Free Geekery

Many people are now turning to the Internet for love and, judging from how many matchmaking sites there are online, seeking a dating service obviously doesn’t have the stigma it once did. Due to the popularity of online romance, you have the opportunity to narrow your prospects with niche dating sites, which brings us to the following list. Below, we have compiled the top 10 dating sites for nerds, many of which are free. However, we have included some paid sites that we feel are worth the investment.

1. Geek 2 Geek

   Whether you are looking for love or just a friend, this is the place to meet other geeks, nerds and weirdos. Creating a profile here is free and, although most geeks are very tech-savvy, you might be happy to know that it is also user-friendly. This site is surprisingly thorough in its profile questions, which allow you to list your favorite comic books, movies, computers, etc. Although there are paid membership options on Geek 2 Geek, you will probably do just fine with the free, basic profile.
   

2. Sweet on Geeks

   While Geek 2 Geek focuses on the hipper, more pop culture-oriented side of nerd culture, this is a dating site for true nerds. If you dream in binary code and have trouble speaking to the opposite sex without breaking into a cold sweat, then you will feel right at home here. There are no pretenses with this dating site and it was created by a married couple, two nerds in love, who wanted to help others find the nerd of their dreams. This is a sweet labor of love on their part and is definitely worth checking out. Joining is free and the profiles are more fun to play with than anything MySpace has to offer.
   

3. Nerd Passions

   This is a hassle-free place to meet up with other nerds, complete with banner ads for upcoming sci-fi conventions. Although it is very no-frills and the profiles are far from creative, the site does attract quite a few prospects and won’t cost you a thing. There are also some popular message boards here that might help you get to know some like-minded people, even if it isn’t for dating. Not sure if you want to join? All profiles are public to search before you join.
   

4. intellectConnect

   Tired of Internet profiles that list The Da Vinci Code under “favorite books”? Do you prefer Beethoven over Beyonce? If so, then you probably feel completely out of place on a majority of social networking sites. intellectConnect was designed to bring friends and potential love interests together for intelligent conversation and cultural outings. Best of all, the site is absolutely free for full memberships. There are no hidden fees and you will never be asked for a credit card number.
   

5. The Right Stuff

   This is a dating site that is so sophisticated, it prefers to call itself “An Introduction Network”. Only alumni and faculty members from the most elite universities in the world can join and, yes, they do require proof. It is also heavy on membership fees, but we included it on this list because it is a great venue for the lonely, upper-crust nerd.
   

6. SquareDating

   SquareDating has similar criteria as The Right Stuff, but their list of select colleges is a bit more inclusive. Also, it is easier to prove your alumni status on this site, as you merely use an email address from your alma mater to receive registration confirmation. This site does charge a yearly membership fee, but you can use their services during a free, 30-day trial before committing. If you aren’t interested in continuing your membership after the trial, make sure that you cancel, as they will have your credit card information from the application.
   

7. Trek Passions

   Trek Passions is part of the same online network that produces Nerd Passions. This dating site, however, is more specific to sci-fi fans. If you are looking for that special someone who speaks Klingon, then you might find him/her here. Keep in mind that you don’t have to be a Trekkie to fit in here, just a lover of science fiction in general, be it film, television or books. This site is 100% percent free to use.
   
   

8. iQcuties

   If you have an above average intelligence, and most nerds certainly do, then you should try iQcuties. As the site suggests, this online hangout “lies somewhere between Mensa and MySpace”. You must pass their IQ test to join, but it won’t be impossibly hard for someone who is specifically looking to date a nerd. In fact, the online test is only six questions in length and there is no time limit. Assuming you pass, you will be granted membership to this exclusive network for fellow brainiacs.
   
   

9. The Onion Personals

   If you enjoy the sardonic wit of The Onion, then you should get to know the other readers. The Onion Personals is geared toward urban sophisticates and young(ish) college graduates with a sense of humor. If your politics are left of center and you’ve read everything that David Sedaris has written, then head toward this free dating site for socializing.
   
   

10. Single Booklovers

    This is a haven for lonely bookworms, whether you are a librarian or just an avid reader. Single Booklovers is an organization that began in 1970, long before the advent of the Internet. It is very different from other dating services in that it primarily focuses on compatibility and “intellectual chemistry”. As such, photographs are not featured on members’ profiles. If you do wish to exchange photographs with a member on your own, however, you are free to do so. Single Booklovers has been widely recognized within the literary community and has even been discussed on NPR several times. However, this is not a free service. Membership fees are $54 a year, which can be paid on the site with a major credit card through PayPal.

Why use a niche dating site and not a mainstream one like True and Match.com? Because you will have to do a lot of digging before you come across someone who shares your nerdy interests. Whether you are searching for a girl who is proficient in Linux or a guy who appreciates all things Joss Whedon, you will have the best luck on a dating site that is dedicated to nerd culture. Women should also take note: you get far less competition on a dating site inhabited by male gamers and techies.

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