MatchMaker

Several people have turned to online dating in the busy society we live in. It is difficult for many people to find someone they truly connect with. In fact, 3 out of 4 couples wind up in an unhappy marriage or get divorced. Online dating has become the new wave of society, using computers to match people with their perfect companion. MatchMaker is just one of several dating sites that use computer programs to match you with other singles you are compatible with. MatchMaker focuses on helping singles meet other singles in a safe environment without hitting the bar scene to find dates.

One of the greatest benefits to MatchMaker is that it is completely free to join, if you decide to contact other members, you will have to pay a $24.95 monthly subscription. When you join MatchMaker, you will upload a photo of yourself and create your profile. You then search the database for other single men or women and let them know if you are interested in them. In order to contact a member, you need to sign up for the "Gold" plan. The "gold" plan allows you to send email, instant messages, video, and chat with other singles. All paying members can upload voice greetings to their profile also.

In order to search for other singles, you will search by keywords. MatchMaker actually offers faster searches than other online dating sites. You will be able to see all the members that are online and what members have recently joined in your area. You even have the option of searching for members that are celebrating their birthday. Another feature you have with the search option is to modify the age range and geographical area of your search.

Members of MatchMaker can participate in interactive polls, receive weekly email updates, ask for advice and post feedback. The weekly email will send pictures of new members in your area. The weekly newsletter keeps members informed of new updates to the site and special features that may be added.

What really sets MatchMaker apart from the other online dating sites is their video chat program and hot list feature. MatchMaker even does a featured members selection each day. Only the gold members are able to get the additional features. Unlike other dating sites, MatchMaker allows members to pay by check in the mail, online, or via credit card.

MatchMaker takes additional steps to ensure their members are getting the most for their money. MatchMaker is a member of the Better Business Bureau and they are powered by Date.com, the online dating leader. MatchMaker is one of the smaller online dating sites and they tend to attract older members. This is one dating site where the females outrank the males. Fifty-four percent of members are female, compared to forty-five percent that are male. Seventy-eight percent of members are over the age of 35 and the average number of users at any time is 6,000. If you want a more intimate profile and smaller dating pool full of serious daters, MatchMaker is a wonderful dating site.

Each profile allows members to list all types of information. You can list your high school and college information as well as include your Chinese horoscope. Your profile also includes a section for you to elaborate on your level of faith and specific faith. The photos you upload to your profile will be small, and you need to click on them in order to see a larger version of the photo. With each photo, you have the option to add a caption to it.

Most online dating sites offer emails and instant messaging services. MatchMaker allows these services and uses additional features to inform you when a member has shown interest in your profile. Next to each members name there will be a red heart. A heart that is half-filled with red indicates that one member has viewed another and a heart that is completely filled indicates that you and the other member have viewed one another's profiles. You also have the ability to mark other members as your favorites.

MatchMaker is easy to use and there is a help menu if you do have problems navigating the site. There is also a FAQ page that is separated into different topics to make the dating site more convenient. If you have additional questions, you can submit a secure email to the help department and expect an answer within 48 hours. 

If you have tried other dating sites and come up empty handed, MatchMaker may be your answer. Unlike the other dating sites, MatchMaker has a smaller pool to choose from to help you find someone you are more compatible with. Having a smaller pool may be considered a negative aspect of the dating site, but if you are looking for a serious relationship, your chances may be higher.

The other nice feature of MatchMaker is that it comes with a dating and safety advice section. MatchMaker works hard to keep your information private. It is up to each individual member as to how much information they wish to reveal. You are required to submit personal information such as age, gender, and height. The information will be displayed on the site, but MatchMaker uses codes to scramble this information from being linked to a particular user. Other members have the ability to view any information you submit to the dating site, so you need to proceed with caution. While internet dating has become the new phenomenon, it is also a large attraction for predators and identity thieves. You should always use your best judgment when talking to other members and proceed with caution if you agree to meet in a public place. MatchMaker will not sell your information to third-parties, but they will send emails from their sister companies. Advertisements seen on MatchMaker are the responsibility of that site, not MatchMaker. If you click on an ad to an outside site, you are then responsible for your personal information that may be transmitted.

Several members of MatchMaker recommend it to singles that are new to internet dating. MatchMaker's intimate setting allows "newbie's" to get acquainted with internet dating without the large monthly fees and lengthy profiles as the other online dating sites like eHarmony, Match.com and Perfect Match.

MatchMaker's motto is "Every relationship begins with a date." You may not find true love on MatchMaker, but at least you won't be sitting at home alone. There are millions of singles that use online dating sites everyday. Since MatchMaker is free to join, you might as well give it a try. Here are a few reviews from actual members of MatchMaker:

"I have been a member of MatchMaker.com for quite some time and have met many interesting people. CKSkydiver (Craig) first sent interest and then an email. I was busy and didn't have a chance to respond to his email for a few weeks; I was getting my son ready to leave for college. When I finally did have time I sent Craig an email explaining the delay in getting back to him. He was very understanding since his job is associated with Financial Aid for college students. The day I contacted him just happened to be one of the few weekends he has off and so we decided to meet at a local restaurant. We hit it off instantly and have been seeing each other daily since. A few weeks ago Craig told me he loves me and wants to marry me. I couldn't be happier; we share many interests; he is wonderful to me - very romantic and giving - leaves cards when he goes away for work or will leave a bottle of wine and a card in the refrigerator. My children also love him. I can't thank you enough for bringing Craig into my life!" - Anna

"Over the past few years and after trying numerous online dating sites (several Christian ones, eHarmony, match.com, perfectmatch.com, yahoo), I would say I have had the best luck of all with matchmaker.com. It's a really enjoyable and easy site to use, and I really like the way it's set up. I highly recommend it." - Lisa

"I find Matchmaker to be one of the better dating sites. People who have profiles on this website seem, in general, to be more sincere to me. Their questionnaire seems ridiculously lengthy, but it is worth it in the end."- Suz

"I became a free member of Matchmaker.com simply to be able to see what kind of response I might see and whether I might actually find someone who would appeal to me. I had been a paid member of Chemistry.com  and being displeased with it, dropped my subscription. With the free browsing offer with Matchmaker.com, I figured there was nothing to lose--if I either saw a profile for a lady who seemed a true "match" for me, or better yet, received a wink or letter from a lady after she read my profile (within the limits it set, I tried to be as detailed and honest as possible about my own virtues and flaws and what I hoped to find in a lady), I could then subscribe and contact the lady." - Michael