Dating Services

Recipient
OkCupid

The recipient of the Editor's 2012 Top Pick - Free Award goes to OkCupid. This service has always been geared towards singles finding long-term relationships. This is in part due to the fact that it has always promoted it’s matching system, the mathematicians behind it and their member tests. The tests are created by members to help in the match process and can be about almost anything.

While this service is not the biggest free dating site, its members argue that it produces the best matches. The reason for this is the match questions and member tests. Most questions have 4 parts:

• The question
• The answer (multiple choice)
• The question’s importance to you
• An explanation of what the question means

No question is required for OkCupid to produce matches but the more you answer truthfully the greater chance you will meet someone special by searching for members with a higher average match score. Questions can be marked private and you can change answers when needed. When viewing someone’s profile you can also compare your answers with their public answers. Profiles also let you know roughly how often the person replies to a message. This is useful to let you know what chance you have of receiving a reply back to a message you send.

OkCupid qualifies as a free dating site but it does have a paid upgrade option. The free membership allows you to create a profile, search and communicate with members. The monthly paid upgrade gives you additional search abilities, more privacy options and marks your profile as an A-List user. The paid upgrade also removes all advertisements and allows you access to rating pages and to see who likes you.

Read our review of OkCupid for more information about this online dating service or visit OkCupid directly.

This Year's Runner Up for this award is: Plenty of fish

Recipient
RSVP

The recipient of the 2012 Editor's Top Pick - Australian Award goes to RSVP. RSVP.com.au is Australia’s most visited online dating site. They have more than 1,200 new singles joining everyday through their website and via the mobile phone dating applications.

Mobile dating is now a major part of RSVP. Not only do they have a mobile web version of their dating site but they offer a dating app on both the iPhone and Android smartphones. With the dating app you can search for singles using a wide range of options, view and update your profile and send and receive emails and kisses. You can also see who has viewed your profile and who has read your email. Purchasing of stamps and managing your RSViP subscription is also possible along with contacting customer support.

RSVP is for singles living in Australia only. It is free to join as a member and reply to messages but you must purchase stamps to send messages via chat or email. Using stamps allows you to pay as you go. With 1 stamp you have 30 days of unlimited contact with that person, and that person with you.

Read our review of RSVP for more information about this dating service or visit RSVP directly.

This Year's Runner Up for this award is: Match.com

Recipient
Passion.com

The Editor's Top Pick - Sexy Award goes to Passion.com. This site is part of the FriendFinder Network and has 10’s of millions of active members from around the globe. Passion.com has the most members in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom and then Canada.

This dating site has become much more like a social network in the last year. Profiles now have statuses and you can write testimonials about other members. You can even create your own friend mini network. One of the more popular features is blogging. You can create your own homepage and then write posts about anything that interests you. There are currently over 500,000 blogs with almost 19 million posts. Members can view your blog posts, pictures and also write comments.

Passion.com is an ideal website for people who are interested in an intimate encounter or hookup. There are many ways to connect with members via chatting, talking on the phone, webcams, or participating in interest groups. This service is free to join and reply to messages but costs a monthly fee to send members messages.

Read our review of Passion.com for more information about this dating service or visit Passion.com directly.

There was no runner up in 2012 for this award.

Here's something I bet you haven't thought about before: your Fish Personality.

Are you an Angelfish? A Dolphin? A Lobster? A Whale? If you had to sum up your dating life using a sea creature, which one would you choose?

Sure, it's a silly question, but it's the question Plenty of Fish asks all its users. It's up to you to decide which water dweller best describes your dating habits. You have a choice of 30, and if that task doesn't already sound challenging enough, here's the only guidance POF gives you: "There is no specific meaning to the fish types - they're just for fun, so pick the one that you think best describes you!"

Not very helpful, POF! SO let's put our heads together and brainstorm...what does a Fish Personality say about you or your date?

1. No Personality: If you describe yourself as "No Personality," you clearly need to go back to Online Dating 101. I don't need to tell you why it's not a good idea.


2. Angelfish: The name speaks for itself, here. This one's for the good boys and girls of online dating who think a halo belongs in their profile pictures. Just make sure you don't go so far you're in obnoxious good-two-shoes territory.


3. Barnacle: Can you say clingy? A barnacle attaches itself to something for life, never moving and never leaving its shell. A Barnacle dater could easily become too dependent and afraid to take risks or strike out on his or her own.


4. Barracuda: These guys are known for their large size, fearsome appearance, and opportunistic predatory style. Barracudas are the pickup artists of the dating world, prepared to use well-practiced tactics to snap up their targets.


5. Big Mouth Bass: Remember Big Mouth Billy Bass? It may be the most annoying toy ever made, yet no redneck's house would be complete without one. If you're into that Southern, good ol' boy charm, look out for a Big Mouth Bass.


6. BlowFish: If the name is anything to go by, I suspect the BlowFish is only looking for one thing. If low-key hookups and adult dating are your game, the BlowFish is definitely your best bet. Just be careful...they can be poisonous if not handled correctly.


7. Bottom Dweller: You'll find these fish in the deepest depths of the ocean, living amongst mud, sand, gravel, and rocks, and feeding on whatever sinks to the bottom. On POF, the Bottom Dwellers are online dating's worst nightmare: the ones who still live in their parents' basements.


8. Catfish: By now you've definitely heard of Catfish, the 2010 documentary film and current MTV show. The Catfish are scammers, online con artists who are masters of appearing to be someone they're not.


9. Clam: The clam appears twice in popular culture: first as "Clam up" and second as "Happy as a clam." If you're a Clam of the first type, you're not likely to be communicative or openly emotional in a relationship. If you're the second, you're a "Glass half full" kind of person who always looks on the bright side of life.


10. Clownfish: Everybody wants to date someone who can make them laugh, so it's good to be a Clownfish. Clownfish have a unique ability to enter tricky situations - like life in a stinging anemone - and come out unscathed. Besides, who doesn't think Finding Nemo was adorable?


11. Crab: A Crab may be tough to get to know at first, but the payoff is worth it in the end. Breaking your way through that thick exoskeleton can take time, but once you've peeled back the layers, you'll find that the Crab is soft and sweet inside.


12. Damselfish: If you're the knight in shining armor type, the Damselfish is your perfect match. They're frequently kept as pets, so if you're looking to spoil your dates and give them a taste of what it's like to be totally taken care of, a Damselfish would love to meet you.


13. Dolphin: Dolphins are some of the smartest creatures around, but it's not just about their brains. They're also friendly, playful, and social animals who are always up for a good time. In other words, a Dolphin is the complete package.


14. Eel: Eels are primarily nocturnal creatures, and many live together in holes called "eel pits." Sounds a bit scandalous to me. Dating an Eel means taking a walk on the wild side, and enjoying all the fun those early morning hours have to offer.


15. Hammerhead: Unlike most sharks, who are typically solitary creatures, the hammerhead is known to form schools during the day - sometimes in groups of over 100! The Hammerhead knows how to play both sides well: social when he needs to be, and aloof when he needs to retain a little bit of mystery.


16. Jellyfish: The Jellyfish are the cougars of the dating world. There's something irresistibly captivating about them. Perhaps it's their beauty, or the fluidity of their movement. Or maybe it's their age and experience: they've roamed the seas for at least 500 million years.


17. Lobster: Everybody wants a piece of these guys. They're one of the most highly sought-after commodities in the food world, and they're equally highly prized in the dating world. You're lucky if you get your hands on one, so hold on tight!


18. Octopus: The Octopus is a real catch. They're athletic, highly intelligent, and good at adapting to whatever environment they find themselves in. They also have three hearts, so expect a lot of romance if you're dating an Octopus.


19. Piranha: The world's most famous marine maneater needs no introduction. The Piranha is likely to hop from date to date to date, constantly searching for something (or someone) to satisfy their voracious appetite.


20. Sea Horse: The Sea horse makes for a kind, steady partner in a long-term relationship. Expect a long and romantic courtship process, commitment to monogamy, and strong parenting skills.


21. Sea Urchin: They may look a little scary on the outside, but don't judge a book by its cover. Once you take the time to get to know a Sea Urchin, you'll find there's so much more beneath that sharp, tough exterior.


22. Shark: Assertive, motivated, dangerous, sexy...those are just a few of the words that come to mind. Dating a Shark is guaranteed to be an intense, sweep-you-off-your-feet kind of experience. A Shark knows what he/she wants and isn't afraid to go after it, whatever the cost.


23. Shrimp: The shrimp is a jack of all trades. The many variations look completely different, communicate differently, and perform different functions. Dating a Shrimp means never getting bored - the Shrimp can be anything and everything you want them to be (and may like to play dress-up in the bedroom).


24. Starfish: A Starfish is the "All eyes on me" kind of date. If you're looking for a little bit of candy to carry around on your arm, try a colorful, eye-catching Starfish. A star loves the spotlight, so this is a good choice if you're looking for an envy-inducing trophy spouse.


25. Sucker Fish: Beware of dating a Sucker Fish. In the wild, sucker fish attach themselves to larger marine animals and use their hosts, who get nothing in return, for food and transportation. Can you say "gold digger?"


26. Sunfish: The sunfish is, to describe it in one word, impressive. It's the largest bony fish in the world (the average adult weight is 2,200 lb!). It feeds on jellyfish. Females can produce more eggs than any other known vertebrate. A Sunfish will never accept second best and will do anything to stay at the top of their game.


27. Swordfish: The swordfish is a bit of a loner (it's rare that you'll find them with other swordfish, and even then it's only a loose aggregation and never a tight school). Swordfish may seem like solitary creatures at first, but don't write them off as bad dates. The swordfish also has almost no enemies, making a Swordfish date extremely popular and likeable once you actually get to know them.


28. Tuna: You can't go wrong dating a Tuna. They may not be the flashiest, most exciting dates, but they are steady, caring partners that will always be attentive to the relationship and make sure your needs are met.


29. Turtle: Is there anyone who doesn't love a turtle? They're so cute you just want to squeeze them! A Turtle may be a little shy at first, but they'll make a great date once you coax them out of their shell. Just be patient with them.


30. Whale: Whales are some of the most intelligent, social creatures in the sea. A Whale makes for a smart, friendly date with good communication skills (and as a bonus, they'll also be a great parent one day). Who doesn't want their dating life to be a whale of a good time?

All that and still no mermaid option?? I'm so disappointed!

For more information on this dating site you can read our updated Plenty of Fish review.

Recipient
Lavalife

The 2012 Editor's Top Pick - Canadian Award goes to Lavalife. This Canadian owned and operated dating site has been around for 12 years now and sees about 40,000 new singles register every week.

Lavalife is a little different than most other dating sites since it has 3 distinct communities based on the type of relationship you are looking for. The communities are Dating, Relationship and Intimate. When you create a profile you can add it to one or more of these communities. Searching is also divided by these communities which makes it easier to find singles who may only be interested in just casual dating, exploring a long-term relationship, or having that intimate encounter. Lavalife also allows free members to respond to paid members emails and IMs. This means if you purchased a subscription you know every member on Lavalife can respond to your communication without paying. Most of the other popular dating services do not allow a free member to exchange emails with a paid member.

Lavalife has remained popular with Canadians. They offer a 7 day free full trial that will allow you to send and receive emails and instant messages. With this offer it is easy to give Lavalife a try to see if it is the right fit for you without spending a dime.

Read our review of Lavalife for more information about this dating service or visit Lavalife directly.

This Year's Runner Up for this award is: Match.com Canada

Recipient
How About We

The 2012 Editor's choice for the Top Pick - Innovative Award goes to the matchmaking service How About We. From teaming up with American Association of Retired Persons to provide a seniors dating service, to integrating couples profiles into their dating site, 2012 has been a good year for HowAboutWe.com

How About We is an innovative service that approaches matching members in a different way than most other dating sites. Instead of just searching for profiles, members offer date ideas. If you find a date idea interesting you then click “I’m Intrigued”. This will send out a message to the person which then gets the ball rolling for a more serious conversation. You can also “Ask Out” a person and send them your date idea directly and privately. Reposting of your own date ideas or from others is allowed and to get ideas on new dates you can check out Trending Dates, this is a list of the top date ideas. How About We is also one of the few dating sites that allow you to create your own profile questions. This allows you to make your profile stand out and contain any interesting information about you, you want.

This innovative dating site has a unique way of matching members by having them post their date ideas. If you find this intriguing, you should check out How About We. It is free to join and review dating ideas and if you pay to communicate with members, offline dates are guaranteed or your money back.

Read our review of How About We for more information about this online dating service.

This Year's Runner Up for this award is: Match.com