Uh-oh dude, I'm gaining on you!

(This is the kind of competition I demand from social networking sites. XD)

Yes, it is, and it's irking my cookies!

Ah, well, now that you've challenged me -- I'm going to have to beat you. [Insert Mission Impossible theme here]

... and now you understand the Mingle family!

There are so many of us who have met outside of the site for parties, traveling, dating, and friendships. We also have Christmas Card Clubs and other close-knit causes.

Ah, I posted before I read all the comments. Okay, you emailed her first and then blew her a kiss. Next time, if your email goes ignored, it means she's not interested. Following up with a kiss isn't going to help anyway, it'll just make her think you're desperate and not taking her hints. Good way to get blocked- I have a pretty long list of men who thought it was necessary to nudge me....

Also think about the kind of emails you're sending out. Are you telling her she's "hot" or "pretty" or just saying "hi?" If so, that's a good way to go ignored. Try addressing something you read on a profile, "Hey, I see you like bike riding, so do I! What's the furthest you've ridden in a day?" Or something. Just something to peak her interest and get a conversation going. Skip the "you're hot" remarks. They're cliche and boring. Again, welcome and good luck to you.

This is a very subjective topic.

MY answer is: email someone directly; be polite and don't use slang or ignorant come-on's or sexual references. Be yourself.

Hopefully your profile has something of substance that will inspire conversation.

That being said, you can only control half of your success; you can't control the other person.

Of the guys I contact, I only get MAYBE 20% or fewer replies. Most never reply back.

As long as you realize this isn't an instant gratification process - you'll be fine. Use common sense too; watch the scammers.

I've had great success with the dates I've actually made from Mingle. Not everyone is out to waste your time. I’m VERY selective though. You should be too; otherwise, you might invite a lot of drama into your life.

Try sending an email and saying "hello" instead of nudging. Some people don't mind them, but others- like me- find them creepy if they come from a stranger. Especially the kissing nudge, it's much too personal. I block any guy who nudges me if he's not on my friends' list.

Welcome and good luck to you.

That's another mistake I learned about the hard way!

I couldn't agree more!