Well if you are into making a study out of it you might make a list of all the shams and scams. When the business of using the newspaper personals first started this whole business it worked well. Even when the internet entrepreneurs latched on to the idea it worked. But as they say, the internet is an unregulated medium. Didn't take long for all the nut cases, mischief makers, and marginalized types to get into the act. Did try it myself for a lark one time and after 3 or 4 adventures lucked into a nice girl. In light of what I know now I just have to believe it was sh_t-hot luck. In any event if you recall all of the complaints from a variety of sources over the years your list might look something like this:
Female ads:
- flirts or as they are known in the vernacular CT's. They will either disappear shortly after contact or be a no show at a rendezvous.
- older matronly types with about as much sex appeal as a fence post. Heard one disappointed young afficionado exclaim, “They all look like my mother!”
- mischief maker guys who advertise as women and are too stupid to realize that their lack of even a basic understanding of the female mind and how they word their ads is a dead giveaway to all but the severely developmentally challenged.
- Working girls who wait until you reply before springing that one on you.
- What one comedian I have heard refer to as psycho chicks. Yes folks there are some weird ones out there.
Male ads:
- Sick dudes who get off on thinking that sending pics exposing the family jewels is some kind of meaningful contact. And who knows, they might get lucky. In your dreams.
- Psycho guys with hang ups which make them poor risks as relationship material.
Maybe some of you can add to the list. Especially the ladies as I am not as familiar with what you may have to put up with. It's good money for the entrepreneurs and in reference to myview's comments, I wouldn't put it past site owners to be involved in stunts like that – if that's where he was headed with his comment. In any event these sites can be entertaining. Personally? Seems to be mostly an exercise in futility unless you get lucky after screening out a few.