and be comfortable with it and with themselves.
Q: How has gay dating changed since the site began 10 years ago? What are men looking for now?
A: Guys have always been looking for the same things. The Internet makes it much easier to find exactly what you want.
A: Guys have always been looking for the same things. The Internet makes it much easier to find exactly what you want.
Q: What is Manhunt doing to remain on top?
A: Our biggest bet for continued growth is international expansion. We are growing very rapidly in Brazil and all of Latin America, and we have expansion plans in Asia.
A: Our biggest bet for continued growth is international expansion. We are growing very rapidly in Brazil and all of Latin America, and we have expansion plans in Asia.
Q: How does Manhunt feel about eHarmony and Match.com targeting the gay community?
A: Straight dating sites just don’t get it as far as was what gay men are looking for.
A: Straight dating sites just don’t get it as far as was what gay men are looking for.
Q: How safe is Manhunt?
A: Meeting a stranger on Manhunt can be just as dangerous as meeting a stranger on Craigslist or in a bar or in a dark alley. We tell guys to be careful and meet first in a public place, but men will do what they want. The Internet can be dangerous.
A: Meeting a stranger on Manhunt can be just as dangerous as meeting a stranger on Craigslist or in a bar or in a dark alley. We tell guys to be careful and meet first in a public place, but men will do what they want. The Internet can be dangerous.
Q: Is it Manhunt’s responsibility to protect its members from online predators?
A: We urge Manhunt members to take responsible precautions about meeting any stranger, but it is difficult if not impossible to prevent bad things from happening.
A: We urge Manhunt members to take responsible precautions about meeting any stranger, but it is difficult if not impossible to prevent bad things from happening.
Q: Manhunt will be introducing its new version later this year. How will the new Manhunt be different than classic Manhunt?
A: The new version accommodates many more users, but it will look different and take getting used to.
A: The new version accommodates many more users, but it will look different and take getting used to.
Q: Is mobile the next big wave for meeting men?
A: Yes, the future is mobile. Manhunt has a mobile application and we’re updating it.
The full article was originally published at Lesbian & Gay Times, but is no longer available.
Larry –
As an Oldie Goldie who danced with you at the Saint in the beginning years…..I say “Thanks” for giving us a forum for gay meeting gays or whatever finds the site!
As always you will be a “HERO HOMO” of all decades and someone who will be a legacy and model for gay adventure……..
You have traveled the world and stayed the course……
Our Thanks, Be Well and burn those bias lines on every continent!!!!
From under the ball at the SAINT,
Paul Favreau…..and James Fournier
Larry –
As an Oldie Goldie who danced with you at the Saint in the beginning years…..I say “Thanks” for giving us a forum for gay meeting gays or whatever finds the site!
As always you will be a “HERO HOMO” of all decades and someone who will be a legacy and model for gay adventure……..
You have traveled the world and stayed the course……
Our Thanks, Be Well and burn those bias lines on every continent!!!!
From under the ball at the SAINT,
Paul Favreau…..and James Fournier
….You knowing me, I forgot to thank JOHATHAN for his marvelous role AND creating this wonderful communication this process. Our THANKS to you Jonathan and all who serve us in the married and searching role in this realm possible!
We love you and will remember you FOREVER!!!!!!!!
Our Thanks,
Paul
….You knowing me, I forgot to thank JOHATHAN for his marvelous role AND creating this wonderful communication this process. Our THANKS to you Jonathan and all who serve us in the married and searching role in this realm possible!
We love you and will remember you FOREVER!!!!!!!!
Our Thanks,
Paul