Of course, as you read this, you'll be wondering if you can get an unbiased assessment of the pros and cons of speed-dating vs online dating, so I have made sure I've done the research and asked proponents of both methods.  We recognize that speed-dating isn't necessarily for everyone, and that a thought-out "dating strategy" probably shouldn't rely on one method of meeting people.

Hopefully the comparison below will help you make a decision.

The advantages of online dating:
1.  While there is no screening, you are able to "filter" to find the men or women you'd like to date.  I mentioned in an earlier blog that customers ask for some pretty obscure themes.  With online dating, if you want to meet someone who follows Chinese Zodiac signs, then you can enter this in your search
2.  Some people are simply at their best when building up an initial connection by e-mail.  E-mail allows us to be thoughtful, honest, funny and smart, and to learn a lot about each other before the initial meeting
3.  You can see photos before you have any contact with someone
4.  There is no real risk of rejection - it's hard to feel bad just because doesn't reply to your e-mail
5.  It's inexpensive

The disadvantages:
1.  There is really no substitute for the impression you have of someone when you are face to face in person.  You can love the person's e-mails, their photo, and their voice over the phone, but it will all be over in a second if you just "don't feel it" when you meet them
2.  Online dating does get more than its fair share of scary individuals.  Let's face it, if someone is a bit of a social disaster, has a personality disorder or severe relationship issues, or some issue of a more serious nature, then it's more likely that they will choose online dating as the initial way of making contact with people.  This is of course a tiny minority, and safety is not an issue only for online dating, but it certainly a key reason for much of its bad press.
3.  It is much easier to waste huge amounts of time than it first seems.  The composition of e-mails, especially if you are trying out three or four prospects, is incredibly time-consuming, and then of course your first face-to-face experience could come to nothing.

The advantages of speed-dating
1.  Nothing beats the first seven seconds of actual personal contact when deciding whether you like someone, if you feel attracted to them, and if you think they feel attracted to you.  And you usually get another 2-6 minutes to find out if you can also have a conversation
2.  It's much more efficient then online dating for getting to the point of feeling you'd like to date
3.  People who put themselves "out there" are more likely to be genuinely single and available for dating.  They've taken the time and spent the money - they would like to meet someone
4.  Rejection is private and without drama - the date itself is easy, and no decision happens there.  If one of the pair doesn't like the other, then the date is over in 3-5 minutes, and the rejection is done by simply not selecting the person and thereby not generating a match
5.  It's very easy to come away from an event with 3-4 real dating opportunites - after all, you've met them, you've talked to them, you like them.  The first real date from an online match up is much more likely to be a waste of time than a date generated from speed-dating

The disadvantages of speed-dating
1.  It is a bit more expensive, especially with drinks.  But here are some tips - choose a company that offers appetizers, and if you're in NYC and you're a woman under 30 or a man over 40, ask for a discount!
2.  You usually don't get to see photos of the people you'll meet, and some dates really are a waste of time (even if just 5 minutes!).
3.  There are some "awkward moments" where you meet someone from a previous event, although this is rare, particularly in New York City
4.  Speed-dating isn't for everyone.  Although it isn't just for extraverts, you are being judged on your five minute performance, and some people feel that they are better prospects once people get to know them.