As the internet has become so huge (as of 2015, there are now over one BILLION websites), website operators have realized there are only two options for running a successful site:
1. Be really HUGE with millions of dollars in investor money;
2. If that’s not possible, be VERY specific to appeal directly to surfers interested in specific things.
Read on…
This holds true for everything from blogs like EroticScribes, to porn sites like Sssh.com that create movies and content for women and couples based on their requests, and perhaps even more-so to the online dating industry.
In the 1990s when the internet was ramping up, the dating industry was always among those online sectors that quickly grew with such legacy sites as Match and Friendfinder. These, and other sites like them were very much mega-sites: something for every kink and desire for folks looking for friendship, marriage and, of course, sex. But, once we entered the 21st century, things began to change. Mega dating sites became less trusted due to shady billing practices, fake profiles and other tricks to part customers from their money for as long as possible for very little value. This actually continues on to this day occasionally, with the most recent example of a
dating site in Japan that had 2.7 million members… and only one of them was a woman! According the the Daily Mail:
Eight executives who ran several popular Japanese dating websites have been arrested after it was revealed that out of their 2.7 million members, only one of them was a woman.
The men are accused of operating multiple scam websites for more than 10 years, paying staff members to pose as women looking for love rather than attracting genuine female members.
The scam sites are believed to have enriched the men to the tune of more than £34 million since they were set up in 2004, taking advantage of millions of lonely men who wasted time and money engaging in online conversations with employees operating fake accounts.
Thankfully, this is now the exception to the rule and, by and large, dating sites run a tight ship and provide a valuable and honest service for those looking for love. But, back to the other topic of specific dating sites for very specific interests. Let’s take a look at some of the more interesting and often entertaining ones….
Casual Dating Sites
“Casual” is actually just a polite term for “sex hookup” sites. These sites serve a valuable role as, let’s face it ladies, not all of us want to go to ChristianMingle to try to become the next “preacher’s wife”. Some just want a good discreet zipless fuck! There are many reputable ones out there today, such as “
Just One Night Stands“, a site dedicated to discreet encounters.
According to their discreet dating website:
It used to be that one night stands were taboo, but not any more! In fact, it was all a little unfair, as men who had flings were studs, whereas women doing the same were labelled something else beginning with ‘s’! Thank goodness those days are over… Now, it’s totally normal for people to experiment with different partners without facing judgment and in fact it’s almost a right to do so. It’s been accepted that women should be able to enjoy themselves just as much as men and that’s really made casual dating more acceptable. It does, after all, take two to tango! Feminism has brought its benefits.
Well put, and this site offers free membership to explore with people with no risk.
Something For Everyone!
There are literally hundreds of interest, lifestyle and profession based websites out there now and these are great places to find partners with shared interests. A few of the most noteworthy (and often amusing) include:
Equestrian Cupid
Their Motto: EquestrianCupid is an exclusive community for cowboys and cowgirls and equestrian singles to meet horseback-riding enthusiasts, discover uncharted trails, pursue the country lifestyle, and locate the best riding areas.
Amish Dating
Their Motto: MEET BEAUTIFUL AMISH SINGLES FOR DATING, LOVE AND ROMANCE, TONIGHT!
[This one sounds just a little unrealistic as most Amish households still do not have electricity or internet access, but hey!, something for Rumspringa for those that do!]
GlutenfreeSingles
Their Motto:
Living a gluten-free life can be challenging, especially in a world where gluten-soaked foods are just about everywhere. At GlutenfreeSingles, you are not alone!
On the other side of the foodie coin…
Hot Sauce Passions
Their Motto: …a social network for people who think food is bland if it’s not spicy enough to make their forehead sweat. If you are the type of person who tries to get a sliver of jalapeno on every nacho, then you have come to the right place. Why risk hearing ‘I don’t like spicy food’ on a first date, when you know that would be a deal breaker.
Mullet Passions
Their Motto: Yeah, that’s right! It’s business up front, and a PARTY in the back! A 100% free social networking & online dating site specifically for singles with a mullet…and for those with the taste and style to appreciate these unique trendsetters.
Sea Captain Date
Their Motto: Sea Captain Date is the only place for Sea Captains to connect with men and women who share a love of the ocean. With thousands of Captains already online, SeaCaptainDate.com is the destination for romance on the seven seas!
[Side bonus: As his first mate, you can bet the chances are very good when the skipper comes ashore after 3 months at sea that you’ll get a great ride in his boatwain’s chair!]
Vampersonals
Their Motto:
The Vampersonals is one of THE largest gothic and vampire dating sites on the net, a place where you can meet the vampire, goth (or both…!) of your dreams, as well as like-minded individuals in your area to spend time with, hang out, have fun and enjoy the darker sides of (un)life.
There are many, many more out there to explore. Just be a savvy consumer. The best ones will have very transparent terms and conditions and some method to verify that other members are “real people” and not robots or male Japanese guys in cubicles pretending to be geisha girls!