While a lot of people use dating websites to meet online, others are taking advantage of Facebook and Twitter networks. But now there are dating websites that appear to take the community forum aspect of a site like Facebook and combine it with online dating. But is this a good idea?
I came across a press release today from a website called BadOnlineDates.com. As you might have guessed, it’s a forum where people who are dating can post blog entries, video, messages, etc. about their dates. It also has scripted dating webisodes called “Bad Date TV” and an iPhone app that lets you post and get updates (like TweetDeck). Anyway, the point of the site is to have a dating forum as an alternative to the big dating sites, so people can feel free to actually talk about their dates and ask questions. And possibly hook up with each other.
There’s also a new forum called DateFrenzy.com, which offers the same idea but aims to be more of a filter for people who are online dating. I talked with one of the founders, and he explained that since dating websites have no background checks, you never know what you’re getting. So with their forum, people can post reviews of their dates (I was reminded of the dreaded middle school slam books) and others can be warned of potential bad date behavior. The idea came from the collapse of the financial system over a year ago—the idea being who can you trust?
Now, I would totally read and relate to the people posting on these sites. But I would also hate to be an online dater and suddenly come across my username and profile in a “review” on DateFrenzy…does somebody else really have the right to post things about me which may or may not be true?
I’m a girl who is concerned about her own safety, but I’m not sure this is the best way to find out about a potential date. I prefer to Google, because at least my reputation wouldn’t rest in one bad date’s opinion.
Has anyone used sites like these? I’m curious to see what you think.
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
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