That Internet dating thing

jerri_blank · 2010-03-24T12:59:20.000Z

AaronSofaer:

So I suppose for now, OkC is going well! :)

Because you posted such a cute picture!

Zylon · 2010-03-24T14:16:39.000Z

AaronSofaer:

For the rest of the date, she keeps claiming I’m trolling her just by looking at her eyes.

I am unable to think of any common usage of the word “troll” that makes sense in this context.

AaronSofaer · 2010-03-24T14:20:12.000Z

It’s ok, Grampa, it’s the kind of colloquialism that you only run into in online video games and the occasional forum.

Zylon · 2010-03-24T15:14:29.000Z

…which doesn’t make any sense in this context, yes.

AaronSofaer · 2010-03-24T15:41:44.000Z

It obviously made perfect sense to us. Sorry if it doesn’t make sense to you!

Creole_Ned · 2010-03-24T16:54:52.000Z

jerri blank:

Because you posted such a cute picture!

It’s true! It’s a very good picture and that makes it stand out from a lot of others. Follow-up counts, too, of course, but a lot of people won’t get past that first image.

EDIT Aaron is no doubt drawing great comfort from his photo winning the approval of a gay man and a lesbian. :)

MikeSofaer · 2010-03-24T18:06:58.000Z

OK, normally I am very hesitant about sharing things like this on the web. Thanks for the feedback.

Gourmand · 2010-03-24T18:46:07.000Z

I’ll reiterate advice that was given to me: Think of your answers as your way of filtering out your dates.

For instance, the bit about PGP may turn off a non-technical lady. Is it important that your future date be familiar with encryption?

Raife · 2010-03-24T18:48:18.000Z

Gourmand:

Is it important that your future date be familiar with encryption?

Yes? Also, firearms

AaronSofaer · 2010-03-24T20:09:23.000Z

Creole Ned:

It’s true! It’s a very good picture and that makes it stand out from a lot of others. Follow-up counts, too, of course, but a lot of people won’t get past that first image.

EDIT Aaron is no doubt drawing great comfort from his photo winning the approval of a gay man and a lesbian. :)

The interesting thing is that, last time I was looking for dates on OkCupid, I had no luck whatsoever. I was still using the same picture. (I haven’t changed all that much in appearance, other than my hair getting longer.)

It was all in changing what I send as a first message, I think. And editing my profile to make it less defensive and self-conscious.

I’m always willing to have feedback on my actual profile, too. ;)

Demon_G_Sides · 2010-03-25T08:00:56.000Z

AaronSofaer:

Due to lack of opportunity (It was late and neither of us has any privacy without planning ahead of time), a full investigation of the potential of my apparent eye-lasers will have to wait.

What does this mean? You don’t have your own room somewhere?

AaronSofaer · 2010-03-25T08:07:28.000Z

No sir. I have what used to be the dining room. It has no privacy (well, ok, there are curtains…) It is small. It costs very little money.

Demon_G_Sides · 2010-03-25T08:54:56.000Z

Ah, okay, that sucks man. She sounds a bit quirky, which is cool though.

Zylon · 2010-03-25T08:57:30.000Z

It’s okay. His eyes can continue to make deliberately controversial statements designed to provoke a flame war.

Demon_G_Sides · 2010-03-25T09:00:26.000Z

Or she meant it in the idea that his eyes were just provoking her, but her understanding of the most literal definition of trolling wasn’t up to par. It’s possible!

AaronSofaer · 2010-03-25T09:01:03.000Z

I’m sure they can Zylon, and so can you. Oh wait, you already are. I’m sorry that slang has changed under your feet, Gramps. Just wait till someone pulls out a lolcat; that’ll blow your mind.

Scrax · 2010-03-25T09:01:07.000Z

Siren:

That was awesome, but it failed on one account. You don’t text message break-up.

What played first was an ad for UFC that involved much head-bashing, knees to the groin, and other spectacular effects. They are serious about their anti-text dumping message.

beecubed · 2010-03-25T09:07:21.000Z

AaronSofaer:

It was all in changing what I send as a first message, I think.

Any examples you’d be willing to share?

BobJustBob · 2010-03-25T09:20:58.000Z

AaronSofaer:

Just wait till someone pulls out a lolcat; that’ll blow your mind.

During a date?

Mightynute · 2010-03-25T09:27:39.000Z

BobJustBob:

During a date?

Kids these days, you never know?

Enter bar to meet date, notice date

“Hey there, I’m Mighty.”

“OH HAI!”

(Shit, she speaks LOLCat… okay, play it cool…)

“So… waiting for your appetizer?”

“INVISIBUL CHEESY BREAD.”

“Cheesy bread, excellent. Would you like a beer?”

“DO NOT WANT!”

“Not a drinker, cool, cool… so it’s good to meet you. I was thinking after this we might go catch a live band playing across the street, they’re really good…”

“MY POKEMANS, LET ME SHOW YOU THEM.”

“Oh god, look at the time, I have to go… donate a kidney…”