Are you tired of jumping through hoops to get even one message across? Have dating sites become a bore with too many restrictions? Here are a few details on Plenty of Fish to give you much-needed reassurance.
Overview
The site, like a few others, offers a dating app to go along with its desktop version. This makes it convenient for a majority of the site’s users, on-the-go. Its popularity, however, stems from its messaging services. You can send and receive messages from any member- whether or not your profiles match. Also, there is no need to subscribe (no payment requirements), unless or until you need to upgrade. There are a plus and minus for some members in terms of messaging. Ladies get to send pics privately, but men do not. This is due in part to limiting pornographic between members. The site, however, is probably the best option for that cheap date before the date. This is because it offers value for money.
Most dating sites provide you similar options, but they also come at a considerably higher price. Premium sites (or subscriptions), can put a hole in your wallet. Charging upwards of $40 for their premium members, the choices open to users are not comparatively any better. Though some sites like Match offer video chatting and the like, you can stream videos on POF and message others to your heart’s content. Other platforms focus more on sex than a friendly encounter. Their app is free to download as well. This useful feature makes it an apt option for people spending less time on their desktop, and more time on-the-go.
Member Structure
A large number of POF members fall between 25 and 34 years of age
Most of the profiles are linked to people based in the USA
Males make a greater part of the members than females- 20 percent more users than females
Members on POF are candid in terms of what they are looking for- no equivocations
Sign-up Details
Signing up on POF takes between five to ten minutes. This is because the admins have dedicated their platform to serious users only.
- You have to upload some pertinent data, including gender, race (ethnicity), height, and even how much you make for a living. However,
- It is not required that you link your social media site to your POF profile. This prevents information that you may not be ready to share leaking from your alternate sites.
- It is free to sign up. The site also reminds you NOT to put too much personal info on your profile
- A robot (algorithms) facilitates the verification and signup process. This is to prevent other bots from engaging on the site.
Other questions may spook you at first when compared to other sites. These include queries such as what kind of car you drive, or what drives you. Considering that you need to find someone who meets precisely what you are looking for, this is important. No stone is left unturned.
Making Contact
Messages are sent and received for free- just like the initial signing up. This has to be POF’s greatest feature, especially for those on a budget. Messaging options are unlimited, and this is true even for those on the basic package. Similar to a few other phone-based apps, you can send a flirtatious voice message to another user. This is also free on POF.
One restriction that has gained a lot of popularity and kudos, from female members, is the one-way sending of images. Men are not allowed to send such, due to the barrage of pornographic pics that made the majority of messaging before. Also, engaging in any sexual language will get your account flagged or deleted. It is indeed a clean and fun site for exciting meetups and maybe more. No nudity or lewdness is entertained. Rather, you need to focus on your traits and maybe even quirks. For example, make contact and share about what you like or dislike, what makes you tick, what your hobbies are (fishing, cooking), and other cleaner aspects of yourself.
Profile Quality
Remember the extensive (for lack of a better word) registration requirements? Yes, the ones that needed a few questions answered? As well as your gender, ethnicity blah blah blah (that list!) well, turns out it is not just a lot hullabaloo. These profile requirements ensure that you and whoever you choose to engage with are on the same page.
- Also, you can add some tidbits or witty phrases to your credentials. This can come in handy when you need to spark a conversation.
- Because of the detailed profiles, you will have a somewhat in-depth knowledge of other members. Details such as family status, lifestyles, and one’s longest relationship are available.
- As a standard or basic user, you get to upload up to eight pictures on your page. A huge pro to this feature is also the ban of filters. You get to see the true nature of someone, nothing FISHY.
Mobile App
The app caters to the same features you would get on the desktop version. It is user friendly and doesn’t require you to be tech or net-savvy. It is also a free app and can be downloaded on Playstore or Windows Store. A feature that is important to note is the location setting. If you do not want the app to pin your location, be sure to have that turned off.
Testimonials
“After joining and registering on multiple sites, I was hard-pressed to find even one site that inspired me to keep searching. Many sites had become a bore. I could not find a match for any sort of meaningful relationship. A member of POF invited me to join this dating site and I must say I am impressed. With all relevant details uploaded, my needs were easy to see and I met a lady with the persona I was looking for. I met someone who actually looks like the photo I saw online.”
—Smith, Auditor, 34
“I finally found someone who looks like their profile photo. Many sites put me through misery with filtered photos and fake details to boot. POF really made things simple. The man I met had all the characteristics that were listed on his page. The location feature also helped me to chat with him instantly without selecting or deselecting users based on their whereabouts. It looks like I’m going for another date with him soon. We’ve already been on three.”
—Susan, waitress, 29
“I had totally given up on using online dating apps. To be honest, I had given up on finding new friends entirely. I only landed on this site when a promotion for the app came on a site I was visiting. I reluctantly downloaded it, and seeing as it was free to sign up, I proceeded to engage with others. It took a few minutes to get my details uploaded. Surprisingly, it was almost instantaneous for me to find a match. Though I was not looking for a relationship and only wanted to go on a date. I am however, in a relationship now, thanks to POF. “
—Kim, police officer, 35
Design
The app is perhaps more user friendly than the website. This is very important for users who like the convenience of everywhere, rather than only at their desktop. You do not have an IT degree to surf through profiles or update information. It can all be done with a few simple clicks. So click your way into a new relationship. Simply focus on your hobbies and interests, and you will be sure to find a match. The app is designed with users in mind, so, it is ergonomically structured. Incidentally, you can perform a search for a member using their user name. Talk about seamless reach-ability.
Usability
- It is simple to use. All the features present on the desktop site are also in-built on the app
- More users utilize the app than the desktop version. This is important, especially when you have the location feature turned on. You may meet a match while on the move.
- It is also compatible in a variety of different languages- including French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German.
- You can only use the app once you sign up. But that should not be a problem seeing as it’s free to join anyway.
- You need not worry about stuff being pulled from other social sites. The only time this happens is if you need to extract a photo from your FB or Instagram page
- If ever you find it hard to access your profile, it may be because of security measures. Activity that is not “normal,” like signing in from another computer, will set off a prompt to answer a few security questions.
Costs and Prices
Special Features
Perhaps even more special during this pandemic period is the live-streaming option. Users can record themselves and send videos to other members. The algorithmic matching system helps you avoid unnecessary filings and disappointments. Also, you have the “super-Yes’ options, which lets you highlight who you think you are attracted to. This increases your chances of meeting singles that match your preferences even more. Last but not least is the chemistry predictor. This will match you according to the psyche, sex (tastes), as well as who you would like to keep and who is more compatible with a one-night hookup.
Security
Regardless of your subscription, be it standard or premium, security measures are top-notch.
Its popularity, to say the least, shows that it is, in fact, quite safe. POF transitioned from a basic meet-and-greet online site to a professional match-and-date one over the years. This prompted the admins to take the necessary measures to ensure the utmost safety for their members.
For your safety, admins moderate the content posted, especially by newer members. This includes language used as well as photos.
You can validate authenticity (of your login) using a messaging-based service like SMS, of the POF grid.
Upgrades via Premium Extras
As is with any other site, there are features you cannot access a basic or standard package. For instance, once you are on a premium subscription, you get to view who has liked your details (a bit of a peeve). Also, you get to find the newbies to the site. This can put you off if you do indeed like someone and simply want to know them better, no strings attached (payments). People who view your details may be hoping you will somehow seek them out too. However, you cannot see who is viewing what on your profile, nor can you verify if your messages have been read until you upgrade to a premium package. These packages (premium) begin at $19.99 for a month, getting cheaper if you subscribe for the long haul.
Cancellation
Whether you plan to go on a hiatus or completely get off the grid, the choice is yours. Quite simply so.
Hover over the Edit Profile option and select to hide profiles from others. As long as you select this option, you will not receive any new messages because users won’t have access to your profile
Alternatively, you may have found a match and are in a loving relationship. If you do not need POF’s services anymore, simply proceed to the HELP section. Under this part, you can choose to delete/remove your profile indefinitely.
If your subscription needs to be reviewed (by you), simply go to MY Account and check the option to stop automatic renewals. This option comes up when dues need to be met. You will be reminded/ asked if you wish to renew, or not.