Back in the day if you told someone you were dating someone you met online, people were inclined to look at you with a bit “why can’t they find someone to date in ‘real life?” kinda skepticism. Nowadays, everyone’s connected online but reports say that people are lonelier than ever before. And there it is. Life and the Internet merged together under one umbrella known as “Internet Dating”. It makes sense. In turn, all types of people now turn to dating online. And just like in real life, you only get one chance to make a first impression so you want a profile that’s going to be awesome. So, here are my top ten do’s and don’ts of online dating profiles.

Things To Be Considered When Creating a Dating Profile!

1. A photo that is an honest representation of how you look when you feel your best.
   In 2010, if you have access to the net and a PC on which to browse said website, and you expect a photo from others, then you have no excuse for not having a photo. A clear, not “photoshopped-to-the-shithouse”, recent photo of you. Ask a few close friends to nominate their fave photos of you. You’re more likely to get a more objective opinion then. If you find yourself needing to take a few photos specifically for the profile, then ask a good friend to take some candid pics of you.
   
2. A Good Username
   Pick a name that represents you and the kind of person you’re looking to attract. If you call yourself sexy anything, assume people are going to hit you up for a root. If that’s what you’re after, then go for your life, but if you’re after more than a fling, then calling yourself sexy, hot, spunk, horny or any variation of the word makes you look like a wanker. An interest, a nickname, a song title, even something that will get a laugh is a much better way to go.
   
3. Photo Don’ts
   -Don’t stand in front of the mirror with your shirt off, taking a photo with your mobile phone. You look like a wanker. Stop it. Look, I’m not speaking for all women, but seriously, a photo of  a dude in their boxer shorts or boardies isn’t essential. Personally, it makes me think you’re up yourself, self absorbed, going to spend more time primping than I probably will, and it kinda puts out that “I’m looking for a root” vibe, which like I said, is all good if that’s what you’re going for. If you’re looking for the kind of girl who’s going to appreciate you for more than just your Chuck Norris abs, then leave a shirt on.
   -No excessive use of “flattering angles”. You know the type I mean!
   -Don’t use a photo if it looks nothing like you. A $99 glamour shot of you from Exclusive Photography circa 2000 won’t cut it if you intend on actually meeting people without Vaseline smeared across their corneas.
   -Smile! It’s not a mugshot! You’re hoping to find a date, you don’t want a photo that evokes fear of being shanked in the cafeteria.
   -Don’t take ten photos of yourself in the same outfit, in varying poses and post them ALL. Mix it up, even if do have to stage a shoot  to get a recent photo, don’t make it too obvious.
   -No sunglasses indoors. Unless it’s a costume party, then it can be overlooked. Or those big over sized novelty types, they pass.
4. The following phrases are banned.
   -I love to go out, but I also like staying in. Wow, there’s a huge revelation, You like to go out and stay in.
   -I love to have a laugh. Who the hell doesn’t enjoy having a laugh? I’m pretty sure basic functions are a given,
   -I can’t believe I’m doing this! Dude, the only people reading this are on the same site anyway, You don’t have to justify it.
5. Set Yourself Apart From The Crowd
   You’ve got a photo and maybe the first 2 lines of your profile amongst a line up of 20 or so other people that all suit your demographic. Make your first line memorable. So picking the right profile photo and not having a line that people are going to roll their eyes at is imperative, or they’re not going to see all the other awesome stuff in your profile.
6. Don’t Leave Your Profile Too Brief
   Putting some thought into your written profile shows the person reading that you’re genuine and looking and willing to make some effort. We don’t need your whole life story, but certainly a collection of your interests and who you are and what you’re looking for with a word count higher than 100 words all up would suffice.,
   Tell us something that makes us want to message you. Tell us who you are. Be candid. People appreciate openness in such an otherwise anonymous forum. You don’t have to reveal everything, it’s good to leave a little mystery, but be honest about who you are and what you want in someone else.  If you leave it empty, don’t expect any results.
   
7. Don’t Do That Negative Thing
   There’s nothing more instantly repelling than an aggressive profile, from either gender. Just because you’ve been dicked over in the past doesn’t mean you should start off on the defensive. Keep your profile positive and light hearted,
   
8. Don’t Take It Personally
   Attraction is subjective, Just because someone is you’re type, doesn’t mean you’re theirs. If you like someones profile, don’t be afraid to let them know. Worst they can do is say no. Meh, so what? Some random person didn’t think you were their type. No biggie. New people join these sites all the time, so you never know when your luck might change. Don’t be disheartened by rejection, or putting yourself out there.
9. Show Your Interest
   So you like someones profile, and they accept you, awesome. Best thing to do is talk to them about something they’ve written in their profile, whatever it was that grabbed your attention. It shows you have bothered to take the time to read their profile and that you have a genuine interest in the person. Plus, people like to talk about themselves, so it’s always a good place to start.
   
10. Avoid Horrible Cliches
    “Good sense of humor”( GSOH ), “tall, dark and handsome”, “my mum says I’m good looking” and the ole classic “Down to Earth” (DTE). Try to avoid sounding like a classified ad from the local newspaper. You’re not paying by the fuckin letter. You’re not under any time constraint to get it online straight away, so take your time to craft something that sums you up in a few short paragraphs. And then ask a friend of the sex you’re seeking to read it over. Ask them to give you an honest opinion on how it sounds. You’d be surprised by the amount of interest a few male friends of mine have had after I’ve had a toy with their profile. Be open to constructive criticism. You can always update it later if it that approach doesn’t work.
    

So there you have it, my tips on creating a great online dating profile. I bid you all good luck in lust or love, whichever it is you seek!!