I have always been at odds generally with most of society with regard to what I perceive as a blatant, rampant lack of ethics, character, integrity.....whichever term you choose to use.  For numerous reasons.  I view having "character" as doing the right thing, even when you don't have to, even when it's not convenient.  When no one is there to see you not doing the right thing, or there being no direct or immediate consequences for not doing the right thing, yet you still actually do the right thing.  Character.   Responding to emails and/or returning phone calls as an example.  The reality of our world is that most don't even do that one simple thing.

It was my hope and assumption when I first ventured into this community that finding a higher level of character and integrity would be fairly probable.  My logic was that due to the nature of this community and the critical role that trust and honor play in it, that finding those that do strive for a higher level of character would be far more possible and probable.  It was one of the aspect of this venture that I actually looked forward to wehn starting my venture.  What I have found so far thought, sadly leaves me sorely disappointed.  As hard as it is to fathom, I fear this community is even far more "character challenged" than even the vanilla world.  How very sad.

I have had a profile here for not quite two years.  In that time I have responded to well over 100 profiles.  I have heard back from exactly 5.  And one of those is with regard to something that has NOTHING to do with this lifestyle at all.  5% success rate....at best.

Mind you, I read thru the profiles thoroughly that I think I might be a possible fit or connection.  Meaning, I only respond to ONLY those profiles, that are in reasonable proximity, close in age, common interests and whose criteria I believe I meet.  Additionally, I do NOT just send just the proverbial one-liners that I hear so many here complaining about.  I typically send at least 2-3 paragraphs including as much information about myself, my intentions, and why I think there might be a connection for myself and the profiler that I am responding to.  I am also as respectful and courteous as possible.

In spite of all of this, I get responses (of ANY sort) back from less than 5% of those that I respond to.  I hear nothing, nada, zip, zilch.  Not even a "thanks, but no thanks", "busy right now, will write later", "your an idiot", "write me when you have all of your teeth"....not even a simple old "FU".  What gives?  Is it really that hard...?!

Perhaps I'm just different.  But I would always prefer a "rejection" of any sort to a non-response.  Always.  A rejection with a reason why would be even better, and a real bonus.  But I would settle for just a plain simple rejection.  A response of any sort.  And yes, we are all busy.  I know that.  We all are.  But really, just how much time does it take to respond to an email.......10 seconds??  15 seconds tops?!  I spend 15-20 minutes sometimes with most of my responses, again trying to be thorough.  And you can't take 10 seconds and just send a simple "FU"?!!?  Really.....?!

Basic character.  Fundamental ethics.  Just plain common courtesy.  And it cannot be found even within this community.  Truly sad.  I just keep shaking my head........