I feel it should be both..Why not..2 seperate areas,so we can choose to participate if we like..Thats the American way last time I looked..Bob

I think I'm clear on the question...allowing someone whose primary intention is to find a partner to join the group. We're not discussing specifics...how, where...only IF. Hmmmm. If I had hair on the back of my neck it would probably be standing up by now. Guess I may tend to be overly suspicious. If one doesn't have alopecia, why would one specifically look for someone who does? The young ones and the ladies come here and find a place safe where they can talk, learn and laugh. I can honestly say that in the time I have been a member, I have seen only a single comment which could have been better phrased. More importantly, I have not personally witnessed any improprieties or questionable conduct. I'd hate to see that environment change.

On the other hand, I'm thinking options already exist for singles to meet and converse. Groups such as "Smooth and Single" and the "Coffee Shop" provide an environment to mingle with others. A PM is always an option if a couple of folks want to find a quiet corner for private conversation. I don't see any aberrant behavior in either forum, recognizing, of course, the only recent "Grand Opening" of the Coffee Shop.

That said, I would have no objections to allowing new members with such intentions. We're a good group. I suspect any trolls would be identified and barred in short order. One man's opinion...

I agree with those who think it's just peachy if we happen to meet someone through alopecia world however I do not believe AW should promote dating as it may come up in searches for bald fetish people. Like some have mentioned, this can become a dangerous situation and they generally make us feel uncomfortable. What if our hair returned? Like someone else mentioned. I would personally love to meet a man with alopecia that understands where my head is at, so to speak but the whole idea of moderating fetish folks sounds like a nightmare!!

Hello.

There is nothing wrong with dating someone with alopecia or any type of disorder. All that matters if you love someone go for it... Anyway there is nothing different about alopecia. people are people. all that matters is enjoy life.

I am absolutely, totally, vehemently opposed to AW being seen as a dating site. While I would have no problem with potentially going on a date with someone I met here, I would seriously question the motives of anyone who came here for the express purpose of trying to find a date. Fairly (or not, take your pick), they would immediately be judged as having some sort of fetish and the red flags would immediately go up. Like Rebecca, Tamgirl, and a lot of others have said, AW has become a refuge of sorts -- a place where we alopecians can all come and mingle and for once in our alopecic lives not be worried about whether or not someone wants to objectify us or use us or they are genuinely interested. If I want to do the online dating thing, I will go to eHarmony or match.com or some other personals site -- but the last thing on my mind when I come to AW is romance.

Furthermore, if a dating section is going to be added, then what has been the point of all the relationship discussions in the "Men Who Don't Mind", "Smooth and Single", and other groups as well as the many forums where this topic has come up?

Please, please leave dating out of it!!!

I am married with a young family, and cleared up the alopecia acceptance with my husband only months after we started dating, when my hair loss was oh so minor physically, but a major emotional problem. Yes, we had the 'Would you still love me if I was bald?' conversation!

If I was a single person, and the comments or profile of someone caught my eye, it would just be a great opportunity to strike up a conversation and see where it led.

I don't think it is appropriate to use AW as a place for direct match-making, and if it does happen to indirectly connect two single souls by chance, then that is enough. The looking for love/friendship/support option in any social networking profile is sufficient in my mind to place a member into the appropriate category for those in the singles market.

I am here to learn how to accept my disease, and to learn from other's experiences. That's all.

MM all...

Personally, I don't have an issue with this. I found the love of my life and the feelings, are like magickal music in my soul. I would encourage and support any kind of dynamic that would allow someone to feel what I feel in my heart. I guarantee that the world would be a better place with that much love...

Willow added that dating is the most horrific experience for someone with alopecia, and this site would make a good support structure to facilitate not just meeting people, but allow a thorough comprehension of what alopecia is all about.
Blessings,

Herne + Willow

I think it would be great.

Hi everybody..As Cheryl mentioned in her post,She has never stated that her intention is to change AW to a dating site..PERIOD!!! That being said,why is everybody acting like the FOUNDER of this site has any other intention??..Being a single white patchy bald guy,believe me..Ive had ads on Yahoo dating...Dating.com,etc..I believe in making my description on those ads as accurate as possible..Honesty has to start somewhere..Well,let me ask all of you..Question..How many people do you think wanted to even meet a guy with a freaky looking patchy hair-do..Answer..3 so far,and Im about $300.00 light now,after paying the ads,and going to lunch with the few who had the guts to respond..I agree,this is a support site,but for us single Alopecians,this is even more exciting,that maybe we could possibly "maybe" even meet another human who is understanding,and even better,knowledgable of our struggle...Most people are fairly shallow,when it comes to appearance,and as we all know, its far and few between when someone would go into public with a guy who has a patchy head,as I refuse to hide something I didnt ever choose or want..Having a outlet such as AW has been a great experience for all of us,and personally,I feel that maybe some people may be over reacting to our own founder's statement as to this question..I feel she made it totally clear she has absolutely NO thought in making this a dating site..I think thats wrong also..But for us singles,a opurtunity to possibly ,MAYBE even meet someone else who can share our feelings and know how harsh it is to endure AA,AT etc ,for me anyway,is like a small miracle/chance to meet a understanding other half..For all intent and purpose,this has been part of life for 1000's of years..Wherever there's people,there will be people who would like to meet that special someone..Here or elsewhere..I agree with some of the opinions that people should go to e- harmony etc..Thats great for hose who fit into that kinda "normal" criteria that society shoves down our throats,but the truth is,those sites truly dont have a SLOT for people with deformities,or especially people with no eyelashes or brows,or missing fingernails..Now then..Can I ask?? For all the ney sayers,just where would they suggest people who suffer with AT..AA etc go to search?? For me,one of the biggest things Ive ever learned from AA,AT was to have way more understanding,and compassion for my fellow humans.I cant be the only one,can I...Why would anybody have a problem if one of us happen to meet someone who totally understands,and accepts us AS IS.PERIOD..And that possibly turned into a special union..I keep seeing this bald fetish thing..I think thats a completely valid point,and if I was a woman,I wouldnt like that a bit..It was having Alopecia that helped me love myself with no strings..It helped me look inside at my true self,and get passed this superficial world we live in..Its of course called Acceptance..Thats this site's MOTTO I thought..Anyway,I know Im gonna get blasted for expressing my views,but to all I ask,just where do you suggest we search for person to share lives ups and downs with?? I dont come here with just that intention..I personally come here to share support,and comfort to others suffering,and any help I can offer to help ease even one other persons journey..That to me is one of lifes true happiness's..I also visit to hear ideas others may post,like how to endure this,or deal with that,,and Im pretty sure,that a good portion of us,also have in the back of there mind that maybe they'll get lucky..As far as freaks,or predators,lets face it,there everywhere..Nobody even has to prove they have AA etc. to even join,so anybody could be one of these so called perverts..I feel meeting a person who understands Alopecia,would be such a blessing and gift..But for all who think Cheryl said we should convert AW to a dating site,PLEASE read the original post..She even reposted to mention she has no intention of, nor did she mention such a thing..I say RELAX..If you have seen someones post that is pushy or unacceptable,or out of order,then we should all notify the founder..I believe that.And for all who are married or involved,just put that in your bio..Simple..The ones who would like to maybe meet other AA people,they could likewise post that in there bio..Why is that so diffulcult..I think with just a pinch of class,and gentleman behavior,nobody should be offended..NOW,go ahead and have a field day blasting me..I can only imagine how many of us,would just love to meet a fellow Alopecian to have someone who truly loves us AS IS>>How wonderful is that.But I dont have to worry about this site being altered to a dating site,because the actual founder has stated she has no intention ,nor did she ever say she had this intention,so why is everybody up in arms..Personally,I just happen to be a nice guy who also has AA,but as we all know,we surely get discriminated against due to our lack of hair,so where better to meet another with lack of hair? Everywhere in our lives,we have to weed out bad apples..I just dont see the need to be so paranoid about this small segment of bald lovers..Weed-um out..If we all stay conscious of the "bad apples" and report them,then it shouldnt be a problem.But I definitly support the girls who dont want to be looked at like a fetish..Thats just wrong..With any luck,I think we all can exist here..So feel free if you'd like to disagree..Anytime there's a group of people with a common factor,theres going to be the ones of course who wished they had a loved one, and would like to maybe meet..I think it gives us HOPE!!!! like maybe we have a chance.. Is that so wrong?? Love you all..Bob