This boils down to the simple fact that the truth sometimes hurts, so we avoid talking about it as much as we can. Thus it's difficult to be marketable and reflect reality at the same time.
OkCupid has less-than-OK policies. Especially if you're "ugly."
21–30 of 73 posts
Re: OkCupid has less-than-OK policies. Especially if you're "ugly."
#22I'm not quite sure what the problem is. OkCupid's goal is to help its users find dates. People rarely date someone who's very significantly more or less attractive than they are. Directing people to users with whom they're much likelier to find success actually seems quite sensible, not "less than OK".
I know what the problem is... After seeing some of the pictures of the people who got that letter, I'm pretty convinced they gave it to the bottom half.
That would be...interesting. Are these pictures public?
Re: OkCupid has less-than-OK policies. Especially if you're "ugly."
#23If you think looks don't matter, then this shouldn't bother you as you are just as likely to make a match no matter how attractive the subjects are. If you think looks do matter then you have no right to complain. I think people are just upset to learn that they are in the unattractive group.
Re: OkCupid has less-than-OK policies. Especially if you're "ugly."
#24They left out the main reason it's offensive: What do you mean the scales recently tipped in my favor? I'm just barely above average now, and I was previously at 49% or lower? What if I thought I was in, say, the top 25%?
Re: OkCupid has less-than-OK policies. Especially if you're "ugly."
#25[deleted]
Re: OkCupid has less-than-OK policies. Especially if you're "ugly."
#26Re: OkCupid has less-than-OK policies. Especially if you're "ugly."
#27I'm not quite sure what the problem is. OkCupid's goal is to help its users find dates. People rarely date someone who's very significantly more or less attractive than they are. Directing people to users with whom they're much likelier to find success actually seems quite sensible, not "less than OK".
Yup, I think this is the main reason why they implemented it.
To elaborate a little further on this point from a guy's perspective (this might sound controversial)..
1. You risk scaring off attractive girls if they are bombarded by mail from a wider range of less attractive guys
2. The less attractive girls will get less attention as the guys will try their chances with the hotter girls
3. And all the girls would have a worse experience, ugly or hot, which might result in them leaving.
Although the article is not completely accurate ("Those in the dreaded bottom 50% presumably do not have access to potential matches in the top 50%" -- not true from what was in the email), it does bring up valid points. How much should physical attractiveness play a role in relationships? Is it smart to isolate a part of your user base with such an email?
And who is Okcupid to make judgement calls on who I may find attractive?
Re: OkCupid has less-than-OK policies. Especially if you're "ugly."
#28Re: OkCupid has less-than-OK policies. Especially if you're "ugly."
#29If I were running that site I would be interested in sending that email to a randomly-selected half the userbase and then seeing if and how they behaved differently on the site. After all, the letter says both that you, personally, are more attractive, but also acts as kind of guarantee that the people you are being matched with are more attractive too.
There may be some ethical considerations here of course.
Re: OkCupid has less-than-OK policies. Especially if you're "ugly."
#30They left out the main reason it's offensive: What do you mean the scales recently tipped in my favor? I'm just barely above average now, and I was previously at 49% or lower? What if I thought I was in, say, the top 25%?
so, ignorance is bliss?