A new dating site has hit the Lebanese market. I’m confused if it’s aiming for a tinder-go-fuck mentality, or a 3amty-2eedy-bzennarik-jawzeena approach.
“Meet your beloved Khadija or Elie and go ahead, dabbkeh out your joy!” The website content structure is typically Lebanese with phrases like “To contact your darlings, very sensual.” and “To search your better half, too exciting.” But how many of these female users are real and not just trolls trying to bait guys for nudies?
This article is not endorsing the dating website, and I neither encourage nor condemn using online dating sites. This is merely a critical review of a site that promises to eradicate celibacy.
- There is no name or organization that takes credit for this website, leading me to believe it’s just a developer with a strong sense of entrepreneurial skills.
- Site was not structured from scratch, it’s actually a template purchased from “http://www.vldpersonals.com/” which is an online dating and social networking software solution. How paragraphs are found roaming around the bottom right side of the page is beyond me.
- Sectarian preference, naturally.
- The dating tips are generally rephrased into Lebanese lingo from a simple google search.
- At 100$ annual for premium members, they offer an alternative lower fee of 20$ for one month or 40$ for 3 months. Much like a gym membership. Could cover up hosting costs with one user, turn a profit with two. Getting a dozen premium members every month could generate a steady income well above the standard Lebanese paycheck.
WARNING: IF YOU ARE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER DO NOT ACCESS THIS WEBSITE, YOU WILL BE AT RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR ARREST.
- It’s monetary business model depends on guys to spend their money. No surprise there! If you know anything about the Lebanese dating scene, you’d know that it’s a rare event when a girl picks up a tab or asks a guy out. Or buy a house. Or propose.
“In order to enjoy all the features of the website, buy your pass with confidence (the pass is Free for Girls).”
- The code structure is scruffy. There’s no other way to describe it, and you can see how even the most basic of principles of UX and visual alignment are knocking on heavens door.
- Cross browser testing is actually done for IE6 <!– [if lte IE 6]>–>
- <dd> I swear, this is the first time I’ve ever seen a description list used in website code. </dd>
- Extra points are awarded for having a full social site up and running which includes popular members, blocking capabilities, stalk proof visitors tab, private inbox, gifts, and all the other features necessary for an online account. Even though it could be a template, the final version would take a lot of work to complete.
Let me take a moment to applaud the creator of this site. There is a much needed method of getting introduced to people which sidesteps the normal methods of old lady matchmaking. A lot of opportunities are missed because of cultural restrictions and reputations. Dating is a big No-No in most places out of Beirut, and cross-sect commitments are frowned upon (and in some cases dangerous). Just hope that the people using this site follow the safety rules and avoid the fb creeps that find their way into inboxes.
Bravo on a Lebanese initiative, but it’s essential to pay attention to the small details like hiring a UX specialist when launching a business.
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