DatetheUK.com is an online dating website for the UK market for gay and heterosexual
individuals seeking fulfilling relationships. The website claims to have
over 3 million members – thus increasing the likelihood of finding
that special someone through its searching and capability tools. The website
does not make any sweeping claims or promises of success, but backs up
its objectives with genuine success stories that will encourage even the
most disheartened to try this website.
Datetheuk.com is rather similar to many other commercial dating websites on the web right now. Anyone can register with the site for free and develop a profile with an uploaded photograph, again all free of charge. In order to begin using the functionality, profile searching and communication, you will need to subscribe to the site and become a full-paying member. The website offers a number of subscription packages to suit everyone. The gold memberships are flexible with a one month pass priced at £24.95, three months at £44.99; six months at £59.99 and twelve months at £89.99. These prices are higher than other online dating sites of a similar service provision but nonetheless, their flexibility means that members need not commit to more than one month.
The functionality of the site is good with a profile building section containing lots of questions to dig deeper into interests, desires, requirements and preferences. This in time should generate fewer matches but they are likely to be more compatible matches. The site offers lots of communication streams from ice-breakers, confidential emails and messages, as well as a live chat room area. The chat room area is vetted randomly, but one must be aware that stories and information on other members is not appropriate, and it cannot be easy for the website management to monitor this throughout. Chat rooms tend to be loved or hated – but they are not an essential tool on this site and can be ignored of preferred.
One of the major benefits of the site is that it organizes speed dating events that are completely free to members. This is a great way of getting used to the dating scene with likeminded members that have probably already seen your profile and is a fairly innovative offering from an internet service provider. Most ISP’s want to keep you on their site, as opposed to encouraging and organising face to face events, so this is real added value.
The look and design of the site is bright, clean and friendly; very easy on the eye and positively encouraging to make you want to find out more. The feel is fresh and fun, taking out the fear of anyone daunted by the process on online dating or indeed dating full stop. Its design would appeal to any age group and perhaps that is why there are so many members across a broad age range. The usability of the site is good – tabs are easy to locate and navigating the site is hassle free; plus clicking through the pages is free of delays and ‘stickiness’.
Overall, this is an excellent website for everyone to use. The website seems very broad and open-minded in its approach and doesn’t appear to have any features or nuances that would put off any particular band of the community, whether it be age or sexual orientation. The main disadvantage is the price – it is quite expensive – on a par with match.com in every way – from usability and image, to functionality and price. For these prices, one would expect a little more in the way of personality profiling tools and other tools that are now commonly offered by many of the larger sites. Nonetheless, this is a great site for newcomers and those seeking a change; and the testimonials may counteract the higher pricing structure.