*** July 2006 update: Since we already visited Amateur Match once after its initial review, this time around is mostly just a quick check to see if anything has changed greatly in the last approximately 8 months since our previous second visit. Everything seems to remain the same. Very little access for free members, lots of dirty extras for premium subscribers. A cursory search reveals the same mix of profiles, some with photos, some without and written descriptions that do not make it obvious how many members are real or fake. Having signed up twice under two different emails as a free member, I can't say that personally during all this time that I've gotten spammed but I suppose I could have been luckier than some surfers who commented on that particular issue. The price remains unchanged but it is still hard to try out much of AmateurMatch before upgrading to a paid membership. ***
After negative feedback about Amateur Match, I revisited the site. Things changed from the previous score, although some things remained valid. The issue raised by detractors wasn’t a problem for me the first time, so I created a new profile. Originally, I had praised the site specifically for having what appeared to be genuine profiles, so I wanted to know whether my opinion this time around would change.
First, there doesn’t appear to have been a major redesign of the site. However, one changed area that definitely needed re-evaluation was the profile quality. Currently, a small number of members have posted photos, so that lowers the quality score. When I signed up the first time, more information was mandatory not optional to provide. For the latest profile, I gave almost no personal details, not even height and weight, which is ridiculous. Additionally, it’s impossible to choose anything outside of an American state even when indicating another country. Therefore, Amateur Match loses points for search options, since any worthwhile site allows more exact matches than country-only for at least some of those living outside the US.
The options as a free member remain access to everyone’s written profile, but not enlarging thumbnail photos before paying. Other than “Hot Listing,” there is no free way to contact people. Browsing through profiles, I recognize familiar faces from my local area from other dating sites, some of whom I’ve met face-to-face. It isn’t proof that all profiles are real. However, most sites that use fake profiles spring for ones with great photos or titillating write-ups, which are in short supply at AmateurMatch.
Premium members get full access to member profiles, profile pictures, some porn action including streaming videos, photo galleries and XXX computer games. Premium members also can contact one another using chat, instant messaging and e-mail. None of these services seem to be disputed or of questionable value.
The surfer complaints posted may be valid. I haven’t personally received “bogus” emails. I understand the concept, one tries to read the fake email, only to discover one needs a premium membership first. I don’t condone such a ploy, nor do I confirm or deny its use by this site. However, at Amateur Match, one can search usernames (free), so verifying whether an email originates from a genuine profile should be easy enough. Not to seem facetious, but I suggest being cautious before paying to sign up for any service. Unfortunately, even seemingly “legitimate” sites send advertising that resembles responses from fellow members.