teagirl – well I guess some relationships ca be open and work, but for me, no. If I were the guy in a relationship where I wanted sex but wasn't getting it I'd weigh up the pro's and con's and either make the sacrifice or end the relatinship.
midnight – the sites (or at least the one I'm using – MSF, and I suspect all) make the approach, the flirting and the dating very process driven and suck all the spontaneity, excitment and fun from it. They also make dating seem even more pressurised, you feel a need to rush if you see someone you like and you are very aware that everyone feels the same so everyone is 'layering'. Everyone is approaching dozens of people at once, talking on email/messaging with as many as they can, having first dates with several and second dates with a few all at the same time. It is very much a meat market. These are, for me (and many others?) the bits I dislike about 'natural' dating but the site amplifies it massively. I know I'm not the only one to feel this way, it is a common feeling for users. Oh and you WILL go on just the photos. The written profile descriptions are very formulaic and don't help to get a feeling for someone so you go on lust…the girls I've dated have said this to me so it's not just my own view.
On the plus side it is honest and open and gets you out there, plus there is no embarassment in taking that first step and sending a message to someone that catches your eye. Plus most people are normal and have some nice qualities so as long as you don't get too worked up about a first date (just keep it simple – a meet for one drink or a coffee) and play it by ear then the worst that happens is a polite but unexciting coffee and 20 minutes of slow conversation, the best is…well..you decide.
Happy to expand on my experiences if you want me too, but probably not in public.
Neil