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FREE LOVE - True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet
Nearly 40 million singles in America share a personal little secret. They're using the Internet to look for love and/or lust online. And they're not exclusively using the commercial subscription-based dating sites that have become so prevalent in recent years. A lot of people think that love should be free and opt instead for the wild and wooly approach to online dating - free personals.
FREE LOVE - True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet by Thomas Kelleher documents this increasingly popular trend and presents a collection of actual online ad postings as they originally appeared along with the intimate stories behind them -- all told in the posters' own words, triumphs, disasters, warts and all. These stories take you into the mental and actual bedrooms of a diverse range of people, with a variety of backgrounds, personal needs, wants and desires, sexual orientations, preferences and lifestyle choices. They're all here and their stories range from the entertaining to the astonishing.
Experience is the best teacher, and thanks to the candid revelations of the people in this book, newbies and seasoned online dating veterans alike can learn a great deal from these real-world experiences, commiserate, draw their own conclusions and decide if online dating is right for them. After all, online dating is very much like playing the lottery and you just might hit the jackpot.
FREE LOVE - True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet by Thomas Kelleher documents this increasingly popular trend and presents a collection of actual online ad postings as they originally appeared along with the intimate stories behind them -- all told in the posters' own words, triumphs, disasters, warts and all. These stories take you into the mental and actual bedrooms of a diverse range of people, with a variety of backgrounds, personal needs, wants and desires, sexual orientations, preferences and lifestyle choices. They're all here and their stories range from the entertaining to the astonishing.
Experience is the best teacher, and thanks to the candid revelations of the people in this book, newbies and seasoned online dating veterans alike can learn a great deal from these real-world experiences, commiserate, draw their own conclusions and decide if online dating is right for them. After all, online dating is very much like playing the lottery and you just might hit the jackpot.
376 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2010
About the author
Thomas Kelleher
4 books11 followersFor over thirty years Thomas Kelleher worked as an advertising executive and brand strategist in Europe and the United States, creating global ad campaigns for some of the world s largest, best-known brands.
Thomas now works as an independent brand strategist/consultant while also indulging his other passion as a writer. As a keen observer of technology, culture, consumer behavior and emerging trends, it was only a matter of time before his first book "FREE LOVE -- True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet" about online dating was born.
Originally from Washington State, and a graduate from WSU, Tom lived in Seattle where he drank lots of coffee and wore lots of flannel, but still considers England his second home; where he resided next to the Queen and grew to love warm beer, woolly jumpers, fruit machines, driving on the wrong side of the road, and something called Spotted Dick. (It's a dessert.)
Thomas Kelleher now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife (who he met on the Internet), son, feral cats, and rescue mutt, and is busy working on his next book about adoption in America.
Thomas now works as an independent brand strategist/consultant while also indulging his other passion as a writer. As a keen observer of technology, culture, consumer behavior and emerging trends, it was only a matter of time before his first book "FREE LOVE -- True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet" about online dating was born.
Originally from Washington State, and a graduate from WSU, Tom lived in Seattle where he drank lots of coffee and wore lots of flannel, but still considers England his second home; where he resided next to the Queen and grew to love warm beer, woolly jumpers, fruit machines, driving on the wrong side of the road, and something called Spotted Dick. (It's a dessert.)
Thomas Kelleher now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife (who he met on the Internet), son, feral cats, and rescue mutt, and is busy working on his next book about adoption in America.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 15, 2011
Ever been frustrated with your dating experiences and wondered whether you should consider going online to seek out a potential partner, but been too wary to go down that path? No need to wonder about the pitfalls of embarking on such an online adventure—you can now read all about it in Thomas Kelleher’s Free Love – True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet. The range of personal encounters, all told in first person, filling the pages of this book is as varied as are those who relate them.
With most people having at least one computer in their own homes, or at least access to one in their local Internet café, what easier way to gain access to the almost 40 million singles in America alone, never mind in other countries of the world, than by posting an ad in the widely available free personals? That is precisely what the over 80 contributors to this volume have done. Each contribution consists of the online ad that was posted by the person seeking a partner, followed by his or her analysis of the response (or lack thereof) that the ad elicited. In some instances the accounts are only a paragraph or two long, whereas others run to a few pages. The sincerity of the contributors permeates the work—after all, with their contributions remaining anonymous, what do they have to lose by sharing what they truly thought of their experiences?
Free Love – True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet is divided into the usual categories that typify the online dating sites: Men Seeking Women, Women Seeking Men, Women Seeking Women, Men Seeking Men, as well as Missed Connections and Casual Encounters. The ages of the contributors range from the 20’s to the 50’s, with most of them being middle class. However, the cultural range is wide, with some contributors making the race of the respondents a very real issue as to whether they will be interested in pursuing a relationship, no matter of what duration, with them. Many have had their fingers (let alone other parts of their anatomy!) burned by being unwise in their selection of potential partners, but many have also found worthwhile relationships emerging from their online contacts.
So, if the idea of advertising online for a possible mate has ever crossed your mind, why not buy yourself a copy of Free Love – True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet and start reading all about it today? You’re bound to get loads of pointers on how to word your own ads in order to attract the attention of the most desirable partners. And even if you’re not interested in going down that particular path yourself, the stories of loves and lusts lost and gained are likely to arouse your curiosity (and perhaps even other parts of your libido!).
With most people having at least one computer in their own homes, or at least access to one in their local Internet café, what easier way to gain access to the almost 40 million singles in America alone, never mind in other countries of the world, than by posting an ad in the widely available free personals? That is precisely what the over 80 contributors to this volume have done. Each contribution consists of the online ad that was posted by the person seeking a partner, followed by his or her analysis of the response (or lack thereof) that the ad elicited. In some instances the accounts are only a paragraph or two long, whereas others run to a few pages. The sincerity of the contributors permeates the work—after all, with their contributions remaining anonymous, what do they have to lose by sharing what they truly thought of their experiences?
Free Love – True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet is divided into the usual categories that typify the online dating sites: Men Seeking Women, Women Seeking Men, Women Seeking Women, Men Seeking Men, as well as Missed Connections and Casual Encounters. The ages of the contributors range from the 20’s to the 50’s, with most of them being middle class. However, the cultural range is wide, with some contributors making the race of the respondents a very real issue as to whether they will be interested in pursuing a relationship, no matter of what duration, with them. Many have had their fingers (let alone other parts of their anatomy!) burned by being unwise in their selection of potential partners, but many have also found worthwhile relationships emerging from their online contacts.
So, if the idea of advertising online for a possible mate has ever crossed your mind, why not buy yourself a copy of Free Love – True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet and start reading all about it today? You’re bound to get loads of pointers on how to word your own ads in order to attract the attention of the most desirable partners. And even if you’re not interested in going down that particular path yourself, the stories of loves and lusts lost and gained are likely to arouse your curiosity (and perhaps even other parts of your libido!).
June 4, 2014
This is a really cool book!
A fun collection of true life stories from people who have attempted to hook up online. It's like taking a little peek into the private lives of strangers.
This is one of those books that you like to keep around, get it out when you're not busy, and simply be entertained.
A pleasure to read and time richly spent.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book free through the GoodReads Giveaways. The opinions in this review are my own.
A fun collection of true life stories from people who have attempted to hook up online. It's like taking a little peek into the private lives of strangers.
This is one of those books that you like to keep around, get it out when you're not busy, and simply be entertained.
A pleasure to read and time richly spent.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book free through the GoodReads Giveaways. The opinions in this review are my own.
July 7, 2014
A great light read. At times funny, sad, sexy, and a little disturbing, a well rounded view into the world of online personal ads. I enjoyed the different perspectives; it has a good variety of genders, orientations, and desires.
July 24, 2012
Excellent!! A MUST READ!!! by Thomas Kelleher
May 19, 2014
This runs the gamut of all human emotion!~
May 18, 2018
Ever been frustrated with your dating experiences and wondered whether you should consider going online to seek out a potential partner, but been too wary to go down that path? No need to wonder about the pitfalls of embarking on such an online adventure—you can now read all about it in Thomas Kelleher’s Free Love – True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet. The range of personal encounters, all told in first person, filling the pages of this book is as varied as are those who relate them.
With most people having at least one computer in their own homes, or at least access to one in their local Internet café, what easier way to gain access to the almost 40 million singles in America alone, never mind in other countries of the world, than by posting an ad in the widely available free personals? That is precisely what the over 80 contributors to this volume have done. Each contribution consists of the online ad that was posted by the person seeking a partner, followed by his or her analysis of the response (or lack thereof) that the ad elicited. In some instances the accounts are only a paragraph or two long, whereas others run to a few pages. The sincerity of the contributors permeates the work—after all, with their contributions remaining anonymous, what do they have to lose by sharing what they truly thought of their experiences?
Free Love ��� True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet is divided into the usual categories that typify the online dating sites: Men Seeking Women, Women Seeking Men, Women Seeking Women, Men Seeking Men, as well as Missed Connections and Casual Encounters. The ages of the contributors range from the 20’s to the 50’s, with most of them being middle class. However, the cultural range is wide, with some contributors making the race of the respondents a very real issue as to whether they will be interested in pursuing a relationship, no matter of what duration, with them. Many have had their fingers (let alone other parts of their anatomy!) burned by being unwise in their selection of potential partners, but many have also found worthwhile relationships emerging from their online contacts.
So, if the idea of advertising online for a possible mate has ever crossed your mind, why not buy yourself a copy of Free Love – True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet and start reading all about it today? You’re bound to get loads of pointers on how to word your own ads in order to attract the attention of the most desirable partners. And even if you’re not interested in going down that particular path yourself, the stories of loves and lusts lost and gained are likely to arouse your curiosity (and perhaps even other parts of your libido!).
With most people having at least one computer in their own homes, or at least access to one in their local Internet café, what easier way to gain access to the almost 40 million singles in America alone, never mind in other countries of the world, than by posting an ad in the widely available free personals? That is precisely what the over 80 contributors to this volume have done. Each contribution consists of the online ad that was posted by the person seeking a partner, followed by his or her analysis of the response (or lack thereof) that the ad elicited. In some instances the accounts are only a paragraph or two long, whereas others run to a few pages. The sincerity of the contributors permeates the work—after all, with their contributions remaining anonymous, what do they have to lose by sharing what they truly thought of their experiences?
Free Love ��� True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet is divided into the usual categories that typify the online dating sites: Men Seeking Women, Women Seeking Men, Women Seeking Women, Men Seeking Men, as well as Missed Connections and Casual Encounters. The ages of the contributors range from the 20’s to the 50’s, with most of them being middle class. However, the cultural range is wide, with some contributors making the race of the respondents a very real issue as to whether they will be interested in pursuing a relationship, no matter of what duration, with them. Many have had their fingers (let alone other parts of their anatomy!) burned by being unwise in their selection of potential partners, but many have also found worthwhile relationships emerging from their online contacts.
So, if the idea of advertising online for a possible mate has ever crossed your mind, why not buy yourself a copy of Free Love – True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet and start reading all about it today? You’re bound to get loads of pointers on how to word your own ads in order to attract the attention of the most desirable partners. And even if you’re not interested in going down that particular path yourself, the stories of loves and lusts lost and gained are likely to arouse your curiosity (and perhaps even other parts of your libido!).
August 5, 2016
A fascinating glimpse into others' personal relationships!
This is an enjoyable collection of short vignettes from people who have reached out to find sex, love, friendship, companionship or some combination of these "on-line." Unlike Hollywood potrayals, most of these people were disappointed, and did not find everything they were looking for. But, as many of them concluded, it was worth a try.
This is not a literary masterpiece, but it IS interesting and insightful on several levels. Many of the themes are the same whether the seeker is male or female, straight, gay or bi. This book, while tastefully presented, would not be of interest to persons who are easily offended by discussion of sexual topics.
Disclosure: I was randomly selected from among numerous GoodReads readers to receive an advance copy of this book; I have read it and this is my honest evaluation. I have no connection with this author or publisher and have received nothing from anyone in consideration for publishing this review.
This is an enjoyable collection of short vignettes from people who have reached out to find sex, love, friendship, companionship or some combination of these "on-line." Unlike Hollywood potrayals, most of these people were disappointed, and did not find everything they were looking for. But, as many of them concluded, it was worth a try.
This is not a literary masterpiece, but it IS interesting and insightful on several levels. Many of the themes are the same whether the seeker is male or female, straight, gay or bi. This book, while tastefully presented, would not be of interest to persons who are easily offended by discussion of sexual topics.
Disclosure: I was randomly selected from among numerous GoodReads readers to receive an advance copy of this book; I have read it and this is my honest evaluation. I have no connection with this author or publisher and have received nothing from anyone in consideration for publishing this review.
Read
January 16, 2016I received this book for free for review through the GoodReads giveaways.
This is the kind of book that is made for the curious, for those readers who would like more information about either a world they don't know much about or a world that they are familiar with. This is an interesting book for casual conversations, or might even make a fun group read amongst friends.
Personally, I am so familiar with the world of online dating, that I no longer want to spend time thinking about it. I skimmed this book. I think I waited too long to read it and would have had more fun with it during a different time. That's more of a reflection of me than the book itself.
Also, just as an aside, this book is wonderfully formatted. It looks and feels nice to read.
This is the kind of book that is made for the curious, for those readers who would like more information about either a world they don't know much about or a world that they are familiar with. This is an interesting book for casual conversations, or might even make a fun group read amongst friends.
Personally, I am so familiar with the world of online dating, that I no longer want to spend time thinking about it. I skimmed this book. I think I waited too long to read it and would have had more fun with it during a different time. That's more of a reflection of me than the book itself.
Also, just as an aside, this book is wonderfully formatted. It looks and feels nice to read.
September 15, 2014
FTC disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads hoping I would review it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews