JDate

JDate is an online dating service aimed at Jewish singles. The service is one of a number of demographically focused online match-making websites operated by Spark Networks plc.

JDate offers two tiers of service: free and premium. "Free" users are encouraged to post a personal photo and create their own profile, and are permitted to view other member's profiles and send a fixed menu of messages known as “flirts.” The presence of free users makes it appear as if the site has a larger active membership. However, free users are not able to view messages sent to them or send normal messages of their own. Free users are also not permitted by the site's "editors" to warn other users of their free user status, or tip them off to the fact that they cannot send or receive messages. Any attempt to do so will be censored from the free users profile.

The premium service includes a full range of communications options, including email, chat, and the service's internal messaging system. A premium paying member must make an additional payment to send readable messages to "free" users however. If a premium member declines to make the additional payment, then they are warned repeatedly that free members will not be able to read their emails, and are asked to make an additional payment every time they send out a new message. On top of premium membership, JDate offers an all-access membership for an additional fee. Within this payment plan, users are given no indication as to whether they are contacting a non-subscriber. Both premium and free members are required to view the site's advertising banners, which slow down the service and "pop up" to take up a large part of the screen whenever a user inadvertently mouses over them.

A site redesign in late 2005 gave members the ability to note mutual interests with a click to each other's profile, which triggers an alert. This feature was copied wholesale from the more popular, free dating site, okcupid. Another update provided support for webcams and the ability to keep a list of prospects. Profile items include some fields of particular interest to Jews: adherence to dietary law, frequency of attendance at synagogue, and form of Judaism (if any) practiced. When members are not Jewish, they are asked to indicate whether or not they would consider conversion to Judaism. The site's in-person activities have included the usual cruises and ski trips – but also organized trips to Israel.