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Don't you wish online dating came with an instruction manual?

Oh wait - it does!

Well, sorta. If what you're looking for is "a complete step by step guide on how someone would seduce you," then yes...online dating comes with an instruction manual. It's called the Seduction Style Guide, and you can find it (where else?) on POF.com.

Get those grains of salt ready, and let's dive in...

The first section of the test is called "Flirting." Choose up to three of the listed flirting styles that appeal most to you, and up to three that don't interest you. Do you prefer your dates "Playful," "Confident," "Coy," "Charming," or "Prim and Proper?" Then answer a question about your communication preferences. How would you like a date to ask you out? By phone? By email? In person at a dating event?

Section three delves deeper into your personality. Read each statement and indicate the degree to which it describes you: "Strongly agree," "Disagree," "Agree," or "Strongly agree." Statements to rate cover topics like humor and spontaneity:

• I enjoy trying different kinds of ethnic foods
• I brood for a long time in an attempt to solve some fundamental problem
• There is humor to be seen in just about everything

Of course, it wouldn't be a Seduction Style test without questions about seduction! The next sections ask questions about your first date habits and your sexuality. Again, you must rate the accuracy of words used describe your sexuality. Are you the "Sultry" type? Or maybe you're better described as "Adorable?"

The test wraps up with a free response section and the most salacious section of all. The free response questions inquire about what you most and least enjoy while on a date, and your turn ons/offs. Answer each with three responses, all in your own words.

The final section...well...let's just say it's a pretty intimate look at your favorite kinks, fetishes, and fantasies.

Put it all together and you get POF's take on how best to woo you. Got that salt ready?

The results page is surprisingly detailed. First, there's The Big Picture. Apparently people like me "tend to love life with zeal, often living in the moment and trying not to let experiences pass them by." (All true, as far as I'm concerned...perhaps POF knows me better than I would like to admit.)

Then there's the three step seduction plan: Approach Me, How To Date Me, and How To Sexually Seduce Me. Much to my surprise, POF also manages to sneak in some genuinely useful information amongst all the silly stuff. The report includes info on favorite dating conversation topics, online dating safety, preferred dating activities, and do's and don'ts.

To show others your results, send the link included at the bottom of the results page (and consider sending some salt with it).

To find out more about this popular dating site you can take a look at our Plentyoffish review.

A concerned visitor sent me an email the other day asking what has happened to the Plenty of fish forums? Did they shut down? I was like oh no not again, they have done something to the forums on POF. I still noticed the forums coming up in the search results so I visited forums.plentyoffish.com directly and was greeted with a nasty server run time error.

Now I know a bit about web servers and this is a Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) error. This is not good (see the full explanation below) because it indicates to me that the files for the Plenty of fish forum website has been removed. After further investigation it looks like this may have happened at least a week ago, since visitors have been searching our site about the Plenty of fish forums being removed for that long.

I am surprised that POF hasn’t addressed the problem. They must know about it as I am sure a large number of people have already complained about the issue as it has been a week now already. Also the POF forums are still very popular even though they are not directly linked to the main POF.com site anymore (I think POF wants to slowly kill the forums). What has me puzzled though is if they had plan to stop providing the forum, why not remove the website and domain record all together or at least display a nice message about the situation and the reason for the removal (which would take 2 minutes to do). Displaying a runtime error isn’t very professional. Heck even a redirect to the main POF dating site would have been better.

Update: After checking the POF forums off and on for the last hour it appears that this is an intermediate problem. About half the time I get a runtime error, about a quarter of the time I get some other one line text error and for the other quarter of the time the forums actually work. As I said before this has been happening for at least a week since others have reported on it.

I have a thought, let’s start a campaign to see if we can get Plenty of fish to fix the forums. I am going to tweet about this story on Twitter using the hashtag #FixForumsOnPOF. If you want POF to keep the forums alive like I do, then re-tweet my tweet or post your own using the hashtag. Maybe if POF is listening they will do something about it and fix the problem with the forums. 😊

In the meantime since you can’t use the POF forums all of the time you are more than welcome to post your relationship and online dating questions and observations in our dating forums. We have a number of forum categories you can post in about a whole pile of different topics.

So, what does the runtime IIS error mean that most people seem to be getting? It actually is 2 errors in one. The web server is complaining first about their not being a custom error file in the location specified to display to visitors when an error happens. The second error actually triggered the first error. The second error is harder to figure out since the current error message is all about the first error. The second error is some sort of application error which could be anything from the actual website files not being available to a coding error in the requested web file. Since an error message is displayed it does indicate that webserver is working properly and that there is nothing wrong with the domain record.

If you are looking for a popular free dating site to try and want some more information then you should read our Plenty of fish review.

I found out the other day that eHarmony is offering a new feature called “eHarmony Access”. It is just in the test phase at the moment so it is not available to all members yet. When you are canceling your eHarmony membership you now will have the option to choose to become an eHarmony Access member. As part of eHarmony Access once your full eHarmony subscription expires you still will be able to receive matches and most importantly view all photos of those matches. Sending Icebreakers will also be available to you as well as the guided communication (at least on eHarmony.com). Being an eHarmony Access member does require a monthly fee but it is much less than the cost of a full membership. This feature is a great way for people who do not have the time to be a full fledge member of a dating site but still wish to see what their matches offer just in case you see one that really sparks some chemistry.

To find out more about this dating site you can read our eHarmony review.

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.

You know that annoying couple you're friends with on Facebook? The one who's always putting up soppy status updates, cutesy pictures, and stomach-churningly sweet wall posts?

Prepare yourself: they're about to get even more annoying.

Facebook has recently launched a digital version of relationships at Facebook.com/us. If you're in a relationship on Facebook, the new page collects all posts, events, and photos that both you and your significant other are tagged in. It's a one stop shop for all the details of your digital romance.

Reviews are...mixed, to say the least.

I notice several comments this week about users not liking the fact that Plenty Of Fish has now made the dating feature "Viewed Me" for paid users only. I had thought this was done a while ago but after some further research it looks like only the ability to see when someone had looked at your profile was removed. You could still see who had viewed you, not just when.

Well earlier this week it looks like you now cannot see who has viewed your profile anymore on POF.com, if you are a free member. You will now have to pay for this privilege.

For more information on this popular dating site, you can read our POF.com review.