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Monday, April 4, 2011

Book Review: "Dot.com Dating"

TITLE: DOT-COM DATING - finding your right someone online
AUTHOR: Les Parrott & Leslie Parrott
PUBLISHER: Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2011, (158pp).

[This review is simultaneously published on YAPDATES.blogspot.com]

6 - 6 - 5. This book debunks six myths, sets forth six advantages, and posits 5 questions that must be asked of online dating and matching making websites. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, almost everything has an online presence. We search for book bargains online. We buy stuff off the net. We look for jobs. Invariably, we let the mouse do the spouse hunting for us.

The authors of this book update the age old topic of dating, particularly online dating for Christians. The book is structured in three parts. Firstly, they take pains to debunk some debilitating mindsets that hinder anyone from considering online dating. For the Parrotts, it is not an embarrassing exercise. It does not mean one is desperate. Neither does it mean that only losers and liars are online. By debunking myths like these, the Parrotts go a step further to establish come credibility to these often maligned online tools. This leads to the second part, which is to ask single people to seriously consider online mechanism, if they fit some basic criteria. Finally, on dating sites, the authors suggest 5 questions that we need to ask PRIOR to using any particular website. At the same time, the Parrotts mention the one that they have invested in: myRightsomeone.com.

My Comments
I must admit that this book helps me in three ways. Firstly, it changes my archaic mindset about dating. This book puts back some credibility into online dating. There has been far too much misinformation about the negatives and taboos of initiating web-based relationships. Simply put, online dating is not wrong per se. With the needed safeguards and wise discernment, it can be made to work for people. Secondly, it provides good guidelines for online usage. For instance, I really appreciate the part about free dating sites. If we want good relationships, do not cheapen the search process by dumping all our data and hopes into free ones. There is no free lunch. Free sites need to find a way to make money too. If they can use YOUR confidential information to make money, they will. Thirdly, the authors tell us how to size up the online dating sites.

This book is a welcome addition to the field of dating and finding relationships for singles. Traditional means are increasingly limited. The world is increasingly online. While I am somewhat cautious about online dating in general, I believe that this is the thing of the future. In fact, it has already come, and will replace traditional dating avenues like how EMAIL has replaced 'snail mail.' If we cannot beat them, might as well be prepared for them. Having said that, the best way is to have a good mix of both online and offline presence. Some people can communicate well online, but are tongue-tide offline. There is no substitute for face to face communications. Online dating facilitates the process in getting there. If you are single, and want to meet eligible ones out there, this book is a must read.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

This book has been supplied to me free by Tyndale House Publishers, without financial compensation in any way. I am not required to give a positive review. Opinions expressed are freely mine.

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