Which online dating network to join and why

Everyday more and more single men and women are joining online dating networks to find a casual or long term relationship. The trend is catching up all over the globe and the number of online dating profiles just keeps on growing.

In today’s globally well connected world, borders are not being considered by singles who are open to explore their chances beyond their national limits. Dating networks with available singles from all over the world are growing. Although some ethnic based dating sites are doing great too but dating networks which allow users to determine their own ethnic, religious or other preferences are getting noticed the most.

So now that you have decided to join a dating network (I’m guessing since you are reading this article), the question arises, which one and why? As a writer and an active researcher of dating networks, I’ve come across a fairly new platform that focuses a lot on member interaction and it is FREE! The best feature of Katoto is its own platform currency which, very appropriately, is ‘hearts’. You can use hearts to feature your profile, send awesome icebreaker gifts, send and receive unlimited messages. On top of that, instead of the usual icebreakers (which they also have), one can send a smile to anyone if they like what they see on the person’s profile.

Another difference is that developers of this fine dating network actually listen! One day you suggest a feature or request something to be added and if it enhances your experience, voila! It’s done. I’m sick and tired of those big names in the industry which leave you high and dry.

Last but not least, Katoto is developing its own singles database which means that those you find here are genuine singles as opposed to what you find on those too big to fail dating sites and get this, big names sell your profile without you even knowing! I found my profile on a dating network that I never signed up for. They had my user name, my password and all my pics with a detailed profile. Digging further into the matter, I found out that my profile was among the thousands of others that they ‘paid for’ to the network I was using. Well if that isn’t a privacy issue, not sure what is! For now, I’m banking on Katoto.com for safe and secure browsing without allowing them to sell my dating profile. Hope you’ve received some helpful pointers. Your comments are appreciated.

That first online dating note

While searching for some tips for a friend, I came across this hilarious yet informative article on online dating. Following is the excerpt from that article.

Be complimentary.

Relatedly, praise is always an easy way to endear people to you (and a much less slimy approach than the famed "neg.") Just limit the praise to something personality-related ("Excellent discernment of good vs. embarrassing mumblecore movies," "Sweet ballet skiing pic,") and avoid physical compliments ("Your legs go on for miles and miles.") Such superficial remarks make you look as creepy and reptilian as an aforementioned neg-er, who drops insults in an attempt to buy himself some social capital.

Make like an ape.
Uh, a literate, typing ape, that is. Research consistently shows that we like people who look, move and -- critically -- talk like us. So tailor your tone to mathttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifch that of the apple of your eye. She's wry and sarcastic? Turn on the drollery. He's earnest and passionate? Amp up the sincerity.

Safety First!

But -- cue the sappy learning-moment-in-"Full-House" music -- don't start blathering in a voice that feels totally phony to you, mmkay? We're assuming you're interested because you have some personality traits in common ... and if you don't, he/she is gonna figure it out very swiftly.

Be brief.

Maybe some people out there love receiving verbose messages, but we'd argue that brevity is a virtue. Who's more intriguing -- the hottie at the bar who wanders over and rattles off a six-minute monologue blending compliments, autobiographical bits and small talk, or the Cool Kid who drops a quick remark and waits for encouragement to continue? Cap your first message at three or four sentences, tops. No need to waste all your witticisms in one shot.

Safety First!

Urban 20-somethings, take note: This tip is especially important for piquing the interest of that tattoo-riddled OKCupid user with a few too many Instagram profile pics. You see, in real-life pickup scenarios, hipsters are elusive creatures who spend hours exchanging information via eye-flashes and hair shakes with nary a word exchanged. Taciturnity is hot.

Make it easy for them to answer.

Generally, this means you should include a query, or at least a comment that obviously begs for a response. Sounds obvious, but you don't want to send a message so pithy and focused that the recipient is back at Square One trying to come up with a zingy response. Simple litmus test: Ask yourself, "If I received this message, could I come up with a few different ways to respond?" You're trying to get the ball rolling, not heave it over like a deflated basketball.

Read full article here: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/08/31/tech/social-media/online-dating-message-netiquette/index.html?hpt=hp_bn11