Recently, I’ve been writing about my experience on Match.com, the dating website for the socially impaired and the incontinent. Kidding! Although I’m sure the aforementioned use Match, there are many of us who can hold both conversations and bladders. Why does it seem like everybody is on a dating site these days? Because it’s hard to meet people once the social bubble known as college finally pops, and you’re out in “the real world.” And because society has finally decided that this internet thing is okay; that it’s not just for pervs and serial killers! But I digress…
I wasn’t getting much “ROI” with my profile (yes, I’m in marketing). So I decided to test out a completely different approach. I noticed that my profile was pretty run of the mill. People on Match often describe themselves in much the same way, sometimes almost line for line. So I went for the reversal, writing a ridiculous parody of my likes, dislikes, and expectations. Feel free to read both versions and tell me what you think. You won’t hurt my feelings.
Anyway, the new pic and tagline combination actually brought fewer click-thrus to my profile. Which kind of makes sense because humor doesn’t always translate through words on a screen/page. People offline tend to think I have an ego, so I’m sure I came off as a complete narcissist by using the tagline “I’m the one that I want.” But seriously, how is that NOT funny?! I’m on a dating site telling potential suitors that I’m really all I’ll ever need.
Nevertheless, I toned it down a little bit and was rewarded when this supermodel kid who I’d emailed earlier actually emailed me back! And, almost all of our little green circles line up, so we’re a pretty good “Match.” And I got another hit from somebody who actually understood my humor and emailed me a witty message.
Okay, thanks for indulging me in my little moment there. Back to reality. The chickens still haven’t hatched. I’ll keep you posted…
**UPDATE: A few friends weighed in on my profile recently and I took their advice to heart. Here’s my most recent version:
About me & who I’m looking for
…Here’s a snapshot of who I am…
Professional life: I’m passionate and intelligent. I think around problems and I try to stay a few moves ahead. There’s nothing that can’t be solved with a little creativity. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, but I produce quality work that I’m proud of.
Personal life: I’m laid back, fun-loving, and curious about the world. I’m obsessed with learning and I try to stay open-minded, even when it comes to politics. I can admit when I’m wrong. I can apologize and really mean it. I have good intentions and I try to make those around me feel better about themselves. I’m extremely affectionate, a total cuddler.
Loves: writing, sports, dancing, using the correct spoon for the occasion, hiking, adventures, travel, laughing, Thai food, large bodies of water, ideas, dark beer, brussel sprouts, rainy days in bed, drunk sprinting (don’t knock it til you try it).
Hates: beets, being cold, fakes & flakes, purse pooches, lack of public transpo, cats (there, I said it), whiskey, peaches & other hairy foods, pretense, hegemony, Elvis (on so many levels).
…And what I’m looking for…
I want someone who’s confident and who will be a positive force in my life. There’s so much negativity in the world I don’t want to deal with it at home. I can be sarcastic sometimes, but I’m an optimist at heart, and I want the same for the person I’m with. Humor is a big part of keeping upbeat, so it’s important to not take yourself too seriously.
I also value honesty and respect. They’re the foundation for trust and love. And I want to be with someone who’s similar to me with regard to an active lifestyle and an active mind.
In my own words
for fun:
I play soccer every Sunday. Occasionally I’ll surf or go mountain biking. I love going out to eat – trying new places. Love dancing. Karaoke and beers with friends is always a good time too.
my job:
I create content for the web.
my education:
B. A. in English. 2 semesters abroad in Ecuador, 1 in Australia.
last read:
Currently reading Brazzaville and We Were The Mulvaneys.
Blogs: Mashable, ReadWriteWeb, NYT TechJust quit Wuthering Heights mid-way through. What a downer!
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