The number of on-line dating sites have proliferated to such an extent that they are virtually everywhere and in great numbers.

The leaders are clear with their community concepts, or in one case (like the Russian sites), the sheer number of people online at any one time gives the user choices not achievable anywhere else.

How to use the dating sites to your maximum advantage is clearly shown below, as well as recognizing the scams that involve, insincere people waiting for the gullible and na�ve to respond.

Here then are rules of engagement for on-line dating.

* Choose Your Site After Careful Examination.

Don't' rush to the first site you find. Do a survey of all the sites that have considerable people in your area.

* Also you must carefully decide what it is you want or who you want to find from the site.

If you are looking for love, or a girlfriend or boyfriend, or just fooling around, be hones t and make this known in your questionnaire.

* Have good photos made of yourself. Photos can present you in a good light or bad one. The visit to a professional photographer will reap huge benefits in the end.

* Review your questionnaire many times before you submit it. No reason to be too cleaver or too simple, and certainly not too humorous.

Be honest instead. If you are 60 and looking for a 25 year old girl, you might as well as you are a sugar daddy, and your honesty will bring you what you wish.

The same if you are married, and want to fool around. There are sites for the above, as well as normal sites for just dating. In any event, be honest and do not submit your questionnaire without careful thought.

* When someone responds to you, respond back quickly.

This does not have to mean instantly, but a timely response is always appreciated.

Keep your dialogue simple and general at first, while getting to know the person you are communicating with. Do not rush into a meeting! Let the idea of meeting each other evolve and not be a first out instant demand.

* Spot the scam.

If someone has submitted only 1 photo, that is a good sign that it may not be the actual person. Ask for other photos, and those taken in real life situations.

If your discussions start heading towards an economic subject, your scam radar should be on extra alert. Always ask the question, "why was I asked something like that? Why me?" If you mind is ready, you will spot the scam and stop it in its tracks,

If you are a guy and a really beautiful girl starts to proposition you, she is most likely a pro, or amateur pro in the making, or none of these, but waiting to catch you in some trap. Beware of this ploy.

* Your first meeting should be a crowded coffee shop during the day. Never break this rule.

If you meeting went well, plan for a normal meeting next time. If the person who shows up does not meet your expectations, cut the meeting short, and go your way. No hard feelings.