Ok, I'm going to insert my last paragraph here, maybe it'll "fool" this site's programming. Why would I want to do that? [It didn't work, so I made slight modifications not to quote exactly the suggestions.]

You see, I don't fit the mold, unfortunately. When I try to submit the description below, Plenty of Fish responds with "Are you trying to be funny? Please enter a PROPER description." It IS a proper description, at least the best I can do. Oh, I could say I'm a nice guy, which is probably too true. But hey, everyone claims that, even the not nice guys. And here I specifically responded to the suggestions given and Plenty of Fish thinks I'm being too cute.

I'm following the suggestion that if I want to be successful, comment on the following subjects.

Really? You care about my hobbies? I'm on the computer a lot. I read news, I write e-mail, I maintain web sites. I like to hike, or if you're a serious hiker, let me say I like to walk in the woods because while a difficult trail is fun, I don't want to spend the night out there. I think I'd like to bicycle but I haven't done so in a long time and don't have a bike at this point.

Goals and aspirations? At my age? You mean all those things I didn't achieve???

It is suggesting I talk about what makes me unique.

I'd like to say I'm not unique. But I'm afraid I must be. Apparently I'm one of few who really will, non-literally, "cut off my nose to spite my face," meaning I tend to do things, or not do things, that would otherwise benefit me because I'd rather do that which I think is right or to treat others as I would like to be treated.

I'm prompted to talk about what music I like.

Oh gee, gimme a break. I don't mind people who love music. I can like it but I'm not one whose primary interest is music. Yes, I tend to like oldies rock and roll, particularly from the late 1950s and early '60s. But I'd much rather listen to National Public Radio's Morning Edition than an oldies radio station, then discuss issues of the day with someone rather than how good such and such band is.

I was just editing my profile to add a little more and fix a couple of typos when I saw that within 2 weeks of creating the profile I can change my gender. I can assure you, that if I were considering changing my gender, I'd know far longer than 2 weeks in advance!

Addendum: This might save you some time. I doubt I meet the "financially secure" designation which is a desirable trait for many. I probably could be called financially stable but think the phrase "financially secure" means more as it is used in the context of "romantic" matching. I'm not looking to live off another person, have no debt, get by on my own fine, but I'm not a source for funding for others, either. Sorry I'm not, especially for me!.

>The longer your description, the more likely it is you will get responses.

LOL. So size does count??? Look, I'm fairly traditional. A first date is likely to be dinner, perhaps before or after watching a sunset. While I think a first date is for getting to know someone, I have to admit my longest lasting and most serious relationships have been quick starts. So who knows what might happen on a first date? I only hope that if we both like what happens, it's also happening on the 3,972nd date, too.

>Uploading a photo is absolutely critical for success

How embarrassing. Does it have to be MY picture? Ok, this one is from a couple of years ago. Maybe no one I know will recognize me. LOL. But hey, as the song says,
"don't you want somebody to love
don't you need somebody to love
wouldn't you love somebody to love
you better find somebody to love..." (Jefferson Airplane, circa 1967)

Yes.