Hi PY,


We see your point about statistics. You are asking us to help instill a fool-proof sense of confidence in our members that eHarmony really does work.


Our goal is ALWAYS to generate hope for each and every member that s/he can find the right person, even if the process is tough. There are two ways we tend to do that -- through statistics and anecdotal stories of success.


We are constantly conducting research of eHarmony successes. As you can imagine, there are infinite statistical variations to explore (demographics of members, how long it took for them to find a partner, where their partner was located, what time of year they were matched and on and on). While we strive to explore as many of these combinations as possible, we aren't always going to have an answer for every scenario, and we aren't going to have answers right away. To verify and ensure the accuracy of our research results takes time, and of course it takes additional time to release the concrete facts.


The "pro" to statistical information is that it is objective and lets members know a history of success. An encouraging statistic which many have seen already is that 236 eHarmony members a day on average get married. No other online relationship/dating service can match (pardon the pun) that statistic.


What statistical information lacks is the personal element -- the additional factors and nuances that come into play in each individual's life situation. A statistic doesn't describe the different types of people or the circumstances that they were in when they found success.


That's why we refer members who are facing specific challenges or circumstances to Success Stories that they may relate to. For example, if you are in a rural area, you may check out our Long distance success stories:


http://www.eharmony.com/success/stories/long-distance


If you feel you don't fit the "mainstream" in one way or another, you can take a look at our Diversity page:


http://www.eharmony.com/diversity


Though we don’t have statistics of how many members met and married because of a Free Communication Weekend, we wanted to offer reasons why it is a good thing for all members – it creates more chances to get to know more matches. It is not a setback, it is an opportunity.


We are well aware that in the midst of searching for the right person, getting your hopes up, being disappointed can be frankly exhausting and at times even heartbreaking.


Our main reason for offering stories and statistics, as I mentioned above, is to provide a resource to help keep the hope alive. If so many other members have had success, you can too. Statistics or stories help, but ultimately, maintaining a positive outlook through the ups and downs will help you stick it out so that you can tell your inspiring story and be included in the encouraging statistics.


By the way, PY, I am very glad to hear that your luck has changed recently!


Sincerely,


Kate
eHarmony Advice Host