I loved the title of this thread, so I just had to post. I've done online dating a few times too, but my experiences haven't been so bad.
I do spend a lot of time getting to know them first. And ... I'm like klm ...I pick the ones I have something in common with. If I don't like them, I don't do a second date. If they are mean, controlling or, in any way just weird, I don't do a second date. I always meet in a neutral locale.
Oh and for the record, there is one "guy" on DB who is not a nice person, who made terrible, mean comments about someone (I won't say who - but you know who you are) last year, and then did it again to someone else.
My advice? Take it slow and easy. Don't expect too much and don't hurt anyone. Try to laugh and smile -- that's all anyone can ask for. If you can't at least do that, it's time to tell him you won't be moving forward with the friendship/relationship.
