What is NoLongerLonely?

NoLongerLonely is an international online community of adults with mental illness who are seeking like-minded persons for genuine relationships. With the abundance of dating solutions now available on the Internet, what makes NoLongerLonely unique is that membership is reserved solely for adults with mental illness. This is the first site of its kind. For the forseeable future, full access to the website is completely free of charge. Important to note is the fact that, since the success of this site relies wholly on its popularity, every member is strongly encouraged to feed word-of-mouth and share your experience here with others. I encourage everyone to read the dating tips section and to consult with a psychiatric professional before signing up for membership.

Why NoLongerLonely?

Social isolation is one of the hallmarks of those with mental illness. NoLongerLonely is safe and nurturing community that enables new friendships and the possibility of romantic relationships. Many people have found a significant other through the site. Others have found comfort in sharing their experience through penpal contacts throughout the USA and the rest of the world. NoLongerLonely is a truly unique resource. As the webmaster my goal is to literally make you “No Longer Lonely".

What kind of commitment to security and privacy can I expect from NoLongerLonely?

At NoLongerLonely we are completely committed to protecting your security and privacy. Communication between members is done under complete anonymity through an internal email system. Users are advised not to reveal personal identifying information (such as their email address or phone number) only until both interested parties have gained a level of trust. Users should understand however that the information they provide on their profiles and any photos attached to their profile are visible to the NoLongerLonely community and any un-registered Internet visitors. At any time a user may hide their profile from view or opt to answer “prefer not to say” to any element of the profile.

How do I create a profile?

Before getting started I suggest you read the Dating Tips I have drafted for the site then click on one of the "Join Now" links and follow the guidelines set forth there. Creating a profile takes only a few minutes and you can always answer “prefer not to say” if a question makes you uncomfortable. The essay questions are optional and you can return to your profile at any time to make changes. Geographic information will be used to find potential matches near you. The E-Mail address you provide will never be revealed to other users. You will become a full member and your profile will begin appearing in search results after being reviewed by the webmaster to insure that the profile abides by the guidelines set forth by NoLongerLonely. It is usually a quite short wait.

How do I update my profile?

At any time you can make changes to your profile by clicking on the "My Profile" link. Updating a profile periodically is recommended as doing so will make your profile appear earlier in search results. Changes will appear in search results after they are approved by a site administrator.

What are NoLongerLonely's profile guidelines?

No Longer Lonely welcomes all well-intentioned adults with a diagnosable mental illness. The webmaster reviews every profile and will not approve any profile that does not meet the following guidelines:

• No direct contact information (i.e., email addresses, URLs, ICQ/instant messenger IDs, phone numbers, full names, addresses)
• Any location or descriptive information that threatens a member's anonymity
• Abusive language of any kind (i.e., vulgarity, racism)
• Discussion or descriptions of illegal acts or behavior (i.e., drug use, violence)
• Business or political advertisements or solicitations
• Material that exploits or solicits personal information from individuals under the age of 18
• Foreign languages (to effectively monitor profiles, they must be in English)
• Unauthorized use of copyrighted or trademarked material
• Overt sexual innuendo or discussion
• Gross misinterpretations in profile (such as relationship status or psychiatric condition).

NoLongerLonely does not accept content from incarcerated individuals or individuals under the age of 18. Users are encouraged to report any violations to the terms set above. The webmaster cannot monitor personal communications between members.

Why Should I Post a Photo on NoLongerLonely?

Displaying a photo with your profile greatly increases your chances of a receiving a response. Some users seeking a relationship will not even consider a profile without a photo. Having a photo is completely voluntary but is encouraged. It is more fun if we know what you look like!

How Do I Post Photo?

Members are prompted to add a photo after the original profile creation process. A user can opt to add a photo at any time by clicking the “Upload Photo” link Profiles can have up to three photos. If the user lacks the facility to upload a photo one can either be emailed or sent through the mail to the webmaster who will complete the process. Read the guidelines at the “Upload Photo” link for more information.

How Long Does it Take for My Photo to Appear with my Profile?

Once a photo is successfully submitted it will appear with the profile once approved by the webmaster. Photos that do not meet standards will be deleted. Normally wait times are quite short.

I Forgot my Username/Password. Can you tell me what it is?

If you forget your username and/or password click the “Forgot Password” link on the sign in page or email the webmaster providing either your username or the email address you signed up with.

I'm having Problems Logging in. Can you help?

First check that you are using the proper username and password. If you are unsure of these follow the steps detailed in the section above. Check that your browser is cookies enabled. This website requires that you have cookies enabled on your browser. The following provides information about cookies and how to "enable" this function on your browser.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6

• Click the "Tools" menu item
• Select "Internet Options"
• Click the "Privacy" tab
• Click the "Advanced" button
• Make certain that you uncheck the "Override automatic cooking handling" or at least you do not "block" cookies
• Click "OK"

Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x

• Select the "View" pull-down menu
• Select the "Internet Options"
• Click the "Advanced" tab
• Scroll down the list of options to "Security" (marked with a padlock symbol). Beneath you'll see three options for "Cookies". Select either "Prompt before accepting cookies" or "Accept all cookies"
• Click "OK"

Netscape Communicator/Navigator 4.x

• Select the "Edit" pull-down menu
• Click "Advanced" the word itself not the "+" next to it
• Select either "Accept all cookies" or "Accept only cookies that get sent back to the originating server", "Warn me" may be checked or unchecked
• Click "OK"
• If you continue to have problems please email the webmaster and provide as much information about your local configuration as possible (type of Internet connection, operating system, PC or Mac, browser, etc.)
  
  

  If you continue to have problems please email the webmaster.

What is the difference between Quick Search and Detailed Search?

Quick search is a simple search whereby the user specifies their gender, what gender sought, an age range, and proximity to their location. This option will usually be your best choice. Detailed Search is only available to full members. It allows the user to set specific matching criteria. Search results will reflect only those users who meet those criteria on their profile. Sometimes it will be necessary to relax some of your criteria if you don't get acceptable results. It is often a good strategy to start a broad search and get more specific as you go.

What if I know the username of the person I wish to contact?

Simply select "Username Search" from the Search menu.

Can I save a search so I can repeat it without entering criteria every time?

Yes you may. After setting the criteria for a Detailed Search there is a checkbox to save the search. You can then name the search and recall it by clicking on the "Saved Searches" link. You can save more than one search. This option is highly recommended since it saves time and effort.

How do I contact someone?

Once you find a profile of someone you want to contact you can send him/her a full message, show interest, or send him/her a “smile”. Simply click the button on their profile that corresponds to the type of contact you seek. The other user will receive the message in their mail inbox. Most people do receive responses but it is possible that the message will go unanswered. If no return note is received it is appropriate to send a follow-up but continued unanswered correspondence may not be appropriate. Harassing emails are a violation of the terms of use and may result in a warning or removal from the site.

What if I'm not getting enough responses to my search?

If you are doing a Detailed Search you should instead opt for a Quick Search. Expand your geographic range. Keep coming back to the site as we add users every day.

What if I'm not getting any responses to my profile?

Do you have a photo with your profile? Many users will not even consider a match if you don't have a photo. Having a photo greatly increases your chance of a response. In general, men will have to try harder to get responses as they outnumber the women on the site. Try periodically editing your profile. Keep in mind that more and more users sign up every day. Anyone of them could be a friend, penpal, or significant other.

What if I have another user who I don't want contacting me any more?

You have the option when receiving an email from another user to "Block" contact with that user by clicking the “Block Person” link. This will disable them from every contacting you on the site again. If you have shared email addresses, instant messaging handles, or a phone number the site cannot control that. From the Main Page you can view a list of members you have "Blocked". Keep in mind also that users can “Hide” their profile from view from all users through the “Change Settings” link.

What if I want to save a list of other members I am interested in?

Simply click on the "Add as a Friend" button on that user's profile. They will then be added to your "Friend's List" which can be viewed and those profiles accessed with the "My Friends" button. The friends list is a convenient way to see if any of your preferred users are currently online and available for a chat request. Check the “Chat” link for friends online.

How do I use the chat option?

If you want to use the chat option you and the person on the other end of a chat request must have any pop-up blockers disabled. If those are not disabled the chat function will not work. If the person you wish to chat with is currently online click the "Request Chat" button on their profile. If there are users you would like to chat with frequently, add them to your friends list. Clicking on the "Chat" link will display a list of your friends online. You can then chat with them by clicking the “Request Chat” button. Please report any abusive or inappropriate behavior in the chat room.

How do I find out if I've been contacted and how do I retrieve those messages?

If someone sends a smile, an interested message, or an email you will receive notification at the email address you supplied with your profile. Keep in mind that if the quantity of notifications is too much you can limit those messages through the “Change Settings” link. The next step is to login into your account and click the “Mail” link. Next to the link it lists how many new messages are waiting for you in your inbox. The mail client will show messages you have received and all messages you have sent. Unread messages will be in bold. You can at any time reply, save, or delete messages.

Why Join Mailing List?

The mailing list is designed for users that have an interest in No Longer Lonely but are not eligible or prefer not to become a member. The webmaster will be periodically informing these members of changes to the site and making regular appeals to help spread the word of the site so that more consumers will be able to benefit from the site.