Profile Writing Tip
Post date: 2006-02-12
Step 1
Your username: Okay, imagine yourself in a strange new city, standing outside a restaurant that you have never heard of or been to before. You are debating whether to go in...
If the name is China Town and you are looking for an Indian cuisine, you're just going to walk past. Your username works the same way. It is the first step of selection or rejection. So, if you want to attract a software engineer then using a nickname like 'micro bits' will get you nowhere!
TIP FOR MEN: Avoid very macho or suggestive nicknames. Girls tend to be put off by names like "Hot Rod" and "Handsome Hunk"
Step 2
The brief description: Okay, now you kind of like the name of the restaurant but want to find out a little more before you decide to eat there. So you step in and look around...
The brief description is your 'decor', the part of you that is shown to the people who are browsing profiles. So, it has to be the attention catcher, for that person out there to want to find out more about you.
Choose your words carefully! Words like "26 year old, single, engineer, easy-going" will say nothing and may make the person want to move on to a more interesting place. So pick the most important and interesting part (parts?!) about yourself and put it out there - loud 'n clear!
Step 3
Your interests: Hmm. This restaurant has nice décor, you think. But I'd like to know a little more. You talk to the steward...
"Interests" are things that are important to you and you do on a regular basis. So if you've been to Mongolia once when you were 12, travel does not count as an interest! Interests also further define the kind of person you are. Try to say more than just "reading, music, movies". Be more specific like "reading sci-fi books".
TIP: And if you have a "weird" hobby like collecting antique beer bottle labels or talking backwards, mention it. You never know who you might meet that way!
Step 4
The long description: At last, final frontier - the menu card is in front of you. The proof of the pudding maybe in the eating but it starts here...
The long description is not as tough as it looks but most people leave it blank. In fact, this is the only place which gives you the real chance to express what you are and describe the person that you're looking for, in your own words. It can be as long or short as you want it to be. You don't have to be extremely witty nor do you have to write poetry. You just have to be you. It really helps people to know what you're all about. Be honest and sincere with it. Give that person a reason to choose you to write to and not to anyone else.
TIP: Talk about the way you look - your best points, even if you're not a Wesley Snipes/Anthony J.Adams(shameless self publicity) look-alike! Physical descriptions help a great deal. |
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