We've done a topic about what puts you off. That's fine but it doesn't really give many tips on how to write a good profile that would attract the attention of prospective partners. This is about dating though and not casual encounters.

For me:

MOST IMPORTANT: Be totally honest. Good traits or bad ones, if you are not honest, it soon gets around that your profile is one to avoid.

Information about kids gives me the impression of stability and happiness with their family. They have a close enough relationship that they want to include them in the relationship right from the start, instead of a last minute bombshell. Leaving it until later gives me an impression that you see them as an obstacle.

Personality traits they feel you should be aware of. Mine tells you I am quite blunt but you know where you stand. This is really important to me as it lets someone know what kind of person you are. Although these are often more negative things about you, they give a more rounded view of you as a person.

Things they are involved in. It only needs to be something like; I'm currently trying to write a book on making sandcastles or I teach Karate three evenings a week. Not only does this give an opening for initial conversation, once again, it gives an insight into your personality.

The kind of person you'd like to meet. If you definitely won't reply to anyone older or younger than a certain age range let people know. One thing not to say is 'good looking' because there are surprisingly few who consider themselves to be good looking. It also gives the impression that you are only after a trophy partner to make you look good in front of everyone else. Physical turn ons and turn offs are ok.

Direction of your life. If you're considering moving to some far distant country soon or busy climbing the corporate ladder or something similar, make it known. Even if you just work 9-5 in a small office and have a place to live and are satisfied with your lot. There's nothing worse than two people with totally opposing aims in life getting together. Imagine one organising to move overseas and the other busily climbing the corporate ladder, one or the other would have to give up their goal or they'll both be single again.

Those are a few points. Maybe others will add more and we can build a picture of what constitutes a good profile.

love it,
it beats most of the profiles i glance at, which are usually completly blank or they say i like food! (which is good, else they would starve), not sure about the kids thing, as a single mum, I consider the safety aspect; would I date someone that is interested in the fact I have kids??
In todays age, is that safe or wise?
Many people wouldnt think on it, but having had foster kids and seeing the other side, i mention family but do not give direct details.

I think once you start talking to someone, then yes let them know you have children, I am honest always, and i am proud to be a mum.
I also think commen sense is a must, if someone is in their 30's 40's etc then they probarly wont be interested in dating a 16 year old.
Also looking at the forums they have contributed too, gives a huge insight to them too, and it shows what posts you have made on your profile.

I suppose it depends on what your looking at, and for

The it about kids! Well Steph you are right we live in dangerous times! Yet again the minority of perverts have spoilt things for the majority of people. I always find that i enjoy the Family atmosphere which usually includes kids! I generally make no mention of them until ii have a good insight to the person i am talking to!

Age! You can never be sure if you if you are chatting to miss perfect, mr perve or miss pussycat troll, I personally find it sad that you see so many youngsters using dating sites! Do they really need them? Shouldn't there be a rule that keeps the age limit to over 18?

A couple of weeks ago i blew a fuse and openly waved the white flag and posted some sarky comments on my profile! low me the number of visits i had increased 3 fold! Sad tosay i nowdon't bother with my inox profile or messaging anymore i got fed up with crass rudeness and ladies who totally over estimated there attractiveness and came across as just wanting a large bottomless wallet!

I think i would prefer to see a higher level of integrity, total honesty and sincerity in the profiles plus a box for "age limits"!
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This guy is liscensed to chill, and thrill, but the opportunities to thrill are rather less than anticipated!!!!

A good clear picture or two, an interesting description of what the person likes or dislikes to do, think and feel. I like it when women mention liking tall men on their profile, being 6ft 2" and all that

Oh scottie luv, it wouldnt bother me if you were a short ass but yeah a little insight never hurts, i got a message from a bloke, detailing excatley what he was looking for and it just was the opposite of me, so i told him striaght, he was fine with it, I suppose those profiles that are blank, dont care lol.

Perhaps being to exact and meticulous on a profile or in a message is a sign of being a bit too anally retentive? After all, its one thing to know what you want but it could be another thing to have a list as long as your arm of prerequisite's, wouldn't it? I mean, we all have flaws and maybe (just maybe) having a huge list of things your potential partner is to aspire to or have is a bit too premeditated for my liking. I have always met and fallen for people whom I least expected to, perhaps there is a reason why that is but I prefer it that way anyway. Life is a like a box of chocolates and all that...

Apart from an interesting pic on the online gallery... any profile that's got a bit of info in every section.... also musicians, writers and artists

I think im more inclined to send a chick a message who's got "if you just want me to show my body to you on cam, marry off" as a profile message. The same old "i like to go out, meet new people.. im loving caring" etc etc bores the shit out of me.

I like to see something a bit different from the 'norm' that shows somebody who has a passion for something, or a dream they'd fulfilled, has interesting things that are quirky rather than weird. Somebody who is self reliant and has 'wants' rather than 'needs'

I think I've just twigged something about the different profiles I've used, especially noticeable since my last ABOUT ME vanished and I re-wrote it.

This time I've emphasised more about the kind of men I would be interested in, and so most of my recent messages have led to men matching themselves up as being close to my criteria and more likely to get a favourable response.

Thats good then isn't it? At least your more likely to get messages from the sort of people you want to meet ect.

Or do they jusy blatently lie to fit the bill lol?
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Healthy, who cares?..... Pork away!

I don't bloody know. Maybe they grow their hair, take art lessons and make their selves look younger to fit the bill? I am sure you would be worth the effort
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Healthy, who cares?..... Pork away!

Not sure i could manage that lol too much patience involved. I'll just take the lessons instead.
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Healthy, who cares?..... Pork away!