I'm working on a Ning social network and have found the platform to be simple, with great usability and an extensive feature set. Its well priced in comparison to Kickapps. The most compelling factor is, because its the largest white label social networking service right now, I know a good portion of the people I'll be inviting to use my SNS will already have profiles. That means I'll have more members and more activity on the site. Ning will grow more slowly than other SNS, but slow and steady may well win the race. I expect this to be a top 5 SNS eventually.

On first look I found the new site design quite exhilarating and in stark contrast to the prior more conservative design.

Both Shaadi and Bharatmatrimony have extensive networks of partners who work directly with people who may not have internet access and a computer. Its a novel and high touch approach. I'm itching to find the excuse to get out to India to explore these services further.

Yes. Thats why speed dating is a welcome respite, and a natural fit for dating services. They allow people to quickly meet other singles. But events are high touch, and high maintenance which is the reason they've not been adopted on the whole.

Cupid runs Predating events. Spark Networks recently bought Hurrydate. 8MinuteDating.com is still available for acquisition. FastLife.com runs high end events around the world.

I think sites that offer a combination of speed dating and online dating works well for singles. They can very effectively search online for compatible people and then see if they have chemistry. Speed dating is the reverse model. Singles can go and see if they have chemistry, and then search through the persons profile after the event. They can see if the person wants kids, smokes, etc. So the two, speed-dating and online dating, work well hand in hand.