Dating Sites vs. Social Networks

Ever since Friendster exploded in popularity the media has been fawning over the concept of social networks. Did the media collectively forget about the original social network site sixdegrees.com, which famously crashed and burned several years ago?

Do we really need a web site to tell us who are friends are? Why would anyone be willing to pay a web site for the privilage of contacting a friend of a friend? Can't we call up our friends and ask them about their friends if we are looking for a date?

The beauty of online dating is the possibility of meeting someone you don't already know, who is completely outside of your social circle. What we really need is better tools to facilitate these introductions. Ideas?

First post!

Ah, the first post. What I expect this blog to ultimately be about is everything and anything relating to online dating: sites, trends, information, reviews, etc. As the founder of the free friendship and matchmaking site Mingles.com (online since 1998 and responsible for thousands of successful relationships), I have an insider's view on the subject. I also expect to use this blog to discuss Mingles in detail, and hopefully it will become a nice two-way dialogue between myself and the Mingles membership.

My goal with Mingles is to provide the web community with a powerful free alternative to the so-called 'premium' dating sites (the kind that charge $20+ a month). Mingles is one of the last free independent players in the online dating industry. Check it out, come back here, and let me know what you think!