I came across an article in the Washington Post today (via VioletBlue blog http://www.tinynibbles.com/)
Online dating assistants help the lonely and busy
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/31/AR2010053103127.html
This article explains how there are now companies out there (usually employed by men) who will write an on-line dating profile, contact potential partners, and arrange dates for you. I really feel sorry for the women (and men) who are genuinely seeking companionship and romance via dating services. But get taken for a ride by this “bait and switch” approach …
From the article:
“No. “I don’t care that much if it becomes a date or not,” Hartshorn admits. His job is “lead generation” only. Sealing the deal is up to the company’s “closers.”
And going out on actual dates? That, unfortunately, the men have to do all by themselves. And the women never need know who hooked them.”
The really sad thing about this is that what these companies are doing is destroying the value of on-line dating. In 1998 I met my best friend on-line via ICQ. This was back when instant messaging was still quite new and the people who used it were (by and large) interesting, intelligent, and progressive. Then IM became trendy and ICQ, MSN, and all the other systems filled up with people who’s conversation skills began and ended with:
“Im bored what u wearing?
Now it looks like dating sites are going the same way. One day every profile will be polished and neat, every photo fantastic, ever email witty and charming. And then you go out on a date with this perfect match, only to find …
The people interviewed talk about how they try not to misrepresent their clients, but if there is money to be made offering these services, then the shark won’t be far behind and all credibility will go out the window.
The women who I have talked to about this have all said that they would be very upset to find out that a man had tricked them by using a service like this.
As a straight male escort for women I often see articles and comments that are derisive of women who choose to employ a male escort, rather than going out and dating “real” men. But this sort of misrepresentation on dating sites (by “real” men) just confirms that I and all of the other male escorts and companions out there offer a service that has real value to some women in the community.
If you don’t want a relationship, but do want casual companionship, then at least you know that you can trust me to be honest, attentive, and to answer my own email.
John …