If you browse through the personals on any number of sites, there are thousands of ads that are just plain bad. Bad writing, bad photos and they sound like thousands of others. It doesn't take much to stand out among the crowd and edge out the competition. In the new guide to online dating "I'm Not Barbie and You're Not Ken" there are dozens of tips on creating successful personal ads that will help you meet more eligible singles. Most of us are not Barbies or Kens, we are just everyday, normal people who would like to meet someone to spend time with.

One of keys to creating a compelling profile is to make it unique and not sound like all the others. It starts with defining what you are looking for--romance, long term or just friends and from there you can create a profile that is uniquely yours. When it comes to posting photos, most people really blow it on this one. If you think posting a picture of you talking on the phone with a cigarette hanging out of your mouth is showing you at your best think again. Listed are a number of tips to post the best photos.

Online safety is a whole chapter in itself and before you place your ad or meet someone in person this is a must read. There are chapters for single parents who are getting back into dating, tips for those over 40. Online dating is ideal for those over 40, even more so than the tech savvy 20 something crowd. Tips for women only including how to weed out the jerks and game players. Tip for men only. If they read this chapter they are almost guaranteed a response.

Stop killing your chances of meeting someone. Do it right and start meeting more eligible singles today.