Romance.

Personals.
Internet personals are THE method of the times.  Instantly locate the 1 out of 10,000 that fits your special criteria.  Try THAT by random visits to the local night club or taking a stroll through the grocery store.

Follow these rules and be "Wildly Successful".

Get some good photos taken.

Nobody is going to want to meet somebody that cannot provide current and recent photos.  It is the first thing anybody you make contact with is going to ask for.  The number 1 complaint amongst users of online personals is that their date did not look like they did in the photos.  So avoid glamour shots and studio photos.  They want to see how you will look if you were to meet them, not how good you look in a studio photo.

Write a killer profile:

• Avoid listing characteristics.  
  They carry little weight. Provide examples instead.
   

• Avoid long job and education descriptions. 
  This is not a job interview.  It gets boring fast.
   

• If you post a photo, it should be current, flattering, and clearly show your face. 
  Else why bother.
   

• Post a photo.  There is nothing to be embarrassed about.
  Your profile will get many times more attention if it contains flattering photos of you.
   

• Ladies' photos should clearly show the figure. 
  Men want to see it.  If it is great, flaunt it, if it isn't, do you really want to reveal this at your first meeting?  Nobody is interested in how you looked last summer.  If you hide yourself behind other people, objects or by sitting, your lack of accurate photos will hurt, not help.
   

• Do not get upset when someone asks for a picture first thing. 
  This is not blind dating.
   

• Don't put yourself down.
  Nobody wants to come to a pity party.  Avoid "You probably aren't interested, but ..."
   

• Don't describe your looks or say you are attractive if you have pictures posted. 
  Let the pictures do the talking.
   

• Instead of listing all the activities you enjoy, pick 1 or 2 and tell a short story.
  Indicate availability and/or willingness for meeting others outside your local area.
   

• Avoid indicating who you are NOT looking for.
  It comes off as negative.
   

• Ladies:  Keep it short.
  Men prefer concise and to the point.
   

• Men:  Elaborate.
  Women like men that communicate.
   

•  Include your personal contact information such as E-mail in any correspondence after the profile readings.
  You can create a mail box especially for the online personals if you are concerned about potential harassment, but your email does not identify you unless you explicitly did so in a profile and  people have better things to do than stalk you.  It may be the only way to respond.
   

When making contact.

• Inevitably there will be some source of contention or disagreement. 
  Move past it quickly.  Is this a battle you really wish to fight right now?
   

• Do not go into immediate interview or report modes.  Keep it light.
  It will cause the contact to become impersonal and confrontational.
   

• Tell the truth and stick to it.
  Women find it especially annoying when someone tailors their answers to fit the audience, changing stances and opinions anytime there is disagreement.  To do so is much worse than being in disagreement.
   

• Don't pass the ball. 
  Don't write someone asking them to look at your profile and to contact you if there is any interest.  They will look at your profile without you asking.  If you wish success, do not leave it up to the other.  Assume that they will like your profile and make you suggestion in the same message.
   

• Avoid blank statements such as "We should chat" or "We should meet".
  Be specific in any suggestions.  Suggest a place, date, and time.  When you pass the ball, the other person will likely drop it.
   

• Say what you have in mind.
  If you have suggested a meeting, indicate what you imagine will take place.  For example, "We can meet at Starbucks for a coffee, hang out for 15 minutes and chat, then I'm going to leave because I have an appointment."

Be unique.
Tell a story. 
Don't write a lame ad like this one:  <click here>
(See critique link at the end)
 

Choose the right Personals Site.

Men:  Get at least one paid account.   
You can afford $20. 
You don't have to post a picture (have one available), You do the picking.

Site	Description	Link
Dominican Match	Dominican Singles I am a   womanman seeking a   womanman from age   18192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120 to   18192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120
Match	Largest Site
Adult Friend Finder	Sexy and Liberal Intimate Encounters
ALT	BDSM, Kink Bondage -  Dominance - Fetish Sadistic -  Masochist - Transsexual
Amigos	Spanish speaking Friends
Friend Finder	Make New Friends
Out Personals	Gay
Millionaire Match	Wealthy
SWYDM	So Would You Do Me? Well done site, fun
Metro Date	Ideal for 30-50