So I've posted about Jewish dating services and Christian dating services and Muslim dating services, and you can find these services listed in my SNS Meta List in the 'dating sites' category.

Today, in The New York Times—When a Spiritual and Romantic Quest Leads to the Web—Debra Nussbaum Cohen writes about a Buddhist dating service—Dharmadate.com.

Debra quotes Dharmadate's founder: "About 2,500 people have registered to use Dharmadate, Mr. Curren said. Until recently, use of the entire site was free; now, getting access and posting profiles is free, but the ability to contact other members costs $19.95 a month."

Also quoted is Charles S. Prebish, a professor of religious studies at Pennsylvania State University, who has openly criticized this new Buddhist centric dating service according to Ms. Nussbaum Cohen's article. Mr. Prebish states that: "A dating Web site does not conform to Buddhist ideals, which focus on deep, meaningful connections"... "Treating dating like incense burners is contrary to Buddhism's humanistic side.''

Personally, I think the 'boutique' online dating services are compelling. A site designed to cater to a specific group's individual needs—be they focused on lifestyle, cultural, or religious precepts—can certainly reduce the noise to signal ratio in an online dating service.

Would you use an online dating service that focuses on your particular requirements in a potential partner?