Want to know how to write the perfect personals ad? Here are some tips gleaned from Singles on The Go, Yahoo! Personals, Ask Men, and IVillage. How do they stack up against each other? Let’s find out.

Singles on The Go

1. Write honestly and accurately - this includes listing your real height, weight, body type, education background and profession (no stretching the truth here).
2. Don’t share too much information - just enough to keep them interested. List things like favorite hobbies, activities, movies, books, etc. Keep things about work minimal. Say things like "a nurse at a local clinic" or "mortician at a funeral home." You get the gist.
3. Don’t fixate on only one aspect of your life. You come off sounding one-dimensional and obsessed. Write things people can relate to, such as where you’re from, where you live, or where you’re going in life.
4. Don’t dwell on problems or limitations. You can talk about those things later. If you have children, mention them briefly. People want to know you will have time for them.
5. Think about what you’re looking for, and don’t set too many limitations. It might hinder some great opportunities. Don’t say you’re looking for the love of your life and want to get married.
6. Good words: affectionate, likes to cuddle, interested in a committed relationship, sensitive, great cook, romantic, caring, monogamous, down-to-earth, sophisticated, etc.
7. Bad words: well hung, great in bed, I’d love to satisfy you, sexually insatiable, great lover, erotic, uninhibited, etc.
8. Unless a person is downright unappealing, remember that amateur photos hardly do justice to a person.
9. Increase your response rate by ten times by posting a photo. You can also offer to exchange photos (photos - not porn here people) by e-mail. Send your best photos. First impressions are crucial.