we have all been new to online dating at one time or another. Or maybe new to a particular site.

What GOOD advice or tips would you give the new members about the online dating world?

here are some I found online

Approach
Let’s face it; some singles are just looking for the thrill of meeting new people, while others are looking for a quality relationship. Determine what you want to accomplish from your online dating experience and let your approach follow. For example, if you’d like to meet as many people as you can, be proactive in sending emails and setting up first dates. Make an objective to physically meet folks rather than just getting to know them via email. If you’re searching for an eventual mate, you might want to take things slower and correspond a bit before you actually set eyes on your online match. If you are pressed for time in a busy schedule, arrange for one date a week, rather than several informal coffee dates. Choosing the right pacing and approach for your dates will help you enjoy your overall Internet dating experience.

Photo
Imagine a place where you have access to thousands of potential singles right before your eyes. All you have to do is point your finger to the one you want to meet. Well that, in a sense, is Internet dating. But instead of pointing your finger, you click a mouse on the one that most interests you. And if you have hundreds of pictures flying before your eyes, are you going to stop and read the profile with a photo that is out of focus, has hair and outfit blended into the background, with their arm around a cropped out individual (probably an ex)? Doubt it. Take time to post the best possible photo you can.

Headline
Every inch of your online profile is valuable real estate. Think of your headline as the caption to your online billboard. With that said, do you really want “Looking to meet someone nice” or “Are there any decent men left?” as the thing you want someone whizzing by to see? With Internet dating, singles scan through profiles quickly for the ones that catch their eye. So why waste space with a poor headline? Use it instead to write something catchy and unique that will instantly give a potential date an idea of your personality.

Profile
Ever reach for a book because the cover looks interesting, only to put it back as soon as you start reading? The same can happen with your profile if a potential date likes your headline and photo but begins to yawn once they read what you have to say for yourself. You don’t need to be a professional writer, although some skills with the written word certainly don’t hurt. Imagine that you’re introducing yourself to a potential friend, and proceed in a tone that is personable yet playful. If you need help, don’t be afraid to consult a professional profile consultant.

Safety
Dating via any method (online or otherwise) needs to be approached in an intelligent manner. Be smart with any personal information. Remember that even if you emailed someone for a while, you still haven’t met him or her yet. Wait until you are absolutely comfortable before giving out phone numbers, last names, or email addresses. Meet only in a public place until you know your match is of the sane and reasonable variety. If necessary, make use of the blocking feature and report button. Just like any other time you’d meet a stranger, let your instincts be your guide when it comes to revealing parts of your life.

Attitude
Having the right outlook on relationships is important, but that goes double for Internet dating. Singles on the Internet move quickly, scanning profiles and photos and sending winks and emails at a much higher speed than if they were merely meeting people in person. So show your best possible impression right from the start. Dump the grumpy attitude because you are busy at work or have been burned by love in the past. Everyone has problems, but Internet daters especially have no patience for the downers of this world. There are simply too many great people out there to meet!

Oh good, I need advice on what pic I can use so I don't get views. Any tips?

your Manson picture scared me

Yeah, I know and for a while it kept the views away, but then I got views anyway. I want something repulsive that no guy will view me- ever.

hmmmmmmmmmm let me ponder that one

Do you think two guys kissing would bother them?

some might enjoy that

My advice to newbies........Run..........don't waste you time...dating sites only prevent you from dating!

oh you 2 are NO help go to your rooms

awww Pats said what I was gonna say lol

Hmmm, I probably wouldn't come up in their searches though, because they'd be looking for a man and my gender is female, and I'm always in stealth so I don't show online, so maybe they wouldn't see me. I just have to find really manly men pics, otherwise they'd mistake it for 2 girls and that'd be an epic fail.

ok...so aside from my advice we have the following

1. Don't listen to what Pats has to say
2. Don't perv Calleigh

Aahahahahahaha if you follow only one bit of advice, a safe bet would be mine

Good advice, Rose. I'm still trying to find that pic, all I find is hot emo boys kissing and hot girls kissing, it's a losing battle.....

Oh yeah, in the spirit of the thread, here's my advice to newbies, don't take rejection personally. Just because the person you're interested in says no, doesn't mean there isn't someone out there for you. Just not this particular person. Also, just because someone is on a dating site, doesn't mean they're desperate, so they're not going to want to talk to every person who approaches them- just like in the real world. You don't expect everyone to be into you in the real world, so why is online any different? We all have standards and preferences, no matter how minuscule, and being behind a screen doesn't diminish that.

Hope this is helpful to someone who is actually looking!!!

Bingo.