WHAT WE FOUND: Successfully Dating is an easy to use site that offers plenty of dating fun along with your membership. We like the profile form, it allows you plenty of room to describe yourself and what you'd like in a match, but we didn't like all the profile simple answers to the regular search-type questions. Be sure to use the open text areas by describing yourself more that can be seen through the preset questions. You'll have fun, once your profile is verified, by using the fast searches and the chat system. You can send members 'smiles' to show your interest, we like that easy introduction feature. The search methods are well throughout including simple and advanced searches as well as instant matching based on your preferences and searching for members that are online when you are, which can lead to meeting in the chat room. The video messaging is easy to use and fun.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: Free trial includes access to all features for 3 days. Messaging, video messages and live chat are fun things to do at this site. Lots of advice articles and movie and book reviews.

CHANGES WE'D LIKE TO SEE: (Suggested October 2004) Video profiles first in search results and saving different searches by category would be helpful.

WHAT WE FOUND: As Match says, they are the “big kahuna” of online dating services. With more than 20 million members internationally and services that range from basic memberships allowing you to browse personals; premium match services that get very intensive in the type of questionnaires and matching capabilities, relationship and personal advice features including Dr. Phil’s “MindFindBind™” program; niche portals that include sections for straight, gay, lesbian, seniors and over a dozen culturally specific dating services, the online “Happen” magazine with advice articles relevant to today’s singles, and the branching out with the Chemistry.com service that is their exclusive personality test matchmaker system and even match Mobile that connects you to local singles through your wireless phone. I think my major complaint about Match is that with all the programs and services they offer it’s too easy to be overwhelmed and rush through the important but preliminary steps to start trying to find dates and even “The One” and find disappointment instead. Start your membership by taking the tour, it’s a nice introduction to the basics, and advanced services, of Match. Or start with a simple search to view the basic profiles (or Portraits) of members close to your location. Beginning your membership requires standard name and address information (that is kept confidential) and competing the basic profile questions. Have a digital photo handy to upload with your profile. Keep the “I’m ready” box checked to get almost immediate matches to your profile and emails that have new matches that have newly joined emailed to you. On the next page, if you’re not ready to subscribe, pick one of the options across the top of the page. I suggest starting with the “My Profile” section and completing the options as they are listed. Don’t pass up on the “Linked Accounts” option that integrates the Match Personals messaging to your MSN Messenger for instant messages from other linked members. Then it’s time to click on “My Portrait” and begin filling out your profile, your interest and the type of person (and personality) you’re looking to meet. You’re going to find 3 sections (“Me”, “My Match” and “In My Own Words”) of about 6 pages to complete, but be thoughtful, introspective and go for it! You’ll take 20 to 30 minutes to complete the three sections that need to be completed as they are presented, but it’s time well spent, maybe even life-changing! It’s free to send winks to other members (a message that you are interested) as well as search and browse profiles. Become a premium member to send and reply to messages as well as be notified of the members that view your profile and be able to hide your profile at any time. Additional options are available for extra promotion and visibility of your “Portrait”, as well as additional services to really be able to find interesting and worthwhile matches. Read the terms and select from these options as they interest you. If you haven’t joined Match Personals you haven’t really tried the best that online dating has to offer and that includes the 6 month guarantee to find someone special.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: Free basic membership allows browsing and searching of member profiles and “Portraits”. Premium memberships allows full access, unlimited messages and replies as well as personalized search capabilities and the Match system of compatibility matching that brings like-minded singles to your inbox. Additional member features include “Portraits” that give you additional promotion within the Match service (up to 15 times more people viewing your “Portrait” than your standard member profile), Dr. Phil’s “MindFindBind™” 3 part online program of insights and strategies towards a better relationship with yourself and the match you seek. Match also has compatibility matching through the Chemistry.com branch, local mobile personals through Match Mobile, and personal matchmakers through Match Platinum, services. Straight, same sex, American, Canadian, UK and more than a dozen international culturally, language specific niche services (Match International may require separate membership fees).

WHAT WE FOUND: Signing up is fast and easy, only two basic pages of limited information is asked, takes about 2 minutes to complete. Choose one or both of the dating sections “Dating Relationship” and “Intimate” profiles to be completed. Based on your selection of the sex of person you want to meet your profile will be available to like-minded members (straight or gay). When uploading your picture you also have the option to choose whether your picture is public, anyone can see it, or private, you have to give the person permission first; to allow Lavalife to use your public information and picture in their advertising. Choose “Yes, promote me now!” if you are willing. Once you’re a member you can view and search for people to contact, complete your profile with more information about you, including a voice message, videos and adding more pictures...

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