Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum so a quick introduction. My name is Lake and I run an
internet dating site for twins called Exclusively Twins at
www.twinsrealm.com/dating2.htm I've been using an old perl script I bought back
in 2002 (called Freelove v3) but want to switch over to a more interesting site
for members. At the moment the site has about 300 members but I hope it will
expand more quickly with a better/nicer to use software package. The Freelove
perl script I've been using lets members upload piccies (up to three) and send
each other anonymous messages and do variety of searches etc but I'd like
something that is more fun and interactive for members to use. Including things
like sending kisses/winks, a larger photo gallery, and live chat for members
online, also possibility of uploading voice or video files would be good.
Payment gateway options would be good but not essential at the moment as site is
currently free (although always good to have the option to switch on later).
Something that comes with a range of templates so can occasional change the look
of the site without major revamping required would also be good.

I've been doing some research into my available options such as Web Date, Dating
Pro, Match Agency Biz, AeDating etc but am hoping for some good advice from
other dating site owners who really know what it's like using the software to
run a site. Personally I don't have any php experience and very little coding
experience at all. Mostly I still do all my site design using Dreamweaver etc so
don't require much coding knowledge and only learn new stuff as it becomes
necessary - which can mean very time consuming for altering and installing new
scripts etc. ;-)

I liked the range of options available in the Match Agency Biz software
(including being able to link/couple records) but find the look is just too
confusing for new members. The AeDating software looked nice but seems to get a
lot of bad reviews (too many to be a co-incidence). I'd like something that
looks very simple and easy to use (like a lot of the bigger dating sites such as
Lavalife etc) and am prepared to pay the $500-$1000 price tags associated with
these if necessary but I need to know it would be worth the investment and not
just turn into a nightmare experience. As a novice in this area I need software
that is easy to install and won't give me coding errors or generally unnecessary
drama.

I came across a very promising looking open source software package called os
Date but unfortunately it is still in beta testing and not being released as a
full version for another 4 weeks yet. I have a big promotional opportunity
coming up in March and really want to have the site more dynamic and interesting
(as well as easy to use for members) before then.

Please give me your opinion on the best available packages, pros and cons and
who gives good (or terrible) customer service so I know who to definitely steer
clear of. Please write me back ASAP as I'm eagerly awaiting your ideas and
comments to head me in the right direction.
Thanks very much for your help and advice.
sincerely
Lake
www.twinsrealm.com


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