Online Membership Dating Websites Versus Free Forums like Yahoo & Myspace

Every now and then I see a post asking people's opinion regarding online membership dating websites. I've never personally set up an account on any membership sites, but I've read books about them and had many conversations with others who've experienced them. I suppose they might have their benefits for some people, but I certainly wouldn't consider them a reliable source of finding a compatible partner.

A friend of mine tried a few different dating websites and attracted a few dates in the process. He had some good experiences, but none of them ended up walking down the proverbial aisle with them. In the end, he marrying someone he was already friends with and is now very happy.

I've had some people suggest that I try dating sites, but I can't personally give them much credit. Knowing some of the mindless games that some people play, it's just my preference to be more in-person as I'm meeting people for that purpose. The argument here is that since you're PAYING for your membership, then you're less likely to have run-in's with players and various other kind of deceptive people. But from talking with people who've tried these membership networks, the membership fee only implies that disingenuous people with more money to spare hang out there.

But if you're willing to pay the price, I do think there's a benefit in that these membership forums might help a single person learn how to interact with other singles or maybe just exercise their ability to socialize with whomever while at the same time, seeing what kinds of games are played amongst insincere singles so that they're not suddenly surprised if and when it happens to them in person. But then again, you can do all that on free membership forums such as Yahoo and Myspace.

One disadvantage with a network like Myspace and its group forums is that, many times you cross paths with someone who you might feel an interest in; however, they're typically located long-distance from you. Long distant relationships come with a wide variety of problems and rarely last long. It's VERY rare that I cross paths online with a grown woman who lives anywhere's near me here in western New York.