I found the perfect way to scare people away from me -

[thermodynamic]

My personals ad!


Hello. I'm just a fun loving, eccentric yet charming, professional guy looking for someone to share love and life with. Life is best when it's shared with someone you really love, but the interesting part is getting there! What's the point of having a goal if there's no way to get there?

Some of my interests include tv and movies, photography, computers, music, driving/sightseeing; but I'm open to trying new things.

I'm actually rather bashful at first, so please forgive me if I seem clammed up. I improve over time! :-)

One thing I haven't mentioned is what has been mentioned in other ads. Okay, I am a romantic at heart, and prove it when possible. There, I said it. What I can't say is that I'm normal. *gasp!* After all, what is "normal" and do we have to pass a certification test to be "normal"? Where's the study guide and who wrote it so we can explicate the writer's meaning? And is it worth the cost? Forget it, I'd rather be me and be accepted for who I am, risky as that is... Let's be ourselves and not live up to some ephemeral standard which changes as frequently as which foods are bad for our health...

I am looking for men who are (preferably) local and are between 25 and 37, stand for what they believe in, are compassionate, are outgoing, disease-free, single, and are honest, preferably with a desire to work toward a long term relationship and are NOT normal. Okay, maybe partially normal... :-)

If you're interested, please respond and let's chat. A picture would be helpful so I can match words to a face! Thank you!


Do I sound like a pathetic drooling geeky dork or what? :shrug:

[Systematic Chaos]

1. You sound honest and sincere to me

I don't know how many points that will score you in lieu of passing yourself off as a super-macho body builder type, but I hope that someone out there will appreciate that and you'll find someone you're happy with.

Good luck! :)

On edit: Jeez, how can I forget?

I met my wife just over a year ago using match.com personals. I'm in Vegas and she was in Phoenix, which was the farthest I was willing to travel. Anyway, what struck me about her ad enough that I just had to reply to it was the fact that she stated in so many words that her ad was simply an alternative to giving up completely after having been emotionally shredded numerous times before. I was feeling exactly the same way when I placed my own ad. Needless to say, we found out we had a LOT of stuff in common and we've managed to build a wonderful relationship on that.

Just remember, despite all the horror stories we hear about personals, they can and DO work if you're honest and patient.

[molly]

5. Classmates-dot-com did it for us - many-many years

I didn't remember who he was but he remembered me. Many emails - many phone calls - some visits - married almost 3 years! Still not living here, but it's the fault of the government!

[Elidor]

2. Nicely written, Thermo

If I wasn't straight, I'd almost be tempted to answer that. Err - except that I don't do personals ads. But it has the right touch. I'd take out the NOT normal part. Have you ever met a normal person? Well, okay, then. So there's not much danger of one answering the ad, is there? In today's world, a normal person might be just what you're looking for anyway. Good luck with it and be careful.

[thermodynamic]

6. Thanks - I did revise it:

Hello. I'm just a fun loving, eccentric yet charming, professional guy looking for someone to share love and life with. Life is best when it's shared with someone you really love, but the interesting part is getting there! What's the point of having a goal if there's no way to get there?

Some of my interests include tv and movies, photography, computers, music, driving/sightseeing; but I'm open to trying new things.

I'm actually rather bashful at first, so please forgive me if I seem clammed up. I improve over time! :-)

One thing I haven't mentioned is what has been mentioned in other ads. Okay, I am a romantic at heart, and prove it when possible. There, I said it. What I can't say is that I'm normal. *gasp!* After all, what is "normal"? Where's the study guide and who wrote it so we can explicate the writer's meaning? Do we have to pass a certification test to be "normal"? And is it worth the cost? In other words, I think we define "normal" by our own values and sentiments. So, it's up to you do decide if I fit your qualifications of "normal". At worst, I'm eccentric. At best... well, hopefully you'll give me a chance and to see that side of me.

In the end, I'd rather be me and be accepted for who I am, risky as that is... Let's be ourselves and not live up to some ephemeral standard which changes as frequently as which foods are bad for our health...

I am looking for men who are (preferably) local and are between 25 and 37, stand for what they believe in, are compassionate, are outgoing, disease-free, single, and are honest, preferably with a desire to work toward a long term relationship, for both good or bad. That's what I find to be "normal".

If you're interested, please respond and let's chat. A picture would be helpful so I can match words to a face! Thank you!

[Porcupine]

Um, a hint at your gender would be nice.

See, I am a not even close to normal newly single straight guy. Due to the unfourtunate expectation that I should bid for dates by declaring my income I am out of the market.

But I wish you good luck. There may be hope yet for all us Cyranoe De Bergeracs out there yet.

[inthecorneroverhere]

3. spice it up!

I dunno. I would spice it up a little with specific examples.

I'd condense the 4th paragraph, which is the longest, into one short phrase: "Y B Normal?" Maybe put it in bold print or whatever.

I'd mention one or two of my absolute most favorite movies, and if I was into outdoor type photography, I might write a line about one of the scenic spots where I've taken pictures.

Such as.... "photography in windstorms at Cape Hatteras," or "photography of the daily events in Central Park," etc. - wherever.

[thermodynamic]

9. They do have pics

And in my 'backstage' I have this pic:


(smaller size, of course, and without the stupid sig scribble... How's this for spicy? Loved that flood on the rickety 100 year old bridge that continues to drop pieces of itself into the river every day... :-) )

I did condense the 4th paragraph into something well polished and properly poised. It will hopefully attract positive attention.

[inthecorneroverhere]

10. great pic

cool!

[molly]

4. Nope - not at all - but I would make it very clear that you are

gay. Reading your ad isn't clear if you just scanning. I missed it with the first read, but second read - it's great. You sound positive and not desperate and very "with it".

OK - "between 25 and 37" - I would ad "mindset" - there are some that "age is just a number".

What do I know anyway? I was between marriages for 18 years. BUT, then it only took a couple of months - right vibes - right combo.

[inthecorneroverhere]

7. Usually already categorized

Generally most alternative newsweeklies and the like, where personal ads are usually written, have categories for M seeking F, M seeking M, etc. In other words, one can tell whether the ad writer is gay or straight by what classification the ad falls under.

The ad is pretty good as far as all the basics. It's obvious to me that he is M seeking M and is healthy. My only suggestion is to make it more 'interesting' by mentioning some very specific interests and fun things to do, like genres of movies, genres of photography, etc.

[thermodynamic]

8. It's on a gay personals service

And I have a pic up.

If this were placed on a more ambiguous service, I would have made it quite clear from the start, but I do appreciate your attention to detail - for everything you've mentioned! (but I'd probabably feel closer to someone almost my own age and I'd prefer to grow old with him as well. But I will consider your point...)

[roughsatori]

11. Mention specific Movies etc. that are your favorites

That gives people a topic that is easy to connect with you on. Also, follow the old writing teacher adage: "don't tell, show." I have a friend who is very status quo--yet he says he is eccentric. List some of the traits you have that makes you think you are eccentric, and endearing.

I thought you wrote in other posts that you have a mental-illness. Yet you are looking for someone "disease free." (Does not seem fair to me)Some forms of mental-illness are diseases. Maybe you just mean HIV-. Be clear--I mean, would you turn down the perfect man if he had MS, etc.?

List your age, not just the age you are looking for. Many men won't answer an ad that does not include the age. Some have this same thing about not listing your weight, hair color, etc.

[newyawker99]

15. Congrats roughsatori!! 700 posts

Pat welcomes you to the 700 club!! :evilgrin:

[BiggJawn]

12. No "long romantic walks in the moonlight" or "Candlelight massages"?

Eh, what do I know? I only read "Women seeking Men"...:7

all kidding aside, that's a good ad, and you're a good-looking guy.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

13. I think I'm in love...

Except for the fact I'm 48, all the rest matches me exactly! See? I even have a portrait to prove it...



Let's get together!

:evilgrin:

[northofdenali]

14. td, are you POSITIVE you're gay? Cuz

I know about 15 wonderful, single women who'd fall over in a swoon at that ad!

It's that good - and no, you're not geeky or a dork or a what. You're who you are - a good, sincere, romantic, honest guy looking for someone similar. Good karma to you! {{{{hugs}}}}

[Tyler Durden]

16. I pick my nose and scratch my ass in public. seems to work fine.

All kidding aside, I'm straight, married, and too old or I'd email you myself. Nice ad. Mine worked well.