New Article on Examiner: Match.com Suit Proves Importance of Personal Responsibility & Online Dating

It’s another “ripped from the headlines” themed article this week. January has been nothing but one weird online dating related story after another. And I feel compelled to tie it in to savvy tips to help my readers enter the online dating scene armed with the knowledge to be smart daters. In today’s cautionary tale, we have the story of Mary Kay Beckman. Mary Kay was the unfortunate victim of an enraged ex, Wade Ridley. Mary Kay met Wade on Match.com and when she chose to end things, he flew into a rage and physically assaulted her – landing her in the hospital with life threatening injuries. As a result, Mary Kay Beckman is suing Match.com for damages numbering in $10M. Her case stands on the basis that because Match.com didn’t do a background check (in addition to other measures) on her ex Wade Ridley, they essentially endangered her life.

Read the full story here.

For more of my Examiner articles, click “Examiner” or “Articles” from the Categories in the right sidebar.

 

New Article on Examiner: Manti Te’o – A Cautionary Online Dating Tale

Consider this something that belongs under the “ripped from the headlines” category. Unless you’ve avoided any major news network and ESPN in the past few weeks, you’ve probably seen at least one or two headlines recounting the tale of a hapless Notre Dame linebacker – Manti Te’o. To get the clueless up to speed, the Heisman candidate became probably one of the most famous victims of catfishing in a hoax that supposedly lasted for nearly three years.Catfishing is a term coined to describe an elaborate dating scam where a con artist assumes a persona to convince a mark (victim) to usually buy them things or directly send them money under the guise of a relationship. Usually the mark will never meet the victim in real life, and unfortunately the con artist will usually bleed the mark dry and vanish without a trace.

Read the full story here.

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Mind Games Gets 5 Star Review on “Books, Reviews, etc.” Blog!! ^_^

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This past Sunday, January 13th, Mind Games got a five star review on the blog site, Books, Review, etc.!

With quotes like “a real page turner” and “don’t expect to put this book down”, I’m very flattered for the positive review!! ^_^

 

New Article on Examiner: CoffeeMeetsBagel.com’s Holiday Date Auction!

 

Are you looking to meet a hottie to start 2013 off right? Is the fear of spending the winter on solo status not appealing? Well, one of my favorite online dating sites has come up with a nifty concept to help singles across the country meet someone in time for New Years!  Coffee Meets Bagel, the NYC based online dating platform that sends you one fresh prospect (or “bagel”) every afternoon at 12pm, is holding a holiday date online auction from December 13^th through New Year’s Eve.

 

 

Read the full story here.

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Mind Games Rated a Best Seller on AllRomanceBooks.com!

So excited about this! I just launched Mind Games on All Romance Books earlier last month and started a promotion for it since the holidays are quickly approaching. From now through New Year’s, Mind Games is on sale on AllRomanceBooks.com for only $1.99.

And this week I noticed that my book’s listing on AllRomanceBooks.com has a star next to it which means that Mind Games has been rated as a best seller either its category which for the record include: murder/suspense, interracial and thriller.

If you haven’t had the chance to grab an e-copy of the book, I definitely suggest you head over to AllRomanceBooks.com and get one for just $1.99 through 1.1.13!

 

New Article on Examiner: Great Moments in Online Dating Fails

Online dating can be a wonderful thing. Obviously I fully support this view or else this column wouldn’t even exist. In a world where sometimes people genuinely don’t have the time or desire to peruse the bar scene, online dating becomes an ideal alternative. Rather than spending night after night meeting Mr./Ms. No on the regular, you have the potential to cast your net wider from the comfort of your home. Likewise, online dating provides a nice layer of anonymity so that you don’t have to officially reveal personal details about yourself (such as name, phone number, etc) until you’re truly ready. Depending on the dating platform you use, you can get new matches sent to you as soon as they occur or at set intervals. And, some sites even offer a personalized touch in the way of matchmaking.

Now for the record, everyone knows that I’m not against matchmakers. Sometimes, it takes an objective third party to see potential mates for us when maybe we wouldn’t see it as clearly on our own. But today, I saw something that really made me do a double take. It felt to me, like someone had taken the lazy approach to online dating and multiplied it to an extreme level. I’ve kindly blurred out the email and posting ID attached to this Craigslist ad that was placed in the writing jobs section of the New York board. But what we have here is a Wall Street executive who’s too busy to set up their own dating profiles or even take the time to connect with a potential match to set up times for a call. And for some reason, it put me in mind of the character Jeffery Donovan played in the movie Hitch, Vance Munson. If it doesn’t ring a bell, watch the video in this article.

Read the full article here…

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Thanksgiving Special From FlipMe.com

Hi Guys,

I got a nice little email this morning and decided to share the wealth since I’m permanently coupled up!

If you remember earlier this year, I wrote a review for Examiner on the flirtation promotion, FlipMe:

FlipMe is an awesome mix of technology and old school calling cards, complete with eye catching designs and enough intrigue to keep him wanting more. The concept is that when a woman is out and sees a man (or woman) that she likes, she gives him a FlipMe card. She doesn’t have to tell her prospective amour her name, just give them the card.

For the full low down on FlipMe, click the article link below.

Take The Fear Out of Flirting with FlipMe.com

But in honor of it being Thanksgiving, FlipMe is offering a $10 discount off the cost of a pack of cards until Sunday November 25th. Enter promo code “thanks” at checkout. Normally the cost is $25 for a pack of 30 cards which comes with a 6 month subscription. In the email there were no restrictions listed, so I don’t believe you need to be an existing member to receive the discount. For full details click the image above.

Happy flirting y’all!

 

New Article on Examiner: Ladies Have Several Seats

If you insist on assuming, I must insist on telling you to have several seats…

So, I’ve been focusing on the men lately, and realized that I’m neglecting my own gender! Tonight’s article – although not about technology – is much needed and is inspired by a scene from last Sunday’s (11.11.12) episode of RHOA. Yes, it’s my guilty pleasure, and something I’m sure many of my female readers can relate to. ^_^ A quick recap for those who don’t watch RHOA; one of the newbies, Kenya Moore, asks her paramour “Walter” if there were any skeletons in his closet. Being foolishly honest, he admits that he once dated Kandi Burress, another cast member. And on cue, Kenya gives him the serious stank face and has a minor freak out. My reaction, to quote the extremely outspoken Tamar Braxton (another reality guilty pleasure of mine): I’m going to need you to have several seats.

Read the full story here.

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Just a ‘lil giveaway to kick off the holiday season! Good luck y’all! ^_^

Big Apple Style Marketing

Today, we’re teaming up with Linea Pelle to offer one lucky winner the chance to win a prize set valued at $340! We’re picking one winner at random who signs up for the sweepstakes. If you want to get your hands on a buttery soft leather Nico Crossbody Clutch and a gorgeous Double Wrap Nailhead Stud Cuff (and P.S. both go great with everything), then click the link below to enter for a chance to win!

Contest link: http://www.lineapelle.com/dorian-smith-sweepstakes

*Remember, you can only enter to win by using this link! Contest ends on Friday, November 16th so hurry up and enter!

If you remember, Linea Pelle was the yummy Italian leather purse & accessories line that I visited at the start of September NYFW. I’m loving the accessories I picked up while at their showroom here in NYC and know that whoever wins our giveaway will be one…

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I don’t normally post my corporate work here on my writing blog, but I’m so excited about this. My company Big Apple Style coordinated this international duet between Japanese rock artist Jesse McFaddin & American pop/dance artist Julissa Veloz! Check it out!

Big Apple Style Marketing

On Sunday, November 11^th, Jesse McFaddin of the Japanese rock group RIZE is releasing his debut solo album STAND UP. The sixteen-track album features a fully collaborative artistic vision with each song formed through the combined creativity of Jesse McFaddin with production teams or artists from around the world including the American pop/dance artist Julissa Veloz. The duo worked together to create the single 2 of Us which features equal parts romance and attitude while sung over a chill pop/rock track. Jesse’s edgy yet laid back rap style blends seamlessly with Julissa’s smooth and sensual R&B vocals, resulting in a single that transcends genres and is sure to resonate with fans.

Julissa Veloz is a former American Idol finalist from season #8 who was best known on the series as “Tiara Girl”. After the show, the Dominican American singer/songwriter/producer began garnering attention when her debut single “Take…

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