Dating DNA is not only 100% free to use, but we also don’t do any advertising on our site. Because we’re run by volunteers and funded internally, we currently don’t need to charge or run ads. I’m glad this is the case, and here’s a good example why.
I just took this screenshot from PlentyOfFish.com:
Screenshot of a user's profile page on PlentyOfFish.com
Now, look closely at this section…
Inappropriate ad displayed right next to user's photo on PlentyOfFish.com
The photo to the left is of a legitimate user on PlentyOfFish.com, but the text to the right is a Google Ad. If you were a female on a dating or social networking site, would you want this text next to your profile photo?!?! “Meet Lonely Married Women–Housewives Looking for Fun and More–30% Of Wives Cheat.”
I hope our users enjoy the fact that not only is our site free from cost, it’s also free from these type of ads running next to their profile, or anywhere else on our site.
As always, I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts about this and hope you’ll discuss it with me and other users on the Chat Walls here.
Thanks,
Kevin Carmony
Founder, Dating DNA
DNA# 123-456-789
(I intentionally keep my Threshold set at 1, so feel free to
add me to your strand and shoot me an email anytime.)
December 17, 2008 at 11:28 pm
wow, i new they had ads, but never realized this. but then the entire online experience on most dating sites is sexist.
December 24, 2008 at 4:19 am
Great iniative Kevin!
I like this concept even though i would wish for you could expand a little to a nordic support too, i my self is from Denmark.
Say if you need danish translation or something like that anytime, would be pleased to help.
January 29, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Hejsan min Dasnka kompis! Compliments on choosing to avoid advertising. Just this evening, on another social networking site, I was told I could meet “elite mature singles.” Being an 18-35 male is quite annoying, particularly when it comes to things in the dating market. It’s refreshing to keep this site as clean as it is. I am quite new; nevertheless, my compliments.
February 12, 2009 at 11:38 am
Now you see, there’s where the trouble begins. What kind of a person uses some one for an add like that, especially it’s own members.
I speak for alot of people when I say that you could appreciate this website for acting with such high respect.
February 12, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Thanks Josh.
I’m sure PoF didn’t intend for that to happen, and they probably find it as unfortunate as I did seeing it, but it is an “unintended” consequence of advertising next to your users.
Kevin Carmony
March 3, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Hey, This sight is really wonderful. I’ve met some really great people on here. All the other site are really annoying because you answer all these questions, which you think means you’ll get a really good evaluation, but it’s a general evaluation. On top of that, to get any matches you have to pay – what if you pay for someone who really doesn’t match you according to your own desires that aren’t met on the site?? It just doesn’t make sense. I really appreciate DatingDNA a lot, thank you.
March 12, 2009 at 12:13 am
“we’re run by volunteers and funded internally” That is awesome! No-ads is very refreshing and I respect you guys for it! But do you think this site can realistically remain both free and ad-free as you continue to grow? Is your “internal” funding large enough? Or do you have plans for an eventual source of income?
March 12, 2009 at 2:50 am
I’m sure if we grow large enough we’ll need to have capital to expand, so I’m sure we’d eventually find some way to get revenue, but we hope it would be in some not-to-obtrusive of way. I’m sure the main service will always remain free. We’re kicking around the idea of a premium iPhone app, for example, that just has extra goodies, but the free app would have everything one “needs.”
Kevin
March 14, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Thank you so much for keeping this free of charge and free from those very inappropriate ads! Even as a guy I believe they are extremely distasteful and it offends me to see them on my screen when I am on others sites. Please keep up the good work!
April 4, 2009 at 11:08 am
Hey Kevin,
Today I just stumbled upon datingdna by checking some new iphone apps.
First impression after going through the app and your website: It’s an awesome and refreshing idea to see how you guys enter the online dating market with a total different approach – I just feel it’s the right way how you do it – my respect!
I see it’s largest potential in being a big time safer for people who know what (whom) they want
About ads:
Keep it ad free as long as you can. When you do the job right, some of the big guys may want to acquire datingdna one day in the near future.
I will use datingdna from now on and recommend it to some better friends.
Keep up the nice work – it’s worth it.
Joe Alan Lester
April 25, 2009 at 8:30 am
Kevin,
I absolutely love the concept of this site and service you have brought to the community. I believe through your inititive the community may change, i.e., Match.com, eHarmony.com, Plentyoffish.com, and MetroDate.com… we;; see. I am so happy that your staff has released a free app for the Apple iPhone.. I think that’s going to drive this site up big time for dating online through a mobile site. Keep up the awesome work. I am a member for life!!
- Josh van Hulst
June 22, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Very true. I have seen some sites that have no problems advertising adult friend finder and fling to all the male accounts on the site. I cant help but wonder if the women on the site would appreciate AFF ads right next to their profiles.