MiniDates delivers you dates when you're free
so you can easily meet new people in person

MiniDates sends you suggested dates by text or email:

• with people who match your criteria
• at the times & neighborhoods where you're free

We do all the work, you're in complete control

because you can't judge chemistry online

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How It Works

1. GET SETUP
   Create your account and Get Setup in 3 easy steps: 1. About Me, 2. Who I'm Seeking, and 3. When & Where I'm Free.
   You can choose “any time, anywhere, any place” if your schedule allows, or choose specific times, or recurring times. So, for example, you can specify you're free in the next 24 hours in Astoria, in Midtown 12-2pm Mon-Fri, next Thursday evening 8-10pm in SoHo, this weekend in the Hamptons, or every Saturday in Brooklyn.
2. GET DATES SENT TO YOU!
   Dates are sent by text, email or in-app notification. Click through and review each date: the person with his/her full profile and photos; the neighborhood; and the time and day.
   ACCEPT! If everything looks good, just ACCEPT the date! If the person isn't to your liking, click "Not with this person". If the time and day don't work for you but you like the person, then choose “maybe another time”. Soon, you'll also be able to reschedule!
   CHOOSE A PLACE The first person to accept the date also chooses the final venue- either a coffee shop or bar from a list of hundreds of venues by neighborhood. The venue list is determined by which neighborhoods are convenient for both people on the date.
3. SEND A MESSAGE!
   Once a MiniDate is confirmed, you can safely and privately blind text or email with your date as much as you want through MiniDates, straight from your email provider or as a text message, without revealing your personal information.
4. GO ON THE DATE!
   You'll get automated reminders and c calendar invites sent to you, and there's a Google Map of the venue location included in the date details. Be sure to be respectful and on time, or cancel well in advance if you can't make it, or else you could be rated negatively. Read our First Date Guidelines and Etiquette as well as Safety Tips for more info.
   How easy and convenient is it? You can get a date in as soon as 15 minutes if there's a match, and you can go on up to 24 dates a day- one an hour!
5. RATE YOUR DATE
   After each MiniDate, you rate your date based on if he/she: 1.showed up and was on time; 2. was courteous and respectful; 3. is someone you would recommend to someone else; and 4. was as described in his/her profile.
   If you want to stay in touch, you can choose to share your phone and email, or have MiniDates set you up on another date!

Any more questions? Read our FAQ!

JOIN WITH FACEBOOK

Use your Facebook profile to automatically complete your MiniDates profile (you can review it after). Your dating activity is NOT shared!

OUR DATING RULES

MiniDates arranges and sends you date proposals based on when & where you're free and who you're looking for. You just got through About Me- congrats! The next 2 steps are to:

1. tell us who you're looking for and
2. When & where you're free- and then we'll start sending you dates!

You also need to accept the 5 MiniDates Golden Rules:

1. Be courteous, respectful, on time and honest!
   After your date, you'll rate your dates and be rated on 3 things:
   
   1. if they showed up , and were on time
   2. if they were respectful and you'd recommend them to someone else
   3. if they were as they described themselves in their profile
   If you get three negatives in any one category, you'll be removed from the system!
   
   Remember, you can always cancel your date in advance if something comes up, or privately message your dates through MiniDates to let them know you'll be running late. Be nice!
2. The suggested date length is just 15-20 minutes
   The idea of a MiniDate is to briefly judge compatibility and chemistry, so you should feel free to leave with a friendly goodbye after 15-20 minutes. You will be able to share your contact information and schedule more dates with the same person after, if you choose.
3. Stick with the chosen location
   The venues in MiniDates are generally safe public venues that are good for first meetings. If your date suggests an alternate location for any reason other than that the venue is closed, you should decline, and then report the person (and venue closures) to MiniDates at support@minidates.com
4. Each person pays for his/her own drink and food
   Order what you want, pay for it yourself, and don't accept a drink or food from someone you don't know.
5. Help make MiniDates awesome!
   Here's how:
   
   1. Tell your friends so we get great people on the service and your friends get dates!
   2. To report a problem you're having, email support@minidates.com
   3. To suggest a venue, a new feature or an enhancement, email feedback@minidates.com
   4. To report a dangerous user, click on the person's profile and click FLAG. They will be immediately flagged to our support team for research.

Accept

How It Works

1. GET SETUP
   Create your account and Get Setup in 3 easy steps: 1. About Me, 2. Who I'm Seeking, and 3. When & Where I'm Free.
   You can choose “any time, anywhere, any place” if your schedule allows, or choose specific times, or recurring times. So, for example, you can specify you're free in the next 24 hours in Astoria, in Midtown 12-2pm Mon-Fri, next Thursday evening 8-10pm in SoHo, this weekend in the Hamptons, or every Saturday in Brooklyn.
2. GET DATES SENT TO YOU!
   Dates are sent by text, email or in-app notification. Click through and review each date: the person with his/her full profile and photos; the neighborhood; and the time and day.
   ACCEPT! If everything looks good, just ACCEPT the date! If the person isn't to your liking, click "Not with this person". If the time and day don't work for you but you like the person, then choose “maybe another time”. Soon, you'll also be able to reschedule!
   CHOOSE A PLACE The first person to accept the date also chooses the final venue- either a coffee shop or bar from a list of hundreds of venues by neighborhood. The venue list is determined by which neighborhoods are convenient for both people on the date.
3. SEND A MESSAGE!
   Once a MiniDate is confirmed, you can safely and privately blind text or email with your date as much as you want through MiniDates, straight from your email provider or as a text message, without revealing your personal information.
4. GO ON THE DATE!
   You'll get automated reminders and c calendar invites sent to you, and there's a Google Map of the venue location included in the date details. Be sure to be respectful and on time, or cancel well in advance if you can't make it, or else you could be rated negatively. Read our First Date Guidelines and Etiquette as well as Safety Tips for more info.
   How easy and convenient is it? You can get a date in as soon as 15 minutes if there's a match, and you can go on up to 24 dates a day- one an hour!
5. RATE YOUR DATE
   After each MiniDate, you rate your date based on if he/she: 1.showed up and was on time; 2. was courteous and respectful; 3. is someone you would recommend to someone else; and 4. was as described in his/her profile.
   If you want to stay in touch, you can choose to share your phone and email, or have MiniDates set you up on another date!

Any more questions? Read our FAQ!

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• Guidelines & Etiquette
• FAQ
• How It Works
• Feedback
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MINIDATES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How are you different than other dating services?
A: MiniDates is the first and only service that arranges REAL in-person dates for you with exactly WHO you're looking for and WHEN and WHERE you're free. No other service actually arranges 1 on 1 dates for you based on YOUR schedule and with the people YOU want to meet.

• Other services match you based on WHO you're looking for- your compatibility. We do that.
• Some services match you based on WHERE you are right then. We do that too, and we also allow you to say where you WILL be in the future.
• We're the only service that also matches you based on WHEN you're free.
• We're the only service that sends you 1 on 1 dates that you can just accept or decline.
• We require our users to rate their dates, which ensures the accuracy of our dater's profiles and safe dates for you.

Some more differences

• You don't browse profiles on MiniDates. We send you dates based on who you're looking for and when and where you're free. We take all the effort out of dating and make it super easy, fast, fun and convenient.
• Your identity is private on MiniDates. Since your profile isn't visible until you're matched with someone on a date, your identity is protected.
• There are only real people, not fake profiles, on MiniDates. Users must confirm their phone number and email, so you know they're real people, and they have to be honest in their profile, or they'll get bad reviews from their dates.

Q: I don't have a smartphone. Can I use MiniDates?
A: Yes. MiniDates.com is a website that runs in any modern browser (Safari, FireFox, Chrome). You do need to have some kind of mobile phone that accepts text messages to confirm your phone number and get direct blind text messages from your date.

Q: I'm free now. Can you set me up on a date right away?
A: Dates are planned on the hour. So, if you say you're free in your neighborhood at 7:45, you could potentially have a date by 8pm.

Q: Do I get to see my date's profile before accepting the date?
A:Yes. You see their full profile, including photos, before you accept the date, and again after accepting. Users fill out a profile when they sign up, and they cannot get dates until their profile is completed with a photo.

Q: How will I know I am going to be compatible with my date?
A: You'll know just as much or more about your dates using MiniDates as you would through any other online dating service like OKCupid, Match etc, and you KNOW it's a real person and not a fake profile because they verified their email and phone. Plus, we only set you up on dates with people who fit your requirements EXACTLY. If you say you want someone who is liberal, ages 25-30, with a graduate degree, you'll only be matched with liberals, ages 25-30, with a graduate degree. So if you aren't getting the matches you want, you'll need to adjust your criteria.If you're still feeling unsure, then blind text or email message with them before the date through the system.

Q: Can I communicate with my match before the date?
A: Yes. You can BLIND email and text message with them unlimited amounts, either before you accept the date, or after. Your email and phone number are never revealed.

Q: How do I know people aren't total weirdos or jerks?
A: You rate your date after the date is over based on whether they showed up, cancelled just before, courteousness, if they were as described on their profile and if you'd recommend them to a friend. Three bad strikes in any one category and the person is kicked out of the system. This makes the experience better for everyone.You can also report dangerous users and they will be kicked off immediately.

Q: I commute. How does that work?
A: Set up when and where you're free to match your schedule. So, you can say you are free M-F from 9am-6pm in midtown Manhattan, and weekday evenings in Brooklyn, and Saturday-Sunday in the Hamptons or Fire Island.

Q: What if I get a date with someone and I like the person, but I'm not free at that time. Can I mark that person so the system matches me with them again?
A: YES! Hit the 'Fave' button on their profile page to add them to your favorites and we'll prioritize them for future dates.

Q: What if I get a date proposal from someone and I do NOT want to be matched with them again?
A: Hit 'Block' on the date details to permanently block that person from being matched with you.

Q: What if someone doesn't show up or cancels just before the date?
A: You rate your date after the date is over based on whether they showed up, cancelled just before, courteousness, if they were as described on their profile and if you'd recommend them to a friend. 3 bad strikes in any one category and the person is kicked out of the system.

Q: How long do MiniDates last?
A: We suggest 15-20 minutes before it's acceptable to let the person know that you don't think it will work out.

Q: What if I get a new date for a time where I'm no longer free?
A: No problem, just decline the date.

Q: What if I'm booked on one date. Will I get more dates for that time?
A: No. Once you're booked for a 1 hour time slot, you won't get more dates for that time unless you cancel.

Q: What if I accept a date, then something comes up and I need to cancel?
A: You can cancel 24 hours before without penalty, and up to 3 times within 24 hours of the date. If you cancel within 24 hours of your dates more than 3 times, you'll be temporarily banned from the system.

Q: Is using MiniDates safe?
A: MiniDates is a lot SAFER than most other online dating services, because

1. we verify the user's telephone number and email before they can use the service,
2. we only set up dates in busy public places,
3. we have all users rate the other person after the date to remove any users who are suspect,
4. users can't find you on the service unless they are matched with you (no browsing), and
5. users NEVER know where you are- only where you're going to be when you meet them on a date. Users will never be able to see where you currently are or where you live.
   
   That said, you should always use discretion when dating online and meeting new people. NEVER give them your phone number or email- let the communication happen through the blind messaging of the service. NEVER agree to meet them in a different place than what was arranged in the service. NEVER respond to requests for money, help etc- it's likely a scam.

Q: What if I'm not getting any dates?
A: Change your settings to be broader in terms of who you're looking for, or when and where you're free (such as from a specific neighborhood to anywhere in NYC).If that doesn't work, ask a trusted friend to review your profile. Make sure you have ATTRACTIVE photos of yourself on the site and well-considered, thoughtful answers to the profile questions, using good grammar. Try to represent yourself in the best light.

Q: What if I'm getting too many dates?
A: Change your settings to narrow who you're looking for, or change when and where you're free to be more specific times and places.

Q: What kind of photos are acceptable?
A: NO NUDITY. The picture should be OF YOU, with clothes on, and be recent.

Q: I don't like bars or coffee shops. Are there any other alternatives?
A: We currently only support bars and coffee shops- low-key, no-cover, public places. If you and your date want to do something more interesting after, then meet them there first and plan your next destination on your own.

Q: Why do I get to choose the venue sometimes and not other times?
A: The first person who gets the date proposal chooses the venue. In a hetero date match, that's the woman. So, when there's a match for the date between Betty and Bob, Betty will get the date proposal first and will choose the venue when she accepts the date. Bob then gets a proposal that includes the venue. The venue possibilities are based on the neighborhoods and areas that overlap between the two people. So if both people only overlap in SoHo, only SoHo venues will be shown. If both overlap in all of Brooklyn, all of Brooklyn's venues will be shown. There is a default venue for each neighborhood, borough and city.

Q: I don't see my favorite bar/coffee shop/ venue in the list. Can you add it?
A: Send us proposals for new venues to venues@minidates.com. If you're a coffee shop or bar owner and would like us to feature your venue, please contact us!

Q: I think you should add a certain feature to the system. Can I give you feedback?
A: YES! Send us feedback to feedback@minidates.com

Guidelines & Etiquette

As a courtesy to other MiniDates members please:

• Show up to all dates and be on time. If you need to cancel make sure you cancel 24 hours before the date, or you will be penalized. After 3 no shows or late cancellations you will temporarily be kicked out of MiniDates.
• Do not ask for or provide any contact information outside of the system.
• Be fully clothed in all pictures you post to your profile.
• Be truthful when creating and updating your profile.
• Be respectful when communicating through Blind text and email and when meeting in person.
• Be sure to accurately rate your dates. Inaccurate ratings will affect that user’s ability to get New MiniDates.

Important Safety Tips

Oxford Technology Ventures, LLC recommends that its members follow a few basic tips while dating and meeting people on Minidates or Getogether both online and offline. Please read the following safety tips to keep your experience enjoyable and secure.

Fraud Awareness

NEVER share your personal or financial information with people you don't know. Make sure to follow these guidelines at all times when meeting new people online:

• DON'T ever send money to someone you meet online, especially by wire transfer. Keep in mind that wiring money is like sending cash: the sender has no protections against loss. Scammers often insist that people wire money, especially overseas, because it's nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money. Don't wire money to strangers or to someone who claims to be in an emergency (and wants to keep the request a secret).
• Don't give out your credit card number or bank info.
• Don't share your personal info, such as SSN, address, phone number, etc. Communicate through the service, which keeps your personal information private and secure.

There are certain red flags to watch for that may indicate you're dealing with a scammer. Be aware of anyone who...

• Quickly asks to talk or chat on an outside email or messaging service
• Vanishes mysteriously from the site, then reappears under a different name
• Talks about 'destiny' or 'fate'
• Claims to be recently widowed
• Asks for your address under the guise of sending flowers or gifts
• Makes an inordinate amount of grammar and/or spelling errors
• Claims to be from U.S. but currently traveling, living or working abroad
• Asks you for money

At Oxford Technology Ventures, LLC we care very much about our community and invest in fraud detection systems to protect you, such as requiring email and phone number on registration. However, even with these measures, we also need your help!

Report any suspicious activity or behavior to us at safety@OxfordTechnologyVentures.com immediately. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your money.

Practical Tips for Dating Online and Off

There is no substitute for acting with caution when communicating with any stranger who wants to meet you. You are in control of your online dating experience at all times remain anonymous until you feel ready. Remember to always trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe or threatened, cease communication and report any misbehavior immediately to safety@OxfordTechnologyVentures.com.

• Guard your identity. Don't share your real name, personal phone numbers, email address, home address, place of work or any other identifying information while IMing or messaging until you have established a reasonable level of trust with the other party. Do not post personal contact information in your profile or username.
• Protect your online access information. Use caution when accessing your account from a public or shared computer so that others are not able to view or record your password or other personal information. If you share your computer with others, consider disabling your auto-sign in feature if you have linked an auto log-in program or feature to your MiniDates or Getogether account.
• Remain anonymous until you feel comfortable. Take advantage of the member-to-member technology utilized on MiniDates and Getogether that protects your identity until YOU choose to reveal it. This technology works on all messages.
• Get to know the other person online before meeting them offline. Use the tools available through MiniDates and Getogether that protect your anonymity to get to know someone before meeting them in person. If you would like more information about someone, we recommend using the internet and government resources available to everyone.
• Block abusive users. Block any member who behaves or treats you in an abusive way and report the behavior to Oxford Technology Ventures, LLC immediately. Stop communicating immediately with anyone who pressures you for personal or financial information. You can block and report concerns or terms of use violations from any profile page, from your message or IM window. Your involvement will help keep the community fun and enjoyable.

Examples of terms of use violations include:

• Minors using the service
• Members sending harassing or offensive messages/IMs
• Members asking you for money or donations
• Members behaving inappropriately after meeting in person
• Fraudulent registration or profiles
• Spam or solicitation, such as invitations to call 1-900 numbers or attempts to sell products or services
• Copyright infringement
• Any other violation of Oxford Technology Ventures, LLC's policies

Safety Tips for Meeting Offline

• Always meet in public. Meet for the first time in a populated, public location never in a private or remote location.
• Tell a friend. Inform a friend or family member of your plans and when and where you're going. If you own a mobile phone, make sure you have it with you. Share your date details through the service to provide exact details.
• Stay sober. Do not do anything that would impair your judgment and cause you to make a decision you could regret.
• Drive yourself to and from the first meeting. Just in case things don't work out, you need to be in control of your own ride even if you take a taxi.
• Don't leave personal items unattended. You don't want to risk having personal information stolen. If you're drinking, keep your drink with you at all times so it can't be tampered with.
• Stay in a public place. It is best not to go back to your date's home or bring them back to yours on the first date. If your date pressures you, end the date and leave at once.

Long Distance Meetings 5 Safety Suggestions

Long distance meetings pose special safety concerns to take into account. Keep these tips in mind.

• Stay in a hotel. If you can't afford a hotel, don't go. DO NOT stay in the other person's home.
• Use a taxi or rental car to get to and from the airport. Even if the person you're meeting volunteers to pick you up from the airport, do not get into a personal vehicle with someone you've never met.
• Keep your hotel location confidential. The person you're meeting should respect your privacy until you know each other.
• Remember to keep your family and friends posted. Tell someone who you are meeting, where you are going and when you will return.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF USE Please visit our Terms & Conditions page to learn more.

PRIVACY POLICY Please visit our Privacy Policy page to learn more.

FEEDBACK

We want to hear from you! Give us your feedback and suggestions at feedback@minidates.com

JOBS

We have a need this summer for interns in three categories:

software development

• we are always looking for talented software developers to help us with an in-house project MiniDates.com. We use MongoDB, Python, Javascript (and HTML5). Previous experience in one or many of these languages is necessary.

social media

• we need someone who is very experienced in previous successful social media campaigns to help us in growing the MiniDates.com following and engagement online on FB, Twitter and YouTube

local marketing & business partnerships

• we need someone to help us market and launch MiniDates.com this summer in NYC. This role would require
• superior organizational skills, organizing yourself and a team of brand ambassadors to go to various events around the city and determining which events and venues to go to
• doing brand ambassadorships, representing minidates.com and getting signups in person at events, festivals, parks and in the evenings some nights
• representing MiniDates at street fairs and festivals with a booth that you set up and manage
• analyzing the results of different approaches and determining the best fit
• going to local bars and coffee shops that we've selected for the app and seeing if they want to participate. Getting them to promote the service with posters, flyers and other marketing materials in their venue. Tracking which venues are participating and creating relationships with the managers.

Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to positions@minidates.com