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Several years ago I worked on a business plan for a speed dating application built on top of Skype. After my conversation with Stephen at WooMe I dug up the feature list and thought it would be interesting to compare what we were thinking about back then with what WooMe and SpeedDate are doing.

• Video and Free IM, Audio and VOIP by SKYPE
• Unique Client Profile Creation System
• Membership/Subcription/Password Creation System
• Access to Host/Guest Reservation and Event Calendar
• Guest/Host/Event Cancel Reservation
• Blind Notification Email, Invite and RSVP System
• Survey Creation and Reporting System of Host/Event Guests
• Built-in Guest Storage to send Scheduled Event Invites and Information
• Graphical Email Creation System
• Built-in Customer Service Center
• Customer “My Account” Page
• Host Rating System
• Access to Archives/ Archive Purchase System
• Personalized Reminder/Reservation Calendar
• Membership Type Registration (verification Identification)(additional cost)
• Safety Software System (children/guest decline/panic buttons, etc.)
• [Game-changing functionality deleted]
• [Game-changing functionality deleted]
• [Game-changing functionality deleted]
• Access to Event and Program Pre-Schedule (VIP)
• Custom Personal Page Template System (VIP)

WooMe and SpeedDated have already implemented most of our ideas, minus the non speed dating-related features and special stuff that I’m hoping they will consider offering in the future.

What all online communities must do is a better job at combatting spammers and building reputation systems into the service, otherwise the services get bogged down in spam and scams and most people won’t use it.

WooMe is already chock full of Adult Friend Finder affiliate spam but they are taking basic measures to remove offenders. A self-policing community is a good first step paired with back-end anti-fraud technology. Strong reputation tools to bring out the A-listers will only make video and speed-dating services more valuable and accessible to people outside the usual 18-28 crowd.

• WooMe Still Not Satisfying
• Speed Dating Site WooMe Claims Ramping As Fast As FaceBook
• Woome Promotes Bands, Privacy Issues?
• A Kiss-Off to Online Dating, Hello WooMee
• One Million Speed Dates and Counting