CREATIVITY COUNTS. A personal ad can take many forms. A poem, perhaps. One amazing ad consisted entirely of titles -- one right after another -- of popular pictures, carefully chosen and arranged to match the ad placer.

SHOW THEM WHAT YOU WOULD WANT TO KNOW. Make a list of the most important things that you would like to know about a person before responding to an ad. Chances are, others would like to know the same about you. Not just self-employed but in what field? Keep in mind that common goals are often more important in a relationship than individual interests.

AGE ISN'T EVERYTHING BUT.....It is where a lot of people start. When a requestor enters an age range and you did not put your age down, your profile may be eliminated. If you are fifty but feel thirty, say so. Your chances to find a match will increase.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF. Be careful to avoid creating an ad that is simply a mile-long list of characteristics you seek in another, without saying much about yourself. It is better to let the person reading the ad decide if they might be a match. This does not mean that you should say nothing about what you seek, just don't overdo it. You do not want to be too picky. Be friendly.

DETAILS, DETAILS. How many times have you read a personal ad that states: "I enjoy movies, music, and going out"? This sentence describes millions of people! The idea is to make yourself stand out from the rest! Instead, name a recent movie that you enjoyed. List some of your favorite music styles, song titles, or artists. If you enjoy going out to Italian restaurants, or line-dancing at a country bar on Saturday nights, say so! Ironically, it is the very details that are often overlooked as being insignificant or boring which in fact add the color and depth necessary for a personal ad to be truly effective.

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. Above all, be honest when describing yourself. No matter who you are, or what kind of person you are seeking as your match, you have a better chance of finding a match with that person -- and with less disappointment along the way -- if you are honest and friendly from the beginning.