Re:Show HN: Dating Site Without Pictures
by burfog on Saturday December 28, 2019 @10:58PM
(#21903863)
They do need to make money. How would you have them do it?
My preference is a markup on the cost of validating alleged attributes. If you claim to be 6'2" tall, that might be validated with a notarized statement from a doctor. If you claim to have a degree, that can be checked via the usual electronic clearinghouse non-profit that universities use. If you claim to own property, county records can be checked. All this costs money. Apply a markup, and that gives a profit that will seem reasonably fair to most people.
Another way is to sell the obvious products, ranging from condoms to wedding rings.
Yeah, it's just like real estate, or job seeking market, if you match the seekers and the retailers (in this case both are seekers) too closely, then you don't have repeat customers...
But, in the spirit of quality long term transactions and overall increase in reputation and trust, I think it may work out. Business aside, if we're aiming to meaningfully connect people then it serves it's goal.
Apparently they actually hinder matches unless both people are paying. Some of those prices are laughably ridiculous, like Tinder's $40 for a 3 hour "boost", with no indication of effectiveness, and sadly prey on desperation.
I'd love to see a modern service that aims to meaningfully connect people instead of perpetually preying upon them for cash.
On the other hand, the dating industry may be like the lightbulb cartel; if you're too effective, your customers will no longer need you. :)