I did OLD on and off for 3 years. I got "better" at it towards the end, but I decided that attending Meetup.com events worked better for me (which is where I found my SO, the longest relationship I have had since D).
But I did have good luck on OLD as I became an OLD veteran (ugh, that sounds bad!). Some tips and tricks I learned along the way...
1. Put a profile out there that matches your personality; not what you "wish" you were. Those matches don't stick-- it's false advertising. State who you really are in your profile and you will more likely attract others who like "you". I went on many dates, in the beginning, where I didn't get a call back for a second date. Once I was "true to myself" in my profile, I attracted guys who were better matches.
2. I had much better luck on OK Cupid than anywhere else. The difference is the multiple-choice questions. I spent a lot of time answering those questions and reading the answers of potential matches. The more questions I answered, and the more I compared my answers with potential dates, the better the dates turned out.
3. I don't care how hot the guy is... If he sends you a message without even commenting about something in your profile, don't bother. Unless, of course, you are just looking for a fuck buddy. Because that's probably all he is going for... the superficial.
4. A first date should be an hour long, max. State this up front. This way you don't have to be committed if your date turns out to be a dud. After an hour you both will have made up your mind on whether there will be a second date.
5. This one was really hard for me... because I talk a lot when I am nervous. Listen. Ask questions. Collect data. Don't overshare. You will learn so much more about your date this way. If he doesn't ask you questions, that tells you a lot about this person... Self. Centered.
[This message edited by HappilyUnMarried at 10:34 PM, April 10th (Wednesday)]
