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Phone Speed MatchingIs Being Hung Up Better Than Being Stood Up?By Madelyn MillerI cleared my throat. Straightened my desk. Adjusted the light over my computer. Got a glass of iced tea in case I got thirsty. I was ready to do computer dating by phone, with matches made by the wizards at speedmatching. This sounded high-tech and high touch at the same time. The system looked simple. You could get about 6 dates of 4 minutes each. After each date you had a minute to evaluate, etc. Your dates picture and profile would pop up in a cute little screen while you were on the phone. THE INSTRUCTIONS SAID We regret that we cannot accommodate late arrivals! To ensure a successful event, please arrive ten minutes before the event start time. I guess I was a little over-eager. I called about 15 minutes early. It said to call back and the number would be posted soon. I checked back every 5 minutes until the number was finally posted at 9. When I called the number several times, an enthusiastic computer voice said it was not working yet. The number was NOT an 800 or free number. It was suggested that you use your cell phone. So, again following directions like a dutiful dater, I got my cell phone and dialed in using the number and code. It kept telling me my party was not ready. I wasn’t expecting a party, I just wanted a date. It appeared I could not even get a phone call. I was first cut off at 9:12. And then it happened four more times. I would consider blaming if on my cell phone reception, but my computer was working fine. And each time I got reconnected, it said to please hold for my next date. What was I supposed to hold? After four disconnects, I tried to call the help support line. Since I only have two hands, it was getting tricky to hold my cell phone, dial my regular phone and try to keep my eyes focused on the exciting messages on screen. Except all the screen said was…Please hold for your next date. And the cell phone kept hanging up on me. And the help line was busy. I think I should just go to a bar and get a drink. Forget about a date. Was I wearing a bad outfit? Was it something I said? Was my perfume a turnoff? Was my slip showing? Did I forget my deodorant? None of this really mattered because speedmatching never matched me up. Was it because they did not like my review of Speedmatching? http://www.travellady.com/Issues/January03/SpeedMatching.htm The only message I ever got was at 9:23 Our apologies, but you will not be able to participate in this event TIME LOST: 38 MINUTES PHONE COST: PROBABLY INCLUDED IN MY CELLPHONE PLAN THE EXPERIENCE: PRICELESS….OR RATHER, VALUELESS. The instructions said if you have any problems signing in to the event please call Online SpeedMatching customer support at (800) 430-3042. I DID. It took six tries and another 37 minutes to reach them, The tech support guy said there may be an imbalance of sexes. Too many women had registered. (Can’t anybody figure that out ahead? Why did it take the computer over 20 minutes to notice that? If they can’t count boys and girls any quicker maybe I don’t even want them matching me up) The tech guy was really nice, understanding and helpful. He was the best guy I talked to all night. IF YOU CAN’T DO IT, AT LEAST YOU CAN READ ABOUT ITDEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP A COMMONSENSE GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL INTERNET DATING DATE OUT OF YOUR LEAGUE..for men only OLDER COUPLES: New Romances EXPECT A MIRACLE It’s not me..IT’S YOU ONLINE DATING FOR DUMMIES |
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