General Guidelines and Netiquette
How should you behave on the internet?
For the majority of us, good manners and common courtesy are second nature and require no special thought. During the course of your day you will inevitably cross paths with someone who is less than polite, maybe even rude. Sadly, the online dating world is no different. Anonymity does not suit some people well at all. Dating is a very personal matter and should be treated with respect. We all have differing concepts of what respect entails, so in an attempt to bridge this gap, ELITESINGLES have come up with a set of general guidelines to help you while dating online.
1. User name
When registering with ELITESINGLES, please use your first name so that other members can send you a personalised message. User profiles with usernames that contain profanity, offensive statements or concepts that are contrary to the law will not be accepted. Registering with multiple accounts is also strictly prohibited.
2. Profile photos
In your profile you have the option to upload a photo of yourself. It is important that you observe the following rules when choosing your image. The picture must show yourself and it must be clear who you are. The use of nude or pornographic images and images of a physical or sexual violence are strictly prohibited. The use of racist or intentionally offensive pictures is also prohibited as are logos and advertising.
3. Personal Description
Give a realistic impression of yourself. The content of your profile and messages should not create a deceitful or unrealistic image of who you are. Honesty really is the best policy, especially when it comes to online dating. Profiles which contain false information about a users identity will be removed without warning.
4. Messaging other members
During the course of your search for a partner you will undoubtedly send a personal message or two. The style of writing you use to communicate with them is crucial and also reveals a lot about who you are. Think about the impression your words leave. Being aware of the following points will help you get more positive responses from other members:
a) Avoid using “mass messaging”. Take the time to write an individual email to your partner matches.
b) Spell check all messages and avoid over using smiley’s, exclamations and CAPITAL LETTERS.
c) It is forbidden to use vulgar or offensive words when messaging a partner.
5. Written tone
When communicating over the internet, do not forget that your recipient is also human. Anonymity can adversely affect some people. It is all too easy to lash out and hurt the feelings of other users by being rude or curt. If you encounter a situation which angers you, avoid escalating the situation further. Cease contact and report the user if necessary. In general treat others as you would expect to be treated.
6. Avoid misunderstandings
The English language lacks specific punctuation for denoting sarcasm or humour. When making jokes or using sarcasm, consider how your comments can be interpreted. Remember that the receiver of your message cannot see your gestures or facial expressions. A joke made in good faith may cause offense if it is not immediately apparent.
7. Personal Information
Do not share your personal information too quickly. Many users have a tendency to share intimate personal details in order to develop a relationship further. Before doing so it is always worth your while to stop and ask yourself whether you would be so open and candid if you were sitting across from this person on a train or in a pub.
8. Rejecting matches
When communicating with another user that you are not interested in having further contact with them, a short, polite message sent in a timely manner is best. This is considered courteous in the world of online dating and avoids a build of resentment where the other user is waiting in vain for a reply which will never come.
9. Being rejected
In turn, if you are rejected, respect the user’s decision. Do not exacerbate the situation by sending further messages. A rejection is nothing more than a necessary step in the pursuit of success.
10. Privacy
All messages within the site should be treated as confidential. You may not disclose any details of other users without their express, written permission. Sharing private information on other users with third parties such as blogs, videos or interviews is forbidden.
11. Sex
There is no polite way to put this, but please note that requesting sex is strictly prohibited. ELITESINGLES is a dating website. There are many alternatives available on the internet if you are looking for services of this nature. Requests for sex via web-cam, phone or chat also fall under this prohibited category.
12. Objectionable content
Violent, racist, politically extremist, sexist, vulgar or otherwise objectionable content that injures, offends, harms, or threatens other individuals or groups is not allowed.
13. Reporting abusive users.
All profiles on ELITESINGLES are reviewed before publication. We have automated processes in place to eliminate spam, intrusive users and fake profiles. Nevertheless, it is possible that inappropriate content is not discovered immediately. We appreciate your help in maintaining the quality of the site by utilising the “report” button to flag content which does not adhere to our guidelines. Abuse of the “report” button will also lead to your account being blocked.
Consequences for violations of the above policy:
All content generated by members is checked and, if necessary, violations of the guidelines or terms and conditions will be punished accordingly. A warning shall be issued and at the discretion of the operator, may results in immediate deletion of the profile and in some instances to further legal action.