First off don't be negative - it's not too appealing. One would think that statement is common sense - of course - but trying to be too witty can show negativity. If you're serious about meeting someone tell it like it is and be naturally funny later.

1. Be unique
Because there are many other women and men dating online, you must strive to be unique and stand out in the crowd. But don't be 'over the top' on internet dating services.

2. Create intrigue
You must create intrigue to entice men or women and they will spend more time learning about you and contacting you after a quick glance at your photo.

3. Create volume
The more men or women who write you, the more choices you have.

4. Be efficient
You must create systems and strategies to weed through the volume of men and women so you can make smart choices.

Greenwald offers this advice for improving your attitude - and your chances of meeting Mr. Right:

5. Keep hope alive
"Thinking there's no one out there is very common," she says. "You've looked for a long time and are frustrated and tired of the search. Don't give up - that's the biggest mistake."

6. Abandon the list
"By 35, we've developed a list of what we're looking for - looks, religious preferences, hundreds of things," Greenwald notes. "But many of the women who've worked with me ultimately found their dream man comes in a totally different package than they'd every imagined. Opt for love, not the list."

7. Check your baggage
"Many first dates and profiles are all about the baggage - 'I can't trust anyone,' 'I can't put myself out there,' 'I'm bitter about my ex-husband.' That's not projecting your best self, and it creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you're not attractive to yourself, no one else will be either."

Contacting a Woman:

These suggestions result from numerous emails and talks with women about what they will, and what they won't respond to.

1) ' Go beyond standard bar 'pick-up' lines.

2) Don't send a standard 'Form letter' recipients are usually unimpressed by lack of effort, and you probably won't hear back from them.

3) Give More Information Share more personal information about yourself than contained in your ad.

4) Essential Information. Include your personal ad mailbox number so she can check out your description, mug and voice.

5) Patience and Persistence. Women lead busy lives! She might be out of town, her ISP server down, the computer crashed, or snowed under by kids and business paperwork for a week after you write. Wait awhile, then write back, mention your first e.mail, and include the fact that you are really interested in her.

6) A closing statement which conveys best wishes for happiness whether she chooses to respond to your email or not, speaks volumes about the sender.

Women's Ads:

Ladies, prepare to be deluged with more suitors than you ever dreamed possible! Internet dating is still male-dominated, and this time, that's to your advantage!

Certain facts about men and women are not going to change, and that most men will look first for a pretty face, is one of them. So, if you are looking for a man who is interested in YOU...your mind, heart and spirit, in addition to your gorgeous mug, then your ad must be crafted to attract the type of man you seek.

So, who are you and what do you want? Think about it. Make a list of everything that is important to you. This may take some time, but time worth spending. A few hours, days or even weeks is but a mere blip in the overall scheme of things when compared to spending years in misery with an incompatible man, or a lifetime with your soul mate. Opt for the latter and do your homework!

How To Write Effective Personal Ads:

l) BE HONEST. The fastest way to ruin what might have been a beautiful friendship is to lie. Hide the fact that you are a single father of 5 year-old triplets, and miss a chance to find someone who wants to love them and share your parental joys.

An athlete might be disappointed to learn that the person they've been emailing for a month weighs 150 pounds more than stated.

If what you seek is a strictly sexual relationship, say so. Many seek likewise, so there is no reason to pretend otherwise with someone who seeks a long-term committed relationship.

Dishonesty will always be caught sooner or later. Allow others to make informed decisions about what they will and will not accept, based on an honest representation of yourself. Be truthful and avoid the pain, heartache, disappointment and separation caused by dishonesty. Open yourself to incredible happiness by allowing others t to love you as you are, for who you are.

2) CREATE A 'GRABBER'. A 'grabber' is an attention-getting headline which stands out above the rest and demands to be read.

Check out the competition. Which ads grab your attention, and why? Those which usually stand out are original, personal, and direct. What can you say about yourself in a single sentence which makes you irresistible to a potential partner?

Sexual comments about physical attributes are usually a turn-off to those looking for persons with intellectual, emotional, and spiritual substance.

3) BE SPECIFIC. You know who you are and what you want Tell them about it! Almost everyone seems to enjoy 'moonlit walks, candlelight dinners, and strolls on the beach'. Be specific about the values you hold and seek, in addition to naming hobbies and interests.

4) BE POSITIVE. Let your natural exuberance and zest for life shine through in your writing. Negativity repels. You may elicit an offer from a counseling service if you project a woebegone attitude, but you probably won't attract your soul mate.

5) BEST FOOT FORWARD. You wouldn't (hopefully) show up on a first date unwashed and unkempt, would you?