You are likely at least somewhat familiar with Ashley Madison – the notorious dating site that helps members find discreet affairs and hookups. However, you might not be as familiar with exactly how the site works, especially what it costs to join.
This article offers a quick overview of how to find your next discreet “adventure” using Ashley Madison.
Signing up
Signing up for an account is fairly easy. In fact, Ashley Madison claims that it only takes 30 seconds.
Since nearly all members wish to remain anonymous, the site only asks for very minimal information during the registration process:
• Username
• Password
• Date of birth
• Ethnicity
• Email address to confirm registration
• Zipcode
Adding photos
If you want to remain completely anonymous on the site, then you have the option of using an avatar for your profile photo.
However, you have to remember that a fling, just like a traditional date, largely requires mutual physical attraction. Therefore, you will likely have much more success on Ashley Madison by uploading a few good photos of yourself. However, if you are worried that you might be recognized by someone else using the discreet dating site, the upload menu gives you the option of masking your face – which blurs the image.
Setting your preferences to find matches
Who you get matched with by the Ashley Madison algorithm is largely driven by your preferences.
For example, you can change your zip code to see matches from a different city – which can be helpful if you are planning to take a trip. It goes without saying that bigger cities will likely have more members and potential matches for you. Therefore, if you live in a small town or rural area, you might want to consider selecting a zip code for a larger town near you to get more matches.
Also, after joining, you will see a list of profiles that the site “thinks” you might be interested in. Therefore, by adding the profiles that you do like to your favorites, you can help Ashley Madison’s algorithm learn more about your preferences – which will help it select better matches for you.
Selecting a subscription plan
While women can use the site for free – including sending and responding to messages for free – men must purchase credits by selecting one of the subscription packages in order to send/open messages, as well as get access to all of the site’s other features like being able to do your own browsing.
Ashley Madison offers three subscription plans:
• Basic – 100 credits
• Classic – 500 credits
• Elite – 1000 credits
It costs five credits to send a message, and five credits to read a message. You can check the site for current pricing details.
In Short
If you are interested in what Ashley Madison has to offer, signing up for an account is fast and easy. For more anonymity, you have the option of either using an avatar as your profile image or masking photos of yourself to keep people from being able to recognize you on the site.
Your preferences, especially your location and favorites, play a big role in determining your matches. If you are a man, you will need to purchase credits to use the site.
