Press
3/23/09
SINGLE WOMEN WOULD STAY IN PHYSICALLY ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP; SINGLE MEN WOULD HIT THE ROAD
New Poll Reveals Online Daters Response to Physical Abuse by a Loved One
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – March 23, 2009 – There’s nothing like a celebrity scandal to bring important issues to the forefront. With the alleged assault of R&B superstar Rihanna by her boyfriend, Chris Brown, everyone from Oprah to Dr. Phil has weighed in on abusive relationships. The statistics are shocking: women experience 572,032 violent victimizations a year and approximately 28% of those abusers are either husbands or boyfriends; men fall victim to 48,983 incidents a year. In a new poll by leading online dating website Date.com (http://www.date.com) singles weighed in on whether or not they would reconcile with a loved one who was physically abusive.
“We were surprised to see that almost three times more women than men would be willing to stay in a physically abusive relationship if they either got an apology or if their loved one went for counseling,” said Shira Zwebner, Relationship Advisor for Date.com. “Whether or not Rihanna should have reconciled with Chris Brown is irrelevant, what’s important is that our members realize that abuse – both physical and emotional – is never okay. When faced with staying in a relationship with a physical abuser who cannot reform, we hope everyone realizes that sometimes love cannot conquer all.”
In a new survey of thousands of online daters nationwide, we asked: Rihanna and Chris Brown have dominated the news lately. According to reports, and some damaging evidence, Chris Brown physically assaulted his girlfriend. Apparently she has accepted his apology and they’ve reconciled. Do you think she should have taken him back?
Following are the complete results:
Men
Yes 12.5%
No 87.5%
Women
Yes 27.3%
No 72.7%
We also asked our members:
If the guy/girl you were dating was physically abusive to you, would you take him/her back after an apology?
Following are the complete results:
Men
Yes 12.5%
No 50.0%
If she got help 37.5%
Women
Yes 33.3%
No 11.1%
If he got help 55.6%
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 million members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at http://www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Relationship Advisor
Avalanche, LLC (Date.com, Matchmaker.com, Amor.com)
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@date.com
http://www.Date.com
http://www.Matchmaker.com
http://www.Amor.com
2/24/09
JOHNNY DEPP AND ANGELINA JOLIE TOP THE SEX PASS LIST
Online Daters Select Celebrities for Sexual Encounter Without Consequences
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – February 24, 2009 – Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt might have come up short on Oscar night but they scored big on a list about – well – scoring. In a new poll by leading online dating websites Date.com (www.date.com), Matchmaker.com (www.matchmaker.com) and Amor.com (www.amor.com), singles weighed in on which celebrities they would like to sleep with that gets a free pass from their significant other. And, while many couples hypothetically discuss what if scenarios regarding one night of passion with their celebrity of choice, we wondered the following: Which celebrity would most people want to sleep with that would get the green light from their loved one?
“This poll is the complete opposite of an indecent proposal. In fact, most men and women wouldn’t just grant their significant others permission to go for it with their celebrity of choice – they’d brag about it all over town,” said Shira Zwebner, Relationship Advisor for Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. “Johnny Depp’s appeal is more than just physical attraction, he is the complete package, and women envision that one night of passion with this Pirate will leave them more than just sexually satisfied. Angelina Jolie, meanwhile, tops this list because both men and women worldwide have crushes on her and – if she ever invited someone other than Brad Pitt into her bed – not even the most committed couple would walk away from that opportunity.”
In a new survey of thousands of online daters nationwide, we asked: The sex pass list is a list of celebrities your loved one gives you the green light to sleep with, even though you’re in a committed relationship. Who is tops on your sex pass list?
Following are the complete results:
Men
Angelina Jolie 25.9%
Jennifer Aniston 24.1%
Halle Berry 23.8%
Penelope Cruz 22.4%
Eva Mendes 20.7%
Nicole Kidman 20.7%
Sandra Bullock 19.0%
Jennifer Garner 18.9%
Lucy Liu 17.2%
Reese Witherspoon 17.2%
Demi Moore 16.7%
Julia Roberts 15.5%
Kate Winslet 15.3%
Kiera Knightly 12.1%
Scarlett Johansson 11.8%
Natalie Portman 8.6%
Katherine Hiegl 6.9%
Women
Johnny Depp 32.2%
George Clooney 29.0%
Will Smith 28.4%
Brad Pitt 25.8%
Matthew McConaughey 25.8%
Hugh Jackman 19.4%
Sean Connery 16.1%
Patrick Dempsey 12.9%
Tom Cruise 12.9%
Justin Timberlake 11.5%
Bruce Willis 9.7%
Howard Stern 8.4%
Robert Pattinson 6.5%
Jake Gyllenhaal 6.5%
Gerard Butler 3.2%
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 million members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Relationship Advisor
Avalanche, LLC (Date.com, Matchmaker.com, Amor.com)
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@date.com
2/09/09
SURVEY ABOUT VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GIVING DURING THE RECESSION SHOWS DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN
New Poll of Online Daters Finds Men Vote Roses While Women Prefer Lasting Gifts Like Jewelry and Love Notes
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – February 9, 2008 – According to a new poll by leading online dating websites Date.com (www.date.com), Matchmaker.com (www.matchmaker.com) and Amor.com (www.amor.com), florists nationwide may be celebrating a lucrative Valentine’s Day despite the recession. Valentine’s Day is a billion dollar holiday; the National Retail Federation is forecasting $14.7 billion to be spent during this recession – with 36% of that on roses. But, if asked to choose between a dozen long-stemmed red roses, boxes of expensive chocolates, jewelry, a romantic weekend getaway, intimate love notes and dinner at a romantic restaurant, are roses really what women want? And, since money is so tight this year, we wondered - if there was just enough cash to do one thing this Valentine’s Day - are men and women on the same page?
“Based on our survey results, men assumed a dozen red roses is the ultimate way to show their love this Valentine’s Day, while women much prefer jewelry and love notes to roses,” said Shira Zwebner, Relationship Advisor for Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. “Women want their gifts to be just like their relationships – everlasting – and would appreciate a love note or a timeless piece of jewelry that they can treasure for years to come, more than a dozen red roses that won’t last a week.”
In a new survey of thousands of male online daters nationwide, we asked: Valentine’s Day is less than a month away and with the recession, you can’t spend like you used to. If you had someone special to celebrate with this year, which of the following would you be giving?
Following are the complete results:
Roses 41.7%
Jewelry 33.3%
Dinner at a romantic restaurant 25.0%
Chocolates 16.7%
Intimate love notes 16.7%
Romantic weekend getaway 8.3%
In a new survey of thousands of female online daters nationwide, we asked: If you had someone special to celebrate Valentine’s Day with, and knew that your guy could only afford to spend on one specific thing, what would you want?
Jewelry 27.8%
Intimate Love notes 22.2%
Dinner at a romantic restaurant 22.2%
Roses 16.7%
Chocolates 11.1%
Romantic weekend getaway 6.3%
This survey was conducted throughout the month of January.
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 million members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Relationship Advisor
Avalanche, LLC (Date.com, Matchmaker.com, Amor.com)
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@date.com
2/09/09
AVALANCHE INTRODUCES VIRTUAL GIFTS IN TIME FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
Singles on Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com Embrace
Fun, Flirty and Inexpensive Way to Show Interest in Other Members
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – January 29, 2009 – In response to the tremendous surge in online traffic at the start of the New Year, Date.com (http://www.Date.com), a leading online dating website with more than 10 million members worldwide, is now free in the Philippines. With thousands of local Filipino singles flocking to Date.com looking for love, a date, even a relationship, the online dating site quickly responded by providing complete access to the site to all lovelorn pinoy’s.
“Filipino singles are culturally similar to those of the United States, and so we decided to offer a free membership as a countdown to Valentine’s Day,” said Date.com CEO Meir Strahlberg. “We’ve also found that the Country’s new generation, which is wired and technologically advanced, is embracing online dating as opposed to working with matchmakers. By offering Date.com as a free service, thousands of local singles can take control over their own love lives to find a date, relationship, kasal and even their soul mate.”
With social networking sites tops among Internet users in the Philippines, many who use that platform to search for love, free access to Date.com will be well received by Filipino singles. And, as the global recession continues to impact spending, the estimated 5 million pinoy online dating users can spend their piso’s going out on actual dates as opposed to searching for one.
Beginning today, new members in the Philippines can join the site and automatically have access to Date.com’s vast features. In addition to filling out personal profiles, members can also correspond with other singles via e-mail, perform basic and advanced searches, online flirt with potential dates, have access to Date.com’s array of relationship and Filipino dating advice, and participate in relationship polls and surveys.
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 million members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at http://www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Director of Public Relations
Avalanche, LLC
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@date.com
http://www.date.com
1/09/09
DATE.COM IS NOW FREE IN THE PHILIPPINES
Singles Flock to Site to Find Love in The New Year
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – January 29, 2009 – In response to the tremendous surge in online traffic at the start of the New Year, Date.com (http://www.date.com), a leading online dating website with more than 10 million members worldwide, is now free in India. With thousands of local Hindu singles flocking to Date.com looking for their love match, the free online dating site quickly responded by providing complete site access to the Country’s lovelorn.
“In India, there is a long standing culture of matrimony which is similar in nature to online dating,” said Date.com CEO Meir Strahlberg. “We’ve found that the new generation, which is wired and technologically advanced, is embracing online dating as opposed to working with matchmakers. By offering Date.com as a free service, thousands of local Hindu singles will be able to take control over their own love lives to find a date or a relationship that could ultimately result in a love marriage.”
With matrimonial search one of the top-10 online activities among Internet users in India, free access to Date.com will be well received by India’s singles. And, as the global recession continues to impact spending, India’s estimated 15 million online dating users can spend their Rupee’s going out on actual dates as opposed to searching for one.
Beginning today, new members in India can join the site and automatically have access to Date.com’s vast features. In addition to filling out personal profiles, members can also correspond with other singles via e-mail, perform basic and advanced searches, online flirt with potential dates, have access to Date.com’s array of relationship and Hindu dating advice, and participate in relationship polls and surveys.
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 million members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at http://www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Director of Public Relations
Avalanche, LLC
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@date.com
http://www.date.com
1/05/09
SINGLE WOMEN PLAN TO HIT THE GYM IN 2009 WHILE SINGLE MEN YEARN TO MEET THEIR SOUL MATE
New Poll of Single Online Daters Reveals Resolutions and Dating Forecasts for the New Year
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – January 5, 2009 – Change has come to 2009 and for the online dating singles communities of Date.com the New Year is ripe with resolutions. Before the clock ticked down to the ball drop in Times Square, we polled our singles about both general and dating specific resolutions they were making for the New Year.
In a new survey of thousands of singles nationwide, we asked: Thinking of Change? Which New Years Resolution Tops Your List?
Following are the complete results:
|
WOMEN |
MEN |
|
| Find a New Job |
18.9% |
24.1% |
| Get healthy, lose weight and hit the gym |
56.8% |
31.0% |
| Quit my bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking |
16.2% |
13.8% |
| Find my soul mate |
54.1% |
62.1% |
| Travel to places I’ve put off seeing |
13.5% |
17.2% |
| Spend more time with my family and friends |
24.3% |
20.7% |
| Be charitable with both my money and time |
8.1% |
6.9% |
| Learn how to stick to a budget/work on getting out of debt |
43.2% |
34.5% |
With relationships top of mind for 2009, we also asked our singles the following question: What’s Your Number One Dating New Years Resolution?
Following are the complete results:
|
WOMEN |
MEN |
|
|
Be more aggressive in searching for my mate |
40.5% |
33.3% |
|
Spend more time online dating, update my profile with new photos and information, and continue to look for my life partner |
24.3% |
33.3% |
|
Be more open minded about the people I am willing to go out with |
37.8% |
37.0% |
|
Approach the person I’ve been crushing on for weeks/months and ask him/her out |
10.8% |
14.8% |
|
Pick more creative/interesting dating spots/activities |
10.8% |
18.5% |
|
Stop playing dating games and open myself up to a relationship |
37.8% |
25.9% |
|
Get laid a lot more in the New Year |
18.9% |
22.2% |
“These results are almost stereotypical male/female in that in 2009 single women plan to focus on their appearance before looking for a mate, while single men are happy with how they look and prefer to focus instead on finding their soul mate and becoming a good provider,” said Shira Zwebner, Relationship Advisor for Date.com. “While statistically most people abandon their New Years resolutions by the third week, we’re hopeful that our singles will stick to their dating resolutions and that women will be more aggressive when searching for their mates while single men will become much more open minded about the people they’re willing to go out with.”
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 million members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Relationship Advisor
Avalanche, LLC (Date.com, Matchmaker.com, Amor.com)
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@date.com
12/16/08
TIS THE SEASON FOR OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY HOOK UPS
New Poll of Single Online Daters Finds Secret Office Crushes are Revealed
Once the Mistletoe is Hung
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – December 16, 2008 – Office holiday parties might be pared down this year because of the recession, but any gathering of a group of co-workers drunk on egg nog and the holiday spirit will lead to the inevitable inter-office hook up. At Avalanche, LLC, owner of leading online dating sites Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com, we wondered which co-worker our members have been coveting but never made a move on because of office rules and politics. Provided with the right setting - like a relaxed office party with plenty of free flowing liquor – we asked who they would want to go home with that night.
“According to statistics from a Pew Internet & American Life Project, 38% of Americans in marriages or long term relationships reportedly met at work or school,” said Shira Zwebner, Relationship Advisor for Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. “With that figure in mind, two people engaging in some drunken debauchery at the office holiday party will definitely be fodder for Monday morning office cooler gossip. But, it could also be the beginning of love, a relationship and even a life-long commitment.”
In a new survey of thousands of singles nationwide, we asked: With the recession many of you won’t be having office holiday parties this year. But, if you were, whom would you end up hooking up with?
Following are the complete results:
WOMEN MEN
Single Boss 23.3% 10.7%
Married Supervisor 3.3% 3.6%
Hot male co-worker 63.3% 3.6%
Sexy female co-worker 6.7% 60.7%
Someone you Supervise 3.3% 21.4%
The receptionist 3.3% 17.9%
Mailroom Guy 3.3% 3.6%
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 million members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Relationship Advisor
Avalanche, LLC (Date.com, Matchmaker.com, Amor.com)
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@date.com
11/24/08
SINGLES SELECT GEORGE CLOONEY AND JENNIFER ANISTON AS THEIR IDEAL THANKSGIVING DINNER DATES
Prince William, Tom Brady, Reese Witherspoon and Anne Hathaway top list
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – November 24, 2008 – The start of holiday season is upon us and, for many single online daters, that means spending Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by family and friends and the constant reminder that they came home stag. At Avalanche, LLC, owner of leading online dating sites Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com, we wondered which celebrity our singles thought would make the best impression as a dinner date.
“We weren’t surprised that George Clooney and Jennifer Aniston topped the list of ideal dinner dates for Thanksgiving as they truly represent Hollywood Royalty; both are sophisticated, charitable, gorgeous, fascinating and worldly, and could make any relative jealous while charming even the grouchiest Grandparent,” said Shira Zwebner, Relationship Advisor for Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. “We expected that the future King of England as a dinner companion would rank high on the list, but were shocked to see that the popular Material Girl was outranked by some of Hollywood’s newest leading ladies.”
In a new survey of thousands of singles nationwide, we asked: You’re Single this Thanksgiving and, if you could bring any celebrity home to have dinner with your entire family, who would it be?
Following are the complete results:
WOMEN MEN
George Clooney 31% Jennifer Aniston 35%
Prince William 18% Reese Witherspoon 23%
Tom Brady 13% Anne Hathaway 12%
Jake Gyllenhaal 12% Jessica Biel 9%
President Elect Obama 10% Halle Berry 7%
David Archuleta 8% Mary Louise Parker 5%
Brad Pitt 3% Kiera Knightly 4%
Adrian Grenier 3% Natalie Portman 4%
P. Diddy 2% Madonna 1%
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 million members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Relationship Advisor
Avalanche, LLC (Date.com, Matchmaker.com, Amor.com)
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@date.com
11/20/08
TOP 10 DATING TIPS FOR JOE THE PLUMBER
Relationship Advisor for Date.com and Matchmaker.com Offers Dating Advice for all of America’s Average Joes
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – November 20, 2008 – Avalanche, LLC, owner of leading online dating sites Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com, announced today the first phase of the Company’s international expansion with the launch of translated sites in Spanish, Portuguese and German. Also announced today is the additional of PayPal, a leading global online payment company, as a payment option for site subscribers.
“Choosing to translate our online dating sites into foreign languages such as Spanish, Portuguese and German was a strategic part of our international expansion plans,” said Meir Strahlberg, CEO of Avalanche. “Amor means love in both Spanish and Portuguese, while Date.com carries the same meaning in Germany, which is our largest market in Europe outside of all English speaking countries. Our domain names are well suited, highly recognizable, and offer tremendous growth potential in the markets where these languages are spoken. We are excited about being able to partner with local marketers where we can continue growing our sites brand recognition.”
With a growing subscriber base outside of the United States, Avalanche also decided to meet these members’ needs by offering PayPal as a global ecommerce solution. Statistically, Europe as a whole has less then 50% penetration rate for credit cards, with specific countries significantly lower, as Europeans prefer local payment options to pay for transactions.
“Credit card usage in foreign markets is not as ubiquitous as in the United States, and so the addition of PayPal as a payment option played a key role in our international offerings,” continued Strahlberg. “We’re thrilled to be able to provide all worldwide singles with the opportunity to find love using our suite of sites without any limitations.”
PayPal enables site members to pay for subscriptions without having to share financial information. Additional payment options will be added throughout the year and into 2009, which will make it easier to become a site subscriber and ensure that no potential member will be turned away from the site because they lack a credit card or a US bank account. Meanwhile, Company outlook for 2009 is to continue international expansion, with plans to translate all three sites into a total of 18 languages.
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 million members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Director of Public Relations
Avalanche, LLC
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@sbkpr.com
11/14/08
AVALANCHE BEGINS INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION WITH TRANSLATED SITES AND PAYPAL OFFERING
Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com Launch in Spanish, Portuguese and German; Sites Offer PayPal For Subscription Payments
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – November 14, 2008 – The relationship staff at leading online dating websites Date.com and Matchmaker.com were listening when Joe the Plumber, i.e. Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, mentioned during a national TV interview that it was hard to meet eligible women. Unlike niche dating sites that cater to very small, niche segments of the population, Date.com and Matchmaker.com are general online dating sites catering to the masses. With our sites filled with millions of middle class Americans - your average working Joes looking to meet that special someone - we heeded Joe the Plumbers’ cry for help.
Recognizing that when it comes to dating and relationships, many Average Joes lack the confidence necessary to take even that first step towards love, Shira Zwebner, Relationship Advisor for Date.com and Matchmaker.com, offers the following dating tips:
- Get Yourself Out There – If you put the same energy into finding your soul mate as you do with your job and hobbies, you’ll be that much closer to finding the love of your life! So, sign up for the online dating website that works best for you, grab a single buddy and go out to a bar when they’re running a special for ladies night, or even call some family and close friends and ask them to set you up with any appropriate bachelorettes. Remember, you gotta be in it to win it.
- Conquer your Fears - Like Joe the Plumber, there are many single parents starting the dating process all over again. Some are hesitant to date for fear that it would negatively impact their children. Before you even begin to start dating, sit down with your kids and let them know how important it is for you to find your lifelong companion and that you’re ready to look for love again. You’ll feel better about dating once you know your children are behind you!
- Be Creative - First dates don’t have to begin over coffee or drinks. Think out of the box when making plans for your first meeting. It doesn’t have to break the bank, but it should be something that’s both memorable and enjoyable. If it turns into a relationship, you’ll both spend a lifetime fondly looking back on what you did on that first date.
- Be Confident About your Career – Were we the only ones listening when Joe the Plumber mentioned a six-figured salary? In fact, some blue collared workers can rake in as much as lawyers, Doctors and actuaries and they don’t have the outstanding school loans wearing at their wallets. The bottom line is that it’s not necessarily what you do, it’s how you feel about what you do. Women are attracted to men who are happy and passionate about their careers, no matter what that is. So, if getting up every morning to clean out clogged pipes or gutters has you whistling while you work, make sure you let that lady you’re courting know. Trust us, she’ll respect you for it!
- Stop Comparing – It’s a common misconception that all women want a Hollywood romance – that knight in shining armor to carry her away on a white horse. Give women more credit! Most are just looking for someone who will respect, love and care about them and vice versa. When going out, just be yourself and not someone you think the girl you’re dating wants you to be.
- Expand Your Horizons – OK, so you’re the foremost expert on scaffolding and your knowledge of American boxing has you winning every sports trivia game, but do you think that’s the kind of topic your date wants to chat about over cocktails? You don’t need to travel the world to be considered worldly; all you need to do is take some time to expand your horizons. Before your next date, think about what she might be interested in talking about; we promise it will save you from the awkward silence that comes from having nothing to say to each other.
- Work With What You Have – Do you look in the mirror and not like what you see? There has got to be something about your appearance that you like – find it and flaunt it! Women are attracted to a man who is confident about himself. So next time, spend your hours appreciating what you see in the mirror instead of picking away at your perceived faults. Then take that newfound confidence out on the town and meet that special someone!
- Open Up To Love - We know it’s difficult to go on date after date being open to love, especially when you put yourself out there and it doesn’t work out. Since many of you have been hurt over the years, it’s natural to be guarded on the first couple of dates. Before you go on your next date, psych yourself up that this could be the love of your life. We know it’s a gamble, but a winning one at that if it works out!
- Be Attentive – Women respond well to a man who has been listening to them! Did your date ever mention an addiction to a specific TV show? Set your TIVO and try to catch an episode on TV. Did she express a desire to take a trip to Europe? You don’t need to book two plane tickets to Paris to stop by a Barnes & Nobles and leaf through a Lonely Planet book on France. Is she an animal lover? Do a Google search about her pet-of-choice so you can come prepared to ask her plenty of questions about her favorite animal.
- Nice Guys Don’t Always Finish Last – Why does it seem like women are always going after the wrong guys? You’re confused as to why a nice guy like yourself is still single, while that bully from High School has been married for years and is already on his fourth child. Don’t despair! There are plenty of women who just want a nice, decent guy to spend the rest of their lives with. So keep looking, there’s at least one girl yearning for a guy like you to come around and treat them well on a date.
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 millions members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Relationship Advisor
Avalanche, LLC (Date.com, Matchmaker.com, Amor.com)
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@date.com
10/7/08
DATING IN A DOWN ECONOMY;
GREAT DATE IDEAS FOR UNDER $25
Relationship Advisor for Avalanche (Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com) Offers Dating Advice On Courting in a Recession
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – October 7, 2008 – Americans today are watching their pennies and spending is going down on everything from entertainment to travel. Singles are feeling the crunch too and some are forced to drastically cut back on their dating budgets. For many, online dating is the perfect solution, as it’s both cost effective and much more efficient than countless nights spent striking out at expensive bars and clubs.
It’s a fact that singles are spending more time looking for love online, but now they’re faced with financial restrictions when they want to take those romances offline and out on a date. No longer able to spend $100 - $200 on a date, many wonder how to plan a fun date without overspending on a leaner budget. In this new economy, Shira Zwebner, Relationship Advisor for leading online dating sites Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com offers creative Top 10 dating ideas for under $25.
- Halloween crept up on you this year? Take your date costume shopping! Modeling naughty nurses outfits or hot fireman uniforms can help break the ice without breaking the bank. Invest that $25 in a face mask and support your candidate while you’re at it. At some places, Barack Obama, John McCain and Sarah Palin paper facemasks are $0.99! And, if you play your cards right while shopping, you might just have a date and a costume for your friend’s masquerade party!
- Outdoor ice skating rinks are opening up all over the Country and, depending on the State, cost of admission plus skate rentals are less than $15! Not only is it a romantic spot for a date, and great exercise to boot, but it’s also the perfect opportunity for some sweet handholding! Meet your date after work to avoid the weekend crush, and then grab a slice at your local pizza store for dinner.
- Be whimsical with your date and visit a pumpkin patch, go apple picking or don your favorite flannel shirt and go on a hayride. Depending on the State, your $25 could go far and might even include two cups of hot apple cider to warm you both up after that hayride. And, if you time it right, you can catch a moonlit haunted hayride complete with tales of the headless horseman. We recommend http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/ to find a location in your neighborhood!
- Treat your date to a candlelit dinner and a movie without leaving your apartment! Nothing is more romantic than working together to make a nutritious and delicious meal. Chopping vegetables for a salad, heating up the water for pasta and uncorking that bottle of wine before settling down on the couch for some Must See TV is really intimate! At most local supermarkets, you can pick up a bottle of Indaba Merlot, a package of Italian salad mix from Dole, a box of Barilla spaghetti and a jar of Muir Glen Organic Beef Bolognese pasta sauce for less than $25.
- Be philanthropic and spend a couple of hours with your date running or walking in a 5K for charity. Breast Cancer organization like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure still has 3 more races left this Fall and you and your date can either run or walk for a good cause. If you decide not to go out for coffee afterwards, you can take the $25 and donate it to the charity
- It’s fall flea market season and with events held all over the Country it’s the perfect dating weekend spot! Since entrance to most flea markets is free, spend that $25 on buying a nice trinket for your date, or even indulge in funnel cake and piping hot corn on the cob from the street vendor. The walk, cool air and interesting outdoor shopping is a great activity for a date and gives you plenty of opportunity to get to know each other!
- Indulge your secret Dirty Dancing pottery fantasy with a little pottery painting a deux! Flex your creative muscle at national places like Color Me Mine where, for less than $25, two adults can pick out pottery pieces, paint them together, and have the employees glaze it and have it ready for pick up within the week! If the date goes really well, you can schedule a second outing to pick up your finished pieces.
- Interested in gorgeous views of your City’s skyline? Why not take your date on a ferryboat ride before the weather gets too cold! No matter day or night, you and your date will have a great time enjoying the fall foliage while getting to know each other. And, since many local ferries are either free or cost less than $5 for two tickets, you can pick up two tall hazelnut hot chocolates and a pastry for under $20 at your local Starbucks.
- If NFL tickets are a little steep for your current budget but you’d love to take your date to a football game, why not cheer on a local High School team? Check out the football games in your neighborhood and spend the $25 on a picnic lunch. If you don’t have the time to pack a picnic basket, hit up the game vendors for hot dogs and drinks that are much less pricey than the ones at the stadium. Then spread that blanket over your legs and cuddle while both you – and the teams – go for the touchdown!
- Are you both animal lovers? Take your date for a day at the local petting zoo! Invest some of that $25 in food for the goats or horses and take turns feeding them. Curious to know if this date has relationship potential? Observing your date interacting with both the animals and kids that will be at the petting zoo is a great way to assess character and compatibility!
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 millions members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Relationship Advisor
Avalanche, LLC (Date.com, Matchmaker.com, Amor.com)
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@date.com
10/7/08
AVALANCHE SUITE OF ONLINE DATING SITES FLOURISHING IN RECESSED ECONOMY
Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com See Growth in New Subscribers; Members Spending More Time Looking for Love Online Than on Actual Dates
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – October 7, 2008 – The majority of Americans are hurting in today’s recessed economy and the Nation’s singles are no different, with many getting pink slipped before happy hour. And, as people cut back on everything from consumer electronics to out-of-home eating/entertainment spending, Avalanche, LLC, owner of leading online dating sites Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com, reported today that it has experienced growth during these cash strapped times. Additionally, a new poll reveals that site members are becoming frugal with dating, investing more time looking for love online before committing to a date.
“We were not surprised that overall revenues for Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com grew 17% compared to the first and second quarters of last year,” said Meir Strahlberg, CEO of Avalanche. “Singles are being a lot more strategic with their dating methods, spending more time making sure the person they meet online is worth the cost of a date. And, while many members are reining in what they deem non-essential expenditures, we’ve found that with singles the search for love and a soul mate is as much of a priority as paying the monthly rent check or electric bill.”
In addition to the influx of new subscribers, current members of Avalanche’s suite of online dating sites are logging in with more frequency and spending hours searching through profiles, sending e-mails and utilizing the private chat capabilities. In fact, there has been a steady increase in online activity since the start of the fiscal year with 3% or more month over month, while cumulative growth has netted a 26% change.
Given today’s economic climate, we also decided to poll our members to see how they are coping socially. In a new survey of thousands of single men and women nationwide, we asked: The recession might be hurting your wallet, but how has it affected your dating life?
Following are the complete poll results:
| I spend more time online/on the phone before actually setting up a face-to-face date. If I’m going to spend the cash, I want to make sure the date is worth it. | 48% |
| I’m a lot more creative with first dates. Coffee and a stroll through the park is a great first date that won’t break the bank! | 11% |
| I stopped going to bars and clubs to pick up people, the cost for entrance fees and drinks alone were killing me! I’ve been trying to meet people in other places, like online, during my commute, at the gym or Barnes & Noble. | 11% |
| Third date dinner and a movie is no longer in my budget, although the nightcap and nookie at my/their place is certainly cost effective. | 9% |
| The recession isn’t affecting me at all, I’m still going all out on dates | 5% |
| All of the Above | 16% |
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 millions members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Director of Public Relations
Avalanche, LLC (Date.com, Matchmaker.com, Amor.com)
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@sbkpr.com
9/15/08
AVALANCHE SELECTS GOOGLE AD MANAGER FOR SUITE OF ONLINE DATING SITES
Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com See Growth in New Subscribers; Members Spending More Time Looking for Love Online Than on Actual Dates
MIAMI BEACH (FL) – September 15, 2008 – Avalanche, LLC, owner of leading online dating sites Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com, has successfully transitioned to Google Ad Manager™ as their online advertising management platform, it was announced today. Since selecting the service, all three sites have experienced increased ad revenues, increased ad delivery speed, reduced downtime, and they have completely eliminated ad-serving cost.
“As a top tier advertising organization, our clients demand quick and reliable ad serving. Trusting Google’s vision & expertise and relying on its Google Ad Manager was a great decision,” said Alex Lehine, Avalanche’s National Account Manager. “Not only did this changeover increase overall ROI; it improved site performance and diminished lag time. The Google Ad Manager support teams provide better-quality service and are quick to think, act and respond to time- sensitive needs. In a highly competitive marketplace, it’s rare to find such a cost-effective and high-caliber ad serving solution.”
With millions of worldwide active members on Date.com, the acquisition of Matchmaker.com in 2006, and the launch of leading Hispanic online dating site Amor.com in 2007, all sites experienced an immediate increase in traffic, membership and advertising revenue which taxed the preceding system. A new, user-friendly and easy-to-navigate ad management technology was essential, as 7% of corporate income is derived from online advertising.
Unlike other publisher networks that target based on a channel, Avalanche targets by using verified registration data given to us by its members. The company offers over thirty demographic targeting attributes include Geo-targeting, age, income, education, presence of children, and more. Advertisers have been pleased with the results of their campaigns, and their being able to reach their exact audience. The company is now better positioned to set up new campaigns quickly and efficiently with reports broken down by network, creative, campaign, target, and date.
The company currently utilizes Google Ad Manager for 100% of its ad serving needs across its three sites.
About Avalanche, LLC
Avalanche operates several leading online dating websites, including Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com. Date.com launched on Valentine’s Day 1997 and has become one of the world’s most popular dating websites. First started as a Bulletin Board System in 1986, Matchmaker.com is the oldest online dating site. It was acquired by Avalanche in 2006 and targets those singles seeking serious relationships. Amor.com, launched in 2007, is a rapidly growing destination for Hispanic singles. Avalanche hosts more than 10 millions members worldwide, with the sites adding over 100,000 members each month. Additional information is available at www.date.com.
# # #
Contact
Shira Zwebner
Director of Public Relations
Avalanche, LLC
Phone: 212-721-3440
shira@sbkpr.com
