Online etiquette?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2004
Online etiquette?
3
Thu, 01-27-2005 - 10:23pm
OK,
So I'm a little lost for the polite thing to do... my site (www.lavalife.ca) charges to send instant messages, now, when I get instant messages from men who I know just from looking at thier profile are not my type... do I have to reply? I mean, I feel bad because they've just spent money to talk to me... but I'm not interested at all and really don't want to get to that awkward "so can I add you to my msn?" part.... is it best to not reply to thier hello or to reply and say "sorry you're not really my type"???
~Laura
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-26-2004
Fri, 01-28-2005 - 1:01am

Hi Laura,

They have decided to spend the money, not you, so it is their 'gamble'. If you feel best telling them 'no thank you', then do so. I sometimes feel that it is better to say nothing, than to send an obvious rejection. I know if someone does not respond to my wink or email, I just move on.... No Worries, Mate!

Do you like LavaLife, btw? I just could not find a spark there. Better luck with Match and Yahoo Personals; though the most dates from Match. Having my second one this Saturday with the cute lawyer--aiight!

As with all of this,it is personal preference and sometimes, regional ideas.

Truly,
Cupcake

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-2004
Fri, 01-28-2005 - 3:37am

I'm a big BIG fan of always sending a reply to anyone who contacts you... but I don't think that means you should have to pay to do so.

I don't like the sites that charge you to talk BACK to someone. They're already making their money on the front end, on the person who initiates contact.

I guess if a guy has given you a way to contact him (hidden his email address or something) then you should tell them "thanks, but we're not a match". If not, though, and you'd have to join/pay to talk to them, I think it's okay to not answer.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2004
Fri, 01-28-2005 - 5:17am
Ignore.
If you don't have to pay per message - send a polite one sentence "Thanks but I don't feel that I'd be a good match for you" and then don't respond to anything further. You're under no obligation to talk to them further - and some guys (and girls believe it or not) will try ot keep the conversation going to change your mind.