For singles who like to hit the Internet in search of dates, there are two new services vying to make it a little bit easier: Comcast's new Dating ON DEMAND service, and udate.com's Single Protection Factor.
Dating ON DEMAND is set for a Philadelphia launch this summer, with three events – June 30, July 14, and July 21, from 7 p.m.-midnight at McFadden's on North Third Street – letting singles create three- to five-minute video profiles at no cost, and with professional television production crews filming them.
Within a few weeks, the profiles will appear on Dating ON DEMAND, allowing singles to contact prospective matches anonymously and securely by registering through HurryDate – through which singles should register in advance to be part of the profile shoots.
Those who participate in the three profile filming events will also get a chance to be part of HurryDate's rapid-fire dating sessions and a chance to mingle with other singles.
"This service is as close as you can get to meeting someone over a cup of coffee," said HurryDate co-founder Adele Testani, announcing the new project. "Dating ON DEMAND adds a personal touch to meeting potential dates by presenting 'real singles' – how they move, how they speak, their true appearance. Best yet, it all happens in the comfort of your home with the touch of a remote control and the click of a mouse."
Planned bonus features for Dating ON DEMAND are set to include perspectives on the local Philadelphia singles scene, video profile bloopers and outtakes, dating disaster stories, and a look into HurryDate's "three-minute dating" events. Programming will refresh with new profiles and bonus features regularly, Comcast said.
Dating ON DEMAND will come under three main categories: Lifestyle, Get Local, and Cutting Edge. Singles can get more information at the Dating ON DEMAND homepage at HurryDate.
Meantime, udate.com's Single Protection Factor assessment has led to the Website creating a special page where members can assess their Single Protection Factor and find suggestions aimed at raising their chances of connecting with somebody special.
"As the first day of summer approaches and singles gear up for fun in the sun, a survey shows that close to half (46 percent) of singles are hopeful about finding summer romance," says udate.com, a Match.com affiliate, adding that this survey showed three-quarters think themselves fair-skinned "when it comes to exposing themselves to a potential prospect, or are fearful of getting too hot too fast."
Those singles, udate.com says, might be better off making matches by paying closer attention to those blocks, which they put up to keep from getting burned. "We call these blocks the 'SPF,' or Single Protection Facto," says udate.com romance coach Daniella Brodsky. "They are the barriers that may inhibit chances for summer romance, such as being, judgmental, too guarded or closed-minded to possible prospects. Summer is the perfect time to shed some of the protective layers that may be shielding singles from the chance at summer lovin' because life is so much more casual."
The udate.com survey also said 46 percent of those responding think summer romance is likely to come up at a barbeque or other party, with half the respondents preparing by hitting the gym, learning a new sport or skill, updating their online appearance, or improving their cocktail conversation skills.
The latter figures heavily in Brodsky's tips for extra summer romantic fire. She says brushing up on the newest books, films, and music would be a major aid to summer romantics, not to mention smiling a lot and, if you have to, making the first conversational move – especially with conversation starters like the state of the waves on the beach, the book you spot someone reading, asking after a good place for live music, or even borrowing some sunscreen.
"Lighten up and flirt a litte," she says. "[And] don't be afraid to wear something that might be a good conversation starter such as a funky necktie or unique piece of jewelry. You'll stand out in the crowd and potential prospects will find it easy to approach you with a comment."
And while it's a good idea not to appear too perfect, on or offline, it's still a good idea to double-check your spelling and your grammar. "First impressions," Brodksy says, "are always important."
Membership on udate.com costs $24.95 for one month, $490.95 for three, and $74.95 for six. And udate.com insists that Internet dating is as safe as dating can be. "Your real identity is never disclosed to any other member or anyone else," udate.com says. "You alone control, if and when, you wish to exchange your real identity and personal contact details with any other member. Unlike conventional dating, you will know lots about anyone you choose to meet way ahead of that occasion. In many ways Internet dating is safer."
