Frequently Asked Questions

This section is part of the OxfordRomance.org.uk online help system. (show contents). You can also view the entire document as a single very long page.

Why is it so important to write a personal description?

Whatever you do, write something about yourself, and what you are looking for. We cannot stress how important this is! Seriously, those people who "don't want to have a profile" are the very ones who would most benefit from doing so. Here's why:

• "Blankness begets blankness". If you don't write anything, you'll miss out on all the interesting contacts. If you really adore puppies, how will another dog-lover find you, unless you say so? If you're a talented cellist, and someone is going to a concert, how would they find you to ask you on a date?
  
  
• If you're just "window-shopping", you're likely to have some very dull conversations beginning with "Hi, tell me about yourself". You'll waste lots of time typing the same stuff! Put some of it in your profile, and cut to the chase.
  
  
• Writing about yourself is a great way to filter potential contacts. For example, if you really can't stand heavy-metal, then perhaps you don't want to converse with a Goth; likewise if you smoke, an ardent non-smoker will be wasting his/her time setting up a date. OxfordRomance is designed to help you find a few really good matches, rather than lots of irrelevant ones.
  
  
• OxfordRomance works for you 24/7, even when you aren't logged-in: other people browse profiles and search for keywords. Make it easy for them to find you!
  
  
• You don't need to write a lot; it doesn't have to be perfect; you can always change it later. It's not your biography or your CV. Just say something.
  
  
• Do say who and what you are looking for. For example, a common problem is that people receive overly suggestive messages. If that's not what you want, then say so, otherwise people will assume it's OK to ask.
  [Psychology being what it is, readers tend to mentally fill in the blanks!]
  
  
• For some guidance on what to say, and some really helpful hints, see above, or use the template or inspire me button on the edit page. Now that we've convinced you, you probably want to go here...
  
  
• Technical note: in order to guide new members when they first write their profile, we use the HTML5 "required" attribute on the most essential fields. The browser will only submit the form when these fields are filled in. There's no need for an essay; just a few words will do. Null-profiles are no good to anyone, least of all their owner.
  

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