Popular Online Dating - Why are the paid dating sites more popular than the free ones?

Why are the paid dating sites more popular than the free ones?

I'm sure that anyone who is familiar with the most popular dating sites out there knows that plentyoffish.com is the most popular free one. However, I've read that paid sites like singlesnet.com and match.com are still more popular. What attracts people to these sites more? There comes a point where the free trial ends and one has to start paying to continue using the site. So why pay to find a date? Also, I hope it's not true that 75% of the people who come to these sites are just there for a good time and aren't serious about finding a mate. I find it hard enough to find serious, single people outside the internet since everyone I know seems taken or they don't mesh with me. Also, for me personally, I find it easier to meet people online since I'm shy in person and people don't usually approach me. All good answers thus far. I can see now what the common perception is of paid vs. free dating sites. But, like someone here said, in some cases one might view users of free sites as thrifty. My personal perception all along is that those folks are also smart. Although it's also smart to spend money on what you feel is quality service with quality matches, so either choice can be perceived as positive. Sigh- the only thing keeping me from continuing using plentyoffish is that my ex is there and it's not good (for personal and legal reasons) to let him know where I am these days. Luckily, he's too cheap to use a paid site. I might just decide to spend my $$ where it's worth it soon....

Public Comments

Paid sites just have many for features and opportunities due to the fee that people have to pay. Also if you can pay that fee, it's a good sign that your not broke and people would want to go out with you.
If it is free, some people may feel that a lot of weirdos are on there. If you have to pay, you will be more serious about it. Make sure your profile is set so that everyone knows you are looking for a serious/long term relationship. Good Luck
Because when someone has to pay for the privilege to use a service, they are generally more serious about the reason they are there. When it's free, there is a high number who are just there to browse, cause mischief, and contribute nothing to the site. Pay sites minimize those things because few people will pay for a site if they are not serious about using it for its intended purpose.
The sites also hope that by charging, they are only getting people that are serious about finding someone. The free ones are full of people just looking for a fling, or just looking period.
Truth is that online is a very difficult place to spark attraction, esp if your a guy searching for a woman. For women, all they need to do is post up some pictures that a guy can believe are actually hers and she will get messages..not all good ones Im sure, possibly 7/10 are "YOUR HOT *DROOL* WILL YOU MARRY ME!>?!". As a guy though, its quite hard to convey your personality in a way that attracts a woman. It seems no matter how you write that damn description, you come across egotistical. Best site I have found so far that IS ACTUALLY 100% free is justsayhi.com the commuinity is really good and fun, its actually quite addictive.
because everybody wants a guy with money and if they're on the free ones, they could be cheapskates (although they could just be being thrifty)
There seems to be an assumption that the members of free dating sites will not be serious about dating, or will be cheapskates or broke. However, the problem with many of the paid dating sites is that people can sign up and create a profile for free, so you can waste time emailing people who are unable to reply to you because you can't tell which are the paid up members. I am with plentyoffish.com and most of the men who have emailed me would appear to be genuine. Edit:- Have now seen your Additional Details. If you want a completely free site, you could try these:- OKCupid Connectingsingles Book of Matches Mingles 4PPL : For People
Many serious members join paid dating sites because their nice service. Generally speaking, members at paid dating sites are more serious of dating.
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