I've been using the Guardian's Soulmates intenet dating thing for a bit (with depressing consequences as posted on one of the other threads before). Read email exchange below (Hywel =me) and comment!
>
> On 2011-03-18 at 17:39:00, you wrote:
>
> Hi there,
>
> Generally you run a very good site. But I think there's one thing that
> should be brought to your attention, and which, as a site run as part of a
> newspaper that holds itself to be left-leaning, you should give some
> consideration to.
>
> On your 'ideal match' criteria, you include 'ethnicity' as one criterion
> for members to pick and choose with. Surely you don't ascribe to the
> cringeworthy and pathetic excuse that selecting partners on the basis of
> their skin colour is 'personal preference/type', whereas of course, for
> anyone viewing it with half a brain, it is a clear manifestation of racial
> prejudice?
>
> Granted, viewing potential partners' answers to this 'question' is a
> helpful filter for those of us who would prefer not to go out with racists,
> but it is rather strange to me that it is a criterion by which members of
> Guardian Soulmates can filter.
>
> Have you ever considered putting a 'disabled: yes/no/either' criterion in
> your 'ideal match' section? No, I don't think you have.
>
> Best
>
> Hywel
>
> Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:32:20 +0000
> From:
support@guardiansoulmates.co.uk
>
> Hi Hywel
> Thank you for your email as we always appreciate feedback from our members.
>
> I would however reassure you that the purpose of the section on your ideal
> match profile regarding ethnicity, is purely to provide all our members with
> varied options.
>
> As you can see, we have attempted to provide as many fields as possible on
> our profile choices, so that members can ensure they are matched with other
> users who meet their selected criteria. A great deal of thought and feedback
> from our members has taken place to ensure this suits our users needs.
>
> We have not had any feedback suggesting we include a 'disabled' option.
> However, we have passed your comments onto the developers of the site, but at
> present it is uncertain as to whether it will be possible to include the
> functionality that you have requested. However, we think that your point is a
> very valid one & will be considering it carefully.
>
> I hope this helps and you continue to enjoy the site.
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Jennifer
> Guardian Soulmates Support
>