You see an online dating site, and for some unexplained reason you like the "feel" of it. You decide to take them up on their free trial. It’s time to set up your profile.

To save time, you only put up a "shell" of a profile. A "shell" is just your basic information and a photo. You don’t want to waste a lot of time putting up a full profile, until you are sure you are going to join, or just stick with the free trial.

The "shell" consists of age, height, build, nationality, hair/eye color, city and state. You feel that is more than enough information.

You try to search by your zip code. Just curious as to who in your area might belong to this site...you can’t. Ok...

You sort by males/females in a certain age range...you can’t. Alright...

Let’s see...maybe you can search by "occupation: professionals" in your area...you can’t do that either. Hmmmm...You are temporarily distracted by 3 new incoming emails. You smile...

The first one is a "flirt" that simply says "hi".

The second one: "I am submissive...looking for someone dominant. Would that be you?" You couldn’t help but laugh out loud...

The third one: "Wow! Just when I was about to give up on finding an eligible woman on this site, and here you are! I am fairly new to this area. I hope you don’t think I am too forward, but maybe we could meet for coffee? If you are okay with this, please let me know. So, how long have you been on this site, and have you had any luck?"

Great! You take your time and construct a well thought out email. You try your best not to sound too anxious. After proof reading your message for the third time, you send it. (Not bad for a free trial...huh...?)

You wait...and wait...and there it is! A new email! You open it, and your heart drops... "I’m sorry, but as a free trial member you are unable to respond to mail you may have received from our members. Please sign up for your full membership today!"

You tell me...how free was the free trial?