LoveHowTo Dating Directory: BDSM

3.6 million members. Focused on "alternative lifestyle" such as bondage. Friendly users (or not so nice, if you prefer) make this site efficient and fun. One of the best features: a panic page for those awkward moments. Owned by Various LLC. Also accessible via JT's Stockroom, the oldest sex toy company on the Internet (http://personals.stockroom.com).

A smaller user base than Alt.com (about 450,000) but a more detailed checklist helps you find precisely the kink you're looking for. Since it was purchased by Various LLC, owners of Alt.com, long-time users complain quality has suffered. For newbies, it's pretty effective.

For serious pervs only; CollarMe members are not dilletantes. Don't sign up if you don't play the game. The site's a little slow, which can be frustrating when you're trying to access a particular profile.

Somewhat glitchy and not as populous as the others despite being international. A surprisingly minimal checklist of fetishes means less detail in the user profiles, and these users tend not to write much. Premium offerings (videos, "plug-ins") not offered to women since their memberships are automatically free, and therefore they're never offered the upgrade option.

Search profiles by location, age, etc. Not a dating site but incredibly efficient. Just search geographically, by age, and/or interest to find future "friends."

It's the directness of Craigslist personals that let you know exactly what you're getting. Sure, there are fakes, but when you can ask for whatever you want, when you want it, right down to the zip code, that's awesome power. Skews younger and more toward NSAs than LTRs, but it definitely is a major player. If you're in a major city, cut to the chase by going to http://hookupmaps.com and sorting by neighborhood as well as sexual preference.But if you want all the categories, including Strictly Platonic (strangely, some of the freakier listings show up here), Romance and Casual Encounters, you'll have to go to the source, Craigslist itself. Any way you look at it, a most efficient way to ask for what you want and get it quickly.

Wow. Lots of action here. Features include video chat, but really the photos are almost more than most people could handle. These people know what they want and aren't afraid to ask for it. You've been warned. 22 million unique visitors a month.

Users of this site are open about their likes ("someone who is sexually secure in herself, with extra points if she is bi or bi curious"), abilities ("I can touch my nose with my tongue") and who they're looking for ("the nicest guy ever with a gorgeous smile, a big heart and big hands"). Sexual proclivities are the primary defining elements, but there are plenty of people just seeking a good old-fashioned soul mate with a sense of humor - and a dirty mind. A low percentage of photos, which could mean they're married or just technically backwards. All the erection-pill ads get to be a little tiresome.

15 million members, most of whom are more adept with photos than words. You can browse a few profiles for free, but then must upgrade to continue. The "Gold" level provides access to what SexSearch calls "The internet's largest hardcore porn site."

Tons of members, incredibly hot, even filthy, profiles, with photos and video galore. You'll find members looking for everything from tame to pervy, from NSA to a committed relationship. Whatever you're looking for, odds are it's here, in a site that's upbeat, easy to navigate and comprehensive. Wow!