Rachel Machacek was a writer for the Washington Post who signed a deal to write a book that covered the details of her one year experiment in throwing herself head first into Washington’s dating scene using every dating resource available to her.

Along the way, Machacek encountered many of the issues with which you’re probably familiar, like the guys who were absolutely nothing like their online profile. But, she likely learned just as much about herself as she did the guys she was dating.

For example, Machacek learned that she was putting a lot of importance on each and every first date, always thinking, “Maybe he’s the one”. Over time, she says, she’s learned to shift her expectations, which means that she’s a lot less disappointed when things don’t go as she hopes.

Machacek also learned the importance of just “getting out there”, saying that sometimes we don’t find love simply because it’s safer and easier to just stay home.

Machacek learned a lot of lessons that many of us need to learn. Check out her interview here in the Columbus Dispatch. And, if you’re so inclined, check out her book, which will be available in stores January 4.

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• August 1, 2008 -- Take Love Lessons from the Other Singles Out There
• April 11, 2008 -- Why Being Single is Not Your Fault
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There are a number of books now available on how to start and run a successful online dating site. Not only can you create a site that caters to your own love needs and desires, but you can also start making a living from the ever growing and ever popular world of online dating.

To begin, you need to have an idea that you already know you would sign up for – after all, if you’re not interested in signing up for your site, why would anyone else be? Start by looking around at the various sites that are available, and make lists of what you feel is missing from the other sites. Or you can take one site that you really like and make a list of the things that would make it perfect.

Then, you need to get a little background in how to set up a website – don’t worry, it’s not that difficult. Take a few classes in site building and read as many books as you can.

You will find that once you have the site set up, it’s easy to update and it’s easy to let run on its own. After a while, not only will be make some extra money, but you will also be able to find some dates.

Not a bad combination at all – work and pleasure, combined.

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• April 19, 2010 -- Online Dating Gate Crashers
• February 9, 2010 -- Matchmakers For Millionaires
• January 11, 2010 -- Beware The Bawdy Bankers

Online dating can be overwhelming when you first get started and since many people aren’t going to come right out to admit that they are using a dating service, you can feel really alone. Turning to a sort of primer for online dating can really help you learn the best ways to present yourself, communicate with prospective dates, and also rule out the weirdos.

You can find a number of great online dating books at places like Amazon.com or you can also head to online dating sites (like this one) to help you navigate your way through online dating without having to make a lot of common mistakes along the way.

Take some time to read a few online dating books to see what each author’s perspective is. If you can determine whether or not the author was actually an online dater themselves, that’s even better. The more experience they have, the better able you will be to trust them.

So, instead of jumping right online, take some time to see what the pros have to say. And instead of stumbling down the Internet highway to love, you may just find the right direction right from the start.

Related posts

• January 31, 2011 -- Niche Dating Websites
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• September 29, 2009 -- The Business Of Online Dating
• August 9, 2008 -- Why You’re NOT Getting Asked Out Again
• July 19, 2008 -- Want to Start Your Own Online Dating Site?
• May 7, 2008 -- So, What are the Online Dating Rules?
• November 22, 2007 -- I’d Be More Thankful If This Were for Real