1. Volume and reach.  Add up all the single gay men or women advertising in the personals listings section of your local paper, along with those hanging out at your local hot spots, the final tally would likely not even come close to the number of gay singles available online.  Whether you view dating as a numbers game or not, you would be hard pressed to deny that the greater the reach and supply of singles, the better your odds of finding that special someone.     

2. Lower cost.  In this challenging economic climate, it makes sense to take any steps to cut costs.  In almost all cases, it costs less to post a personal ad on the web than in the personals section of your local newspaper.  Furthermore, you can save some coin by getting to know your potential life partner online via chat, email, or webcam before meeting in person at a local cafe, bar, coffee shop, movie theater, etc.

3. Pictures and profiles.  As the old adage goes: "A picture is worth a thousand words."  Most newspaper personals are devoid of photos, whereas most gay dating sites, including this one, feature profiles of individuals complete with pictures.  Photos significantly enhance the browsing experience for searchers and for those looking to be found, helps (literally) put a face on your dating profile, enabling you to achieve an optimal response rate.  Profiles, of course, offer much more insight about a prospective partner or friend than a small personal listings ad in the paper.  Without having to meet in person, you know right off the bat what your potential date looks like, his or her educational background, age, height, interests, etc.

4. Less awkward.  It can be incredibly awkward and stressful to meet and strike up conversations with total strangers offline.  Online dating, however, can be a significantly less formal and nerve-wracking experience.  Members of dating sites are generally more receptive to connecting with and meeting up with potential friends or life partners.  By virtue of joining, they make it clear they are seeking a significant other or friend, which negates the need to guess whether the other person is single or not, gay or not.  

5. Convenient.  Most of us live busy lifestyles, which is why online dating can be a more attractive and palatable option. Unlike your local bar or coffee shop, dating sites remain open all day and night.  With a simple click of a mouse, you can browse profiles and introduce yourself to a prospective and compatible partner.  You also have at your fingertips, a multitude of ways to engage others via email, IM, webcam, forums, etc.  Furthermore, you have the opportunity to get to know a potential partner better at your own pace, before taking that big step of meeting in person.