Thanks to The New York Times for relieving that heavy burden.

“Online Dating Sheds Its Stigma as Losers.com” is the headline on this Amy Harmon story. As more and more people have turned to the Internet for dating help, the number of wackos grows proportionately smaller. In Internet time, Karen and I met aeons ago — 1998.

I’ve always thought we had a head start over people who meet through online matchmaking services, because we weren’t really looking to find love online. It just sort of happened. The element of calculation and misrepresentation that has plagued online dating wasn’t at all present.

Still, it’s nice to know that online dating is becoming more acceptable — and more successful for the people who do it. If you’re thinking about it, here are some tips to consider.