WHAT WE FOUND: Hot or Not is the free photo ranking service that spawned hundreds of imitating services. They’ve expanded beyond the simple ranking site to include meeting people too. When you sign up you have the option of joining only the “Hot or Not” ranking service or also being added to the “Meet People” service. Hot or Not is a fun service to visit either way. Becoming a member is quite easy, at the home page click on “Submit Picture” and complete the signup form. Don’t forget to have a picture ready, it has to be under 100Kb, so check it carefully or you’ll be bounced out of uploading your picture. You’ll also want to “Check username” so you can join easily. We found many common names taken, so be unique with your choice of username. You’ll be prompted to check your online IM contacts by using your signin name and the Instant Messenger password to see if they’ve joined and to send them a message that points to your picture for some fast friendly votes. Your picture isn’t available for voting until approved, which normally only takes a few hours. Nudity and adult pictures are not allowed and will get you nowhere, so don’t try. Your member account is quite basic, after all we’re here to rate photos of other members and be rated yourself, but you will find your “Hotlist” of pictures you’ve voted on, “Best of” photos and scoreboards that are enjoyable to check over and the “Meet People” link to join the extra dating service which also is a lot of fun. You will need to be sure you have your picture uploaded and then it’s a simple paragraph or two to introduce yourself, from there it’s free to contact other members. There is also the “Share your style” feature that let’s you describe yourself by the things you like.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: Fun free photo ranking service with a basic dating service component. Very addictive to use, offering a relatively safe place to join and meet others. You can also activate mobile alerts (US customers, limitations apply). The Hot or Not “Meet people” service is for straight and same sex people.

WHAT WE FOUND: HurryDate brings speed dating to a new level. Well organized, online registration and fun places to meet make this one of the best services to try. Prices vary according to venue, time and area, but you’re sure to quickly meet plenty of people and have to opportunity to see how others rate you using the HurryDate match scorecards. There is also matching software used to help you meet people that otherwise you’ve missed. A great combination of online and real world meeting practices that will have you using this service over and over. There is even the opportunity for you to mix business and pleasure if you are interested in hosting any HurryDate speed dating parties. Signup is quick and you’ll be receiving the HurryDaters Update email newsletter to keep you informed of upcoming events in your area. These can be the most exciting 3 minute dates in your life.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: Speed dating service that works. The combination of real world 3 minute dates and online scoring and compatibility matches makes HurryDate work well for single people of all types. Straight and same sex matches made.

Read our complete review here.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: Very similar to facebook and MySpace, just different layout. Share photos, videos, interests, etc. Totally free.

WHAT WE FOUND: HIT Dating offers two areas for singles to meet, America and Britain. Within these two countries the service is further divided into local areas that will help you meet the people and make the matches that you want. Begin by singing up and joining for free. Your free membership allows you to post your profile, add one picture and search for other members by profile, area and photo. Upgrade a full paid membership to join the chats, send and receive messages as well as begin a photo gallery of yourself, adding many more pictures and having access to add people to your favorites list and see who has add you to their favorites list. Searches are fast and allowed for the area you join in as well as all other areas, so you can begin close and long distance relationships easily. When you join remember to make a note of your access number provided. You’ll need it if you forget how to login or need customer support. The profile form is rather basic bit does allow for a lot of personalization. Be ready to write a lot about yourself and your likes and dislikes. Be friendly. Be sure to upgrade and join the chats, they get very busy at night, with thousands of online members and you’re sure to meet people easily.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: Free to join and post your profile, upgrade to add more than one picture to your profile and to send and receive messages. Straight and same sex personals, allows for matches including marital status and religion.

WHAT WE FOUND: Hinigugma is a forum board based penpal site. Profiles of ladies that want penpals and deeper relationships with men are shown and are linked to their posted message where men can reply and ask them questions and start a penpal relationship from that point. Men must register as a forum member and include a picture to post messages to the ladies. We suggest you use the ‘PM’ (Private Message) feature to contact the women or you will likely get spammed.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: Basic forum meeting board, free to use. Monitored.

WHAT WE FOUND: This is an introduction catalogue of Russian men looking for same sex relationships. Browse the on-line catalogue and order the addresses of the men you would like to correspond with. Many services offered to make your introduction go smoothly and translation and letter forwarding is available.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: Catalogue of Russian men looking for same sex relationships with western men. Translations, gift delivery and visas can be arranged.