Mar 22 -- A writer asked me for numbers of 'successes' on online dating sites. Here are my thoughts.

Success can be defined at 8 levels... Online dating sites 'promise' is to put compatible singles in front of each other, in the real world, on a first date. The first level of success is with two singles IMing or both emailing each other. Then, talking on the phone. #3 is a big step, meeting face to face, definitely a success when singles make it that far. Then perhaps they decide to date, repeatedly...and make it to 3 months, then 9 months, then to a prolonged committed relationship, then marriage. 8 levels of 'success' if you like. Now how do the numbers match up?

20+ million online daters (not including social networks) for 2006 leading to several million paid online dating users.

1. two people IMing/emailing online - several million daters make it this far
2. two people talking on the phone - 5+ million with at least one phone enoucnter
3. face to face meeting - 5 million meet face to face
4. active dating, 3 dates or more (sexual) - 4 million actively date one person or more
5. 3 months relationship - 750,000 make it into an ongoing relationship of at least 3 months
6. 9 months - 250,000 make it to 9 months with at least one person
7. fiance/prolonged relationship/15 month - 100,000 have a prolonged committed relationship
8. marriage - 50-75,000 marriages will result from online dating introductions this year

What do you think? Way off? Close? Your comments please... Please add your informed opinion.
Mark Brooks