FriendFinder - Dating Site Review

FriendFinder

The Friend Finder network is one of the most popular online dating communities in the world, and FriendFinder.com is their leading mainstream site. Those familiar with sites like eHarmony.com or Match.com will notice a distinctly different atmosphere on the Friendfinder network. Friendfinder feels much more like a cross between a social networking site and a dating service, than your typical matchmaking site.

The site offers a free basic membership with the option to upgrade to Silver or Gold memberships for a fee. While free members can do searches and explore the site, they aren’t able to view full profiles or communicate with other members, unless it happens to be a paying member who has paid for the privilege to receive emails from guests. Upgrades also have certain benefits not found in standard memberships, such as email alerts and enhanced profile options. A valid email is required to receive a password. This cuts down on empty and unfulfilled profiles.

The site offers many different ways to interact with other members, some of which are available for free. The large number of options can be a little overwhelming at first. However the site layout does a good job of directing you to the most useful features. The site displays quick links to things such as “local searches”, which automatically displays members near to you (for local U.S. Zip codes), as well as local discussion groups, where members living close to each other have their own chat room and can make friends in a relaxed way.

The site tends to be quite a hub of activity, giving members plenty of chance to mingle and get to know one another. The online magazine offers dating advice, horoscopes and numbers of success stories. Members can also create their own free personal blogs where they can write an online diary. The owner of the blog has complete control over who can read posts. Access can be restricted to friends or members if desired.

Friendfinder is known for its more mature atmosphere, and is better geared for the person looking for a friendship or a committed relationship rather than a discreet or illicit rendezvous. These types of dating services are catered for by sister sites such as Passion.com and AdultFriendFinder.com.