I logged on to a dating site the other day and was greeted by a large, flashing message. It promised that if I took the time to answer a series of questions that they would find a "perfect match" for me. Imagine that? All the work and worry of being single - gone! We truly have evolved! Not only can computer programs manage the entire traffic system of a city and make chess grandmasters cry, but now they can lead my perfect match right to my doorstep. I always wanted a Stepford wife, I hope it comes assembled.
The recent trend in Internet Dating has been the use of a "computer personality test" of some sort. Websites claim that these tests, usually developed by a "top psychologist", have the ability to understand you and your needs through a series of questions. Confused? Lost in love? Problems communicating? Don't worry, the Online Dating Hal 5000 can figure you out! In fact, when you're done, this computer program will know your needs and desires better than you do.
Remember the Broadway play “Fiddler on The Roof”? You might not, it was the first Broadway play I went to when I was seven. A song that always stuck in my head for some reason was “matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match…” The song starts as a plea to the matchmaker to bring true love straight to the altar; someone beautiful, rich, intelligent, and perfect.
But by the end of the song, the singer realizes that the Matchmaker might not be up to the task. She decides that “playing with matches, a girl can get burned”.
So, do these tests really work?
Personality tests have a long history. Really, really smart guys with names like Freud, Maslov, Fromm, and Jung developed respected psychological theories, and these theories are used as the basis for all types of tests. “The Big Five” theory suggests that there are five dimensions of personality: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Some popular personality tests use this as a foundation. Others go the “Big Three” route, which does away with the “openness” and “agreeableness” dimensions - mostly because it’s easier to remember.
I joke a little about these theories, but the truth is that they’ve survived the test of time and there is a ton of scientific research behind them. The real question is if these tests can be effective in applying a theory to the complexity of a human being. Add to this the additional layer of meshing your answers with another, equally complex person. That’s a tall order.
People have impulsive behavior that simply can’t be measured when they’re sitting, relaxed and introspective, taking one of these tests. Often our answers reflect our perfect (or hopeful) idea of ourselves. Even if we are trying our best to be honest, our impulsive behavior in real-life situations can be far different than we’d expect.
Another wildcard is attraction. We can meet someone who’s empirically good-looking, has a similar background, is kind and successful – and yet we’re not attracted. Often we can’t explain why we like another person. It may be how they make us laugh, a crooked smile – even how they smell! Sometimes little things that are immeasurable on their own can collectively make us attracted.
Human beings and our emotions and desires are far too complex, and a computer program can’t solve the riddles of our romantic lives. As Jung put it, “the meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is a reaction both are transformed”. It sounds good, but even Jung was hedging his bet when it comes to love. What will cause two individuals to react to each other? Even the developers of the study of personality would not presume that a series of questions could predict romance.
If you rely solely on matchmaking services, you are missing the entire beauty of online dating. The beauty is opportunity. Online dating offers you an almost limitless opportunity to meet and date new people. It gives you the time and space to find what best suits you. Going to a quality dating site that isn’t trying to sell you fantasy of finding your match for you will mean you will have a pool of millions of singles to meet.
Treat matchmaking options as just another fun way to explore. It can serve as an ice breaker to start a conversation, but don’t expect them to be the answer to finding your perfect match. Keep all options open and explore possibilities. As a unique individual, only can you know what works for you. You need to develop skills to communicate and meet people. Developing both online and offline dating skills is the best way to find the right relationship.
Next time you’re brushing your teeth, take a look in the mirror. See that amazing person? That’s your matchmaker with a mouthful of toothpaste. Take charge of your life and get into action! Enjoy dating and enjoy the process of discovery. Your experiences, both good and not-so-good, are essential to finding the right person for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Devlyn Steele ("America's Leading Life-Coach") is a Relationship Coach, Life-Coach, radio host, columnist, and the developer of www.ToolsToLife.com. His new program www.OnlineDatingKit.com teaches Internet daters the skills they need to find their perfect matches on their own.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Using a Template to Write Great Articles
It’s no secret that publishing articles is one of the preferred ways to get your website noticed. For someone with no writing experience (and without the funds to hire a professional) this might not be easy…even if you’re an expert on the subject you’re writing about.
It’s no secret that publishing articles is one of the preferred ways to get your website noticed. For someone with no writing experience (and without the funds to hire a professional) this might not be easy…even if you’re an expert on the subject you’re writing about.
If your articles aren’t good enough to capture and keep your audience’s attention, then there’s no reason to publish them. They’ll just sit there collecting dust. But with a little practice, and by following this simple template, anyone can write a good article.
Describing a Problem
The first step is to describe a problem. Only spend a single paragraph on this. Even if the problem is complicated, you don’t want to bore your audience. They already know that it’s a problem, otherwise they wouldn’t be reading. You’re really just providing an opening paragraph, and that’s all.
Why it’s a Problem
Your next step is to go into a little more detail and tell your audience about some of the possible effects of the problem you just described. Again, keep it short. You’re reinforcing what you wrote in the first paragraph, but coming up with some thoughts that the reader might not have thought about.
Your Solution
Now you’re going to give the audience their solution. A lot of times, the readers will have skipped the first two parts and scanned down to this section. So mark it with a bold sentence or a sub-heading (notice how I’ve arranged this article).
Whether you’re writing step by step instructions, top ten lists, or something in paragraph form, this will be the body of your article…so it should be at least twice as long as the first two sections.
In Closing
You’ve said what you needed to say, now wrap it up. Nothing too fancy, and don’t be fooled into thinking that the cleverer it is, the more people will like it. Just leave them with some closing thoughts.
There’s your template. There are variations of this, of courseHealth Fitness Articles, but virtually every FOB article follows something similar. Have fun with it and fill your website with something worth reading.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Written by Eric Engel from http://getcontent.info
It’s no secret that publishing articles is one of the preferred ways to get your website noticed. For someone with no writing experience (and without the funds to hire a professional) this might not be easy…even if you’re an expert on the subject you’re writing about.
If your articles aren’t good enough to capture and keep your audience’s attention, then there’s no reason to publish them. They’ll just sit there collecting dust. But with a little practice, and by following this simple template, anyone can write a good article.
Describing a Problem
The first step is to describe a problem. Only spend a single paragraph on this. Even if the problem is complicated, you don’t want to bore your audience. They already know that it’s a problem, otherwise they wouldn’t be reading. You’re really just providing an opening paragraph, and that’s all.
Why it’s a Problem
Your next step is to go into a little more detail and tell your audience about some of the possible effects of the problem you just described. Again, keep it short. You’re reinforcing what you wrote in the first paragraph, but coming up with some thoughts that the reader might not have thought about.
Your Solution
Now you’re going to give the audience their solution. A lot of times, the readers will have skipped the first two parts and scanned down to this section. So mark it with a bold sentence or a sub-heading (notice how I’ve arranged this article).
Whether you’re writing step by step instructions, top ten lists, or something in paragraph form, this will be the body of your article…so it should be at least twice as long as the first two sections.
In Closing
You’ve said what you needed to say, now wrap it up. Nothing too fancy, and don’t be fooled into thinking that the cleverer it is, the more people will like it. Just leave them with some closing thoughts.
There’s your template. There are variations of this, of courseHealth Fitness Articles, but virtually every FOB article follows something similar. Have fun with it and fill your website with something worth reading.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Written by Eric Engel from http://getcontent.info
Building Credibility Through Bylined Articles
Most people think of PR as the practice of sending out press releases and skip over the many other tools and tactics available. Through this article, you’ll learn the 5 W’s of bylined articles and how to leverage their power as a strategic PR tool.
As if making sure your company runs smoothly on an operational level isn’t responsibility enough, as a business owner, you’re probably overseeing all aspects of your company’s public relations program, as well.
PR can keep a company above water when times are tough and help the business soar during a fair-weather economy. It’s a matter of knowing how to put PR to use that makes sticking with it—through good times and bad—worthwhile. Most people think of PR as the practice of sending out press releases to as many media outlets as possible in the hopes that something will “stick.” Although it’s commonly practiced, it’s not the most strategic approach. A much more effective approach is to position your expertise through bylined articles.
Think about it: An article that’s written under your name (or byline) is 100% message and will reach the audience you’re seeking. It’s not an ad, because it appears in the editorial pages of a publication you’ve targeted and thus, carries a different (and valuable) sort of credibility. To help you tap into their power, here are the five Ws of bylined articles. What they areBylined articles are essentially articles written under your name and are a vehicle for you to flex your industry-knowledge muscles. The material in these articles should be presented in a way that demonstrates discreetly what makes you an expert in your particular field. Three of the most common types are Op-Ed contributions, trend articles, and “how-to” pieces. Op-Ed pieces: These are so named because they appear “opposite” the “editorial” page. Op-Ed pieces position the author’s point of view on an issue or trend. Trend articles: This type of article is typically a discussion of a current or burgeoning trend with the potential to affect either the public or a specified field. These are generally more informational and less opinionated than an Op-Ed piece.
How-to pieces: Somewhat self-explanatory, this type of article offers the reader information on “how-to” perform a task, achieve a goal, etc. Who benefits from creating such articlesAnyone who aims to be positioned as an expert in his or her field can utilize this approach. Keep in mind most publications don’t accept bylined articles submitted by vendors because of their tendency to “sell” rather than inform. To overcome this obstacle, the sales message must be discreet, if in the article at all. Why they are importantBylined articles are an excellent way to showcase the knowledge and expertise that make you stand out in your field. The fact that the publication thinks enough about your message to run it on the editorial side gives your article third-party credibility.
Another consideration is their long-term power as marketing tools. Article placements can be incorporated into your marketing materials and posted on your website for visitors to browse, or even e-mailed to prospects. Where they are acceptedMany consumer dailies accept Op-Ed pieces, particularly by well-known authorities (academics or authors, for example). Other media outlets, like the professional or trade press, often solicit informational or instructional bylined articles, and opinion pieces, as well. The latter category is also an excellent option because they can be targeted by their reading audiences – who are your buying audiences. When they are appropriateBylined articles will almost always find a home, particularly if they are rounded out with current examples and offer a perspective that advances what’s already been written on the topic. However, for articles responding to a current issue or trendHealth Fitness Articles, timeliness is critical. Using bylined articles as a public relations tool is rising in acceptance as a more strategic and focused approach to help build a brand over the long term. It takes time to put this sort of program in place yet the return on investment will prove this out as a viable adjunct to the more commonly practiced forms of public relations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sally Saville Hodge is president of Hodge Communications, Inc., specializing in strategic public relations and marketing communications for businesses, entrepreneurs and professional associations. Formerly an award-winning financial journalist, she brings over 30 years experience to client engagements. Subscribe today to Communic@te! our free bimonthly e-newsletter and get a free special report: “Using Buzz To Create a Groundswell For Your Business.” Visit http://www.hodgecommunications.com
As if making sure your company runs smoothly on an operational level isn’t responsibility enough, as a business owner, you’re probably overseeing all aspects of your company’s public relations program, as well.
PR can keep a company above water when times are tough and help the business soar during a fair-weather economy. It’s a matter of knowing how to put PR to use that makes sticking with it—through good times and bad—worthwhile. Most people think of PR as the practice of sending out press releases to as many media outlets as possible in the hopes that something will “stick.” Although it’s commonly practiced, it’s not the most strategic approach. A much more effective approach is to position your expertise through bylined articles.
Think about it: An article that’s written under your name (or byline) is 100% message and will reach the audience you’re seeking. It’s not an ad, because it appears in the editorial pages of a publication you’ve targeted and thus, carries a different (and valuable) sort of credibility. To help you tap into their power, here are the five Ws of bylined articles. What they areBylined articles are essentially articles written under your name and are a vehicle for you to flex your industry-knowledge muscles. The material in these articles should be presented in a way that demonstrates discreetly what makes you an expert in your particular field. Three of the most common types are Op-Ed contributions, trend articles, and “how-to” pieces. Op-Ed pieces: These are so named because they appear “opposite” the “editorial” page. Op-Ed pieces position the author’s point of view on an issue or trend. Trend articles: This type of article is typically a discussion of a current or burgeoning trend with the potential to affect either the public or a specified field. These are generally more informational and less opinionated than an Op-Ed piece.
How-to pieces: Somewhat self-explanatory, this type of article offers the reader information on “how-to” perform a task, achieve a goal, etc. Who benefits from creating such articlesAnyone who aims to be positioned as an expert in his or her field can utilize this approach. Keep in mind most publications don’t accept bylined articles submitted by vendors because of their tendency to “sell” rather than inform. To overcome this obstacle, the sales message must be discreet, if in the article at all. Why they are importantBylined articles are an excellent way to showcase the knowledge and expertise that make you stand out in your field. The fact that the publication thinks enough about your message to run it on the editorial side gives your article third-party credibility.
Another consideration is their long-term power as marketing tools. Article placements can be incorporated into your marketing materials and posted on your website for visitors to browse, or even e-mailed to prospects. Where they are acceptedMany consumer dailies accept Op-Ed pieces, particularly by well-known authorities (academics or authors, for example). Other media outlets, like the professional or trade press, often solicit informational or instructional bylined articles, and opinion pieces, as well. The latter category is also an excellent option because they can be targeted by their reading audiences – who are your buying audiences. When they are appropriateBylined articles will almost always find a home, particularly if they are rounded out with current examples and offer a perspective that advances what’s already been written on the topic. However, for articles responding to a current issue or trendHealth Fitness Articles, timeliness is critical. Using bylined articles as a public relations tool is rising in acceptance as a more strategic and focused approach to help build a brand over the long term. It takes time to put this sort of program in place yet the return on investment will prove this out as a viable adjunct to the more commonly practiced forms of public relations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sally Saville Hodge is president of Hodge Communications, Inc., specializing in strategic public relations and marketing communications for businesses, entrepreneurs and professional associations. Formerly an award-winning financial journalist, she brings over 30 years experience to client engagements. Subscribe today to Communic@te! our free bimonthly e-newsletter and get a free special report: “Using Buzz To Create a Groundswell For Your Business.” Visit http://www.hodgecommunications.com
All About Teen Dating
Dating becomes very popular activity among teens. Dating is begun as a simply class room interaction or an introduction by friends. Teen dating is of course for friendship, which may develop into romance and love. Teen dating sites provide good matchmaking on Internet. Read on some aspects of online teen dating in this article…
Dating is a worldwide activity among teen, though much much more popular in developed countries as changing lifestyle have reduced parental assistance in searching of a life partner or soul mate. Dating referred to as adult dating is for discovering relationship for love and romance and the eventually marriage. Recently with the coming of online dating sites, dating has become a tool for seeking sex partners by singles and couples as well as gay, lesbian bisexual. Here relationship may not be given much weight but a casual sex encounter is what adult are looking for with a sex partner.
Teen dating is of course for friendship, which may develop into love and romance and may culminate into marriage depending upon the extant of relationship. Teen dating is the first experience that a male has of female and vice a versa. It is much talked about affair as the first interaction is exciting and at times nerve wrecking.
The thrill of being alone in a company of opposite sex is not very hard to imagine even for singles who have been bereft of such exciting circumstances. The age at which teens start dating is not fixed but usually it is more popular among teens aged fifteen years and over.
Free dating among teen is initiated as a simply class room interaction or an introduction by friends, relatives or parents. Teens go to online dating service for finding mates as well. Hence, you have teen dating option in matchmaking services on Internet. Some teens look for sexual partners as well but then it is legal only if you are at or above the specified age for sexual encounter, which is usually eighteen years in most countries. Such teens are referred to as hot teens or hot teen in dating terminology.
Dating among teens is a meeting of innocent minds and body as designed by human biology. Here sex takes a backseat as it is not welcomed in human society until a person is adult or mature, which is logical and correct.
The first interaction, usually in a restaurant or a movie hall is a very nervous affair for both the boy and the girl especially if they are shy. Bold teens usually get of straight away. Any way it is an exciting for both the boy and girl to be in each other’s company and if the relationship gels then affection develops which may lead to a long-term friendship among the two. At such level of immaturity, it is better to keep sexual indulgence out of the dating sphere. It is here where parental guidance is required.
Teens discuss lot of things that affect them and treat is associated with it where in it is the boy who spends as per custom. It also leads to exploring the environment they live in and learning about life as whole. Holding hands, a light kiss, a gentle pat or even little bit of petting is okay. The most important is the thrill of sharing and the feeling of possessiveness, which in turn leads to maturity among the young individuals.
Although teen dating is an introduction to the eventual goal of finding a life partner or a soul mate or even a friend, this does not usually happen. The reason is at such tender age and immaturity, handling relationship could be difficult and the boy or girl may not be very clear of one’s like and dislike. Nonetheless, it is a learning process and if the experience is satisfying it is rewarding for both of them.
The split is fast and often, among dating teens due the reasons specified above. Nevertheless, the process is never ending and the outcome is a good friend or a promising life partner. Whatever the case may be, the meeting of mind and body is a biological phenomena guided by reproductive instinct which manifests from sexual urge. HenceBusiness Management Articles, later when maturity is attained sex is welcome and not a taboo as most conservative minds project it as so.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hello, I am John Waltzer. I am a freelance writer and web designer. I have published number of article online on Internet. I have written on teen personals and adult dating.human sexuality, dating in general and relationship
Dating is a worldwide activity among teen, though much much more popular in developed countries as changing lifestyle have reduced parental assistance in searching of a life partner or soul mate. Dating referred to as adult dating is for discovering relationship for love and romance and the eventually marriage. Recently with the coming of online dating sites, dating has become a tool for seeking sex partners by singles and couples as well as gay, lesbian bisexual. Here relationship may not be given much weight but a casual sex encounter is what adult are looking for with a sex partner.
Teen dating is of course for friendship, which may develop into love and romance and may culminate into marriage depending upon the extant of relationship. Teen dating is the first experience that a male has of female and vice a versa. It is much talked about affair as the first interaction is exciting and at times nerve wrecking.
The thrill of being alone in a company of opposite sex is not very hard to imagine even for singles who have been bereft of such exciting circumstances. The age at which teens start dating is not fixed but usually it is more popular among teens aged fifteen years and over.
Free dating among teen is initiated as a simply class room interaction or an introduction by friends, relatives or parents. Teens go to online dating service for finding mates as well. Hence, you have teen dating option in matchmaking services on Internet. Some teens look for sexual partners as well but then it is legal only if you are at or above the specified age for sexual encounter, which is usually eighteen years in most countries. Such teens are referred to as hot teens or hot teen in dating terminology.
Dating among teens is a meeting of innocent minds and body as designed by human biology. Here sex takes a backseat as it is not welcomed in human society until a person is adult or mature, which is logical and correct.
The first interaction, usually in a restaurant or a movie hall is a very nervous affair for both the boy and the girl especially if they are shy. Bold teens usually get of straight away. Any way it is an exciting for both the boy and girl to be in each other’s company and if the relationship gels then affection develops which may lead to a long-term friendship among the two. At such level of immaturity, it is better to keep sexual indulgence out of the dating sphere. It is here where parental guidance is required.
Teens discuss lot of things that affect them and treat is associated with it where in it is the boy who spends as per custom. It also leads to exploring the environment they live in and learning about life as whole. Holding hands, a light kiss, a gentle pat or even little bit of petting is okay. The most important is the thrill of sharing and the feeling of possessiveness, which in turn leads to maturity among the young individuals.
Although teen dating is an introduction to the eventual goal of finding a life partner or a soul mate or even a friend, this does not usually happen. The reason is at such tender age and immaturity, handling relationship could be difficult and the boy or girl may not be very clear of one’s like and dislike. Nonetheless, it is a learning process and if the experience is satisfying it is rewarding for both of them.
The split is fast and often, among dating teens due the reasons specified above. Nevertheless, the process is never ending and the outcome is a good friend or a promising life partner. Whatever the case may be, the meeting of mind and body is a biological phenomena guided by reproductive instinct which manifests from sexual urge. HenceBusiness Management Articles, later when maturity is attained sex is welcome and not a taboo as most conservative minds project it as so.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hello, I am John Waltzer. I am a freelance writer and web designer. I have published number of article online on Internet. I have written on teen personals and adult dating.human sexuality, dating in general and relationship
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