This is the
email interview between Rob of aLoveLinksPlus.com and Dylan of
Net-Singles.
Rob: Dylan, how long has
Net-Singles been online?
Dylan:
Net-Singles has been online since 1999, but not in its current form.
There have been several re-designs and originally the site was 100%
free. Like most good businesses, it started out as a hobby.
Can you describe your
average male and female members?
Thankfully
no. When we redesigned the site I used a great designer from Stockholm
whom I had met in my previous business life. The one stipulation laid
down was to make the site inclusive and to avoid the kind of hearts and
flowers type of site. We chose an attractive but neutral design and our
membership is consequently very diverse. We have successful middle aged
businessmen, many beautiful eastern European ladies, college students,
bikers - you name it, we got it! If there does seem to be one common
thread it is that most are serious in their intent to meet a long-term
partner, or if they are just looking for fun, they are honest about it.
Can you tell us about the newsletter
that you offer? The type of content we can expect in it?
The
newsletter has several functions. Firstly we have a guest writer Lisa
(who was recently on the Sally James show) giving relationship advice
through articles which are both amusing and informative. Secondly, we
showcase 'male of the month' and 'female of the month' adverts (with a
photo) of people who in our judgment have written good adverts. We also
use the newsletter to highlight any promotions or competitions that we
have running that month.
Do you know of any marriages or
engagements that have taken place with couples that have met at
Net-Singles?
To be
honest, not yet, though we have not asked for this kind of feedback. I
do know that there has been contact between many members and I was
delighted to see a chance in a million encounter developing into
something very positive. I cannot say who or what as I respect the
couples privacy, all I will say is that it is a small world and I
sincerely hope that they find/found happiness together. It is only
recently that the site has grown to the size where the likelihood of a
marriage/engagement is high so maybe I shall put the question in the
next newsletter.
What features would you say make
Net-Singles stand out above other online dating services?
Good design
and simplicity of use coupled with a powerful search engine and friendly
support. I think the design reflects the people that use the system.
When I see a tacky site it kind of rubs off on the adverts, sad but
true. We want to provide a forum that reflects our members and I think
we do just that. Simplicity of use is also key as there is a boredom
threshold and many people still have modems. Our aim is to get you up
and running on the system as quickly as possible and to allow you to
navigate in an intuitive way. I have been on dating sites that force you
to complete a 5 page questionnaire just to look at the adverts! The
search engine is the same for all members (we don't reserve a more
powerful search tool for premium members). You choose who you want to
see, how many at a time and in what order they should be displayed. You
can choose multiple selections and dig deep or simply choose the
category of people you are seeking and click the search button. Lastly,
support - we like to present a human face at net-singles. Finding the
right partner can be daunting sometimes, but we are always ready to help
in writing adverts, scanning pictures or discussing any aspect of the
service that you would like more information on. In the past I have had
people ask me about what other sites I would recommend, which of the
photos they sent did I think was better, what should they know about
online dating (positive and negative) and so on. We are not here just to
try and sell memberships, that is only to cover our costs and market the
site further. I have been flattered to have had several "you sound
really nice - are you married" responses to my support mails, which I
think says it all. I am married by the way :0)
Please tell us the differences
between your free and premium membership plans.
I will be
brief as I think I said to much on the previous question. Both plans
offer almost the same functionality and features. The only difference is
that premium members can initiate the contact and have use of the chat
room.
Do you have any specials or
promotions planned?
From time to
time we run competitions or promotions. We had a January sale after last
Christmas and occasionally we ask members for feedback on the site and
draw some winners from the respondents for a free period of premium
membership. I am have a couple of ideas in the pipeline now, but lets
not spoil the surprise huh?
Dylan, Thanks for your time in
replying to this interview.
Thank you for the opportunity.
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