3 ms·
eHarmony isn't successful because of the matching algorithm. eHarmony is successful because of the steep barriers to entry, perception of safety and privacy, i
by Goladus 19y ago
eHarmony isn't successful because of the matching algorithm. eHarmony is successful because of the steep barriers to entry, perception of safety and privacy, its ability to attract women to the site, the rate at which they regulate match delivery, and the guided communication process.
The result is that you don't waste much time browsing profiles. You don't waste time trying to filter out spammers. You don't waste time coming up with clever pick-up lines. You don't get pestered by matches you close.
The matching algorithm definitely matters, but it's mostly a red herring. If I were eHarmony, I'd be far more worried about my terrible user interface than the matching algorithm.
- huherto 19y agoGood analysis. I perceive that the biggest barrier to entry is the amount of money that you have to spend in marketing. We have been able to match most of their functionality but we don't have nor want to spent that much money in marketing. We haven't been able to come up with alternative approaches.
- Goladus 19y agoI just want to make sure its clear that in my previous post, "barrier to join" is probably more accurate than "barrier to entry." I was talking about the amount of time, effort, and money it takes to actually sign up and create a profile. It's a relatively enjoyable process, but it weeds out people who don't have patience.
- noonespecial 19y agoHow many people will just go along with whatever adversity they encounter in the relationship because they've "found their soul mate". It has to be, the computer said so. The matching algorithm: m=rand(w);
- __ 19y agoI assume rand() returns an index of how much a person likes Atlas Shrugged.
- noonespecial 19y agono, you're thinking of Lib::Rtarian