Does the duckface actually 'work'?
You know that look you see on facebook - eyes on the camera, head to one side, lips doing something that resembles a duck's bill? Personally I saw that face and thought of it as a female bonding thing or irony or something. I don't know any guys who claim 'that's hot' when they see a photo of a girl making that face.
But! The data begs to differ:
http://blog.okcupid.com/index.php/the-4-big-myths-of-profile-pictures/
Other things that actually work (from the article):
Those photos of men where their head is cut off, but they're lifting up their shirt (or just removing it) to reveal a wall of abs. I mean, I personally always thought guys who did that were enormous douchebags, but I can't say I'm surprised that certain guys would get more messages for showing some skin.
Cleavage in women over 30 - I mean, yeah, boobies are always good, but I thought this note was particularly empowering :). OMG BILLIE SO UNFAIR, women can show skin and it's empowering and men show skin and they're douchebags! I think the nature of cleavage is very different than the nature of the ab shot - in the case of the first, the skin is a natural side effect of the photo and what the girl is wearing. Showing a little cleavage is mysterious, more an implication than a skin show. Cleavage is usually part of a larger context - most women would not be so blatant as to cut off their heads in the photo. The abs shot is more 'look at me, I work out, and I have these magnificent abs to offer'. Douchebag. Now I'm speaking of cleavage shots, not full on boob shots - that's a little different for me. I think that's what it comes down to - do you have something to offer other than your body? -And- you're willing to show a bit of intriguing skin, pique curiosities? Well you go girl. Empowering *nods*.
The myspace shot - I was shocked to read how successful this shot is. It's an optical illusion! You know the one where the camera is at a downward angle, you're looking up, duckfacing it up and getting a shot that goes straight down your shirt? That shot! Very successful for getting attention!
The faceless photo - a little mystery is a compelling thing! I think this takes a talented photographer and/or a creative personality to really pull off though.
Anyway, the article is interesting and I thought I would share my thoughts.
Edit: I forgot to mention a classic blunder that can't -possibly- work - can it? You know that shot where the guy (I've seen this done with girls, but I think it's irony...) crosses his arms over his chest, then tucks his hands under his biceps and pushes everything out, making it look like he has big muscles?
What do you think, does this work?
Vex
15 years ago
I'd just like to point out ROz's current sig is a bit of a duckface.
Lessa
15 years ago
she could be whistling..
pharren
15 years ago
Oh man, Roz, WTF. Lucky for me I have sigs turned off.
Kelefane
15 years ago
[QUOTE=Verileah;99768Older man seeking younger woman -> Older man is seeking sex
Younger man seeking older woman -> Younger man is seeking sex
Older woman seeking younger man -> Older woman is seeking sex
Younger woman seeking older man -> Younger woman is seeking money.[/QUOTE]
I dont really agree with this.
I think it comes down to preference really. Take me for example - I hate big boobs and I think big boobs are nasty. I think fake boobs are even nastier. Im more of an ass guy. Its kind of like.....soandso likes blondes more than brunettes...maybe this dude like younger chicks....maybe he likes older women...perhaps he likes bigger girls......and even vice versa with women.
Yeah, there are instances when a woman maybe a gold digger. Or even a cougar to the true sense of the word just seeking sex with young men. There are also older guys who like those trophy wives etc.
But its not always as simple as 123 in a lot of instances.
Younger man seeking older woman -> Younger man is seeking sex
Older woman seeking younger man -> Older woman is seeking sex
Younger woman seeking older man -> Younger woman is seeking money.[/QUOTE]
I dont really agree with this.
I think it comes down to preference really. Take me for example - I hate big boobs and I think big boobs are nasty. I think fake boobs are even nastier. Im more of an ass guy. Its kind of like.....soandso likes blondes more than brunettes...maybe this dude like younger chicks....maybe he likes older women...perhaps he likes bigger girls......and even vice versa with women.
Yeah, there are instances when a woman maybe a gold digger. Or even a cougar to the true sense of the word just seeking sex with young men. There are also older guys who like those trophy wives etc.
But its not always as simple as 123 in a lot of instances.
pharren
15 years ago
An ironic thing about the "Younger man seeking older woman -> Younger man is seeking sex" compared to "Younger woman seeking older man -> Younger woman is seeking money" is the implication that an older woman isn't going to be stupid enough to fall for such a simple ploy, so it's not even considered. Whereas everyone knows men are dumb enough... see Anna Nichole Smith.
ROzbeans
15 years ago
HAHAHAHA wonder when someone would notice!
ROzbeans
15 years ago
Just for pharren =D
Just for pharren =D
pharren
15 years ago
Why not just go all out?
Verileah
15 years ago
Kelefane, I agree that there's a lot more nuance there. I was talking about popular opinion, how the average person would perceive that type of relationship from outside of it. And sure, maybe I'm wrong about all of that.
Regarding the sex vs. money thing - I kind of thought it was because women don't make as much money as men (all things being equal, which of course they never are). Even a very established woman isn't necessarily going to be sought after by a younger man for her money first.
Also, I think Roz's sig is clearly whistling.
Regarding the sex vs. money thing - I kind of thought it was because women don't make as much money as men (all things being equal, which of course they never are). Even a very established woman isn't necessarily going to be sought after by a younger man for her money first.
Also, I think Roz's sig is clearly whistling.
ROzbeans
15 years ago
You made me a sig and broke copyright rules. YOU e-LOVE ME, you really really do!
pharren;99832
Why not just go all out?
You made me a sig and broke copyright rules. YOU e-LOVE ME, you really really do!
pharren
15 years ago
No, I really think it's because women's brains don't completely disconnect from the rest of their body like men's do once the prospect of sex is involved. :P
I'm only talking about the perception, not about the actual occurance of younger men chasing older women for their money. I'd be interested in research on how often it happens. I'm sure there's a bunch of other reasons besides the two we mentioned, such as successful women already being married to a successful man, etc. And now for your daily tangent...
You learn interesting things in retail.
People trying to scam you will often distract you by talking about completely random shit, or by trying to get you to talk about yourself while they seem very interested. I saw this a lot when I worked at Home Depot, both because I was usually at the returns desk, and because said returns desk is by the entrance. Women trying to run scams would use the male brain disconnect theory to the full extent. I've had young women go so far as to come up and tell me shit like "my friend thinks you're cute and wants to know" blah blah, while someone else tried to sneak out the door carrying a bunch of shit while I was distracted. Nice try. I saw the two of you come in together, genius. I had chicks trying to run credit card scams, trying to fast change me, trying to get me to take back boxes with the wrong shit inside, all kinds of stuff, all while trying to distract me by flirting.
I kind of thought it was because women don't make as much money as men (all things being equal, which of course they never are). Even a very established woman isn't necessarily going to be sought after by a younger man for her money first.
No, I really think it's because women's brains don't completely disconnect from the rest of their body like men's do once the prospect of sex is involved. :P
I'm only talking about the perception, not about the actual occurance of younger men chasing older women for their money. I'd be interested in research on how often it happens. I'm sure there's a bunch of other reasons besides the two we mentioned, such as successful women already being married to a successful man, etc. And now for your daily tangent...
You learn interesting things in retail.
People trying to scam you will often distract you by talking about completely random shit, or by trying to get you to talk about yourself while they seem very interested. I saw this a lot when I worked at Home Depot, both because I was usually at the returns desk, and because said returns desk is by the entrance. Women trying to run scams would use the male brain disconnect theory to the full extent. I've had young women go so far as to come up and tell me shit like "my friend thinks you're cute and wants to know" blah blah, while someone else tried to sneak out the door carrying a bunch of shit while I was distracted. Nice try. I saw the two of you come in together, genius. I had chicks trying to run credit card scams, trying to fast change me, trying to get me to take back boxes with the wrong shit inside, all kinds of stuff, all while trying to distract me by flirting.
Verileah
15 years ago
My sister never had to try to run a scam - she would just walk into places and get free shit. To be fair, this happens to a guy I know as well. Now both are attractive people, but not movie stars or anything. I think it has to have something to do with force of personality or something.
Also, man, people are -always- trying to scam the Home Depot returns desk. I see some sort of nonsense going on every time I go there. It's usually little old ladies doing the scamming though :X.
I don't know statistics on the matter of younger people seeking older people, so I'll just tell a pointless story that proves nothing! I know a woman in, we'll say, her 40s, on one of those dating sites, who gets quite a few offers from younger men. They'll tell her that they'll 'make her feel like a college girl again' and other such forward remarks. Now this woman looks basically like a middle aged librarian, she's not going around looking like Madonna or anything. I think her reaction is mostly one of amusement. "Why on earth would I want to feel like a college girl again?" sort of thing. But maybe these younger guys want a sexual relationship where they feel like they're doing the woman a favor, rather than the other way around? Maybe even playing on the insecurities of aging.
I don't know, though, that doesn't jive with the public perception that a younger man would want an older woman because an older woman is more experienced and open to new things, more dominating in the bedroom, etc. Of course, we all know there's more to the story here anyway. I'm sure we could bullshit theories pulled from our personal interactions all day - sorry I don't have numbers.
Also, man, people are -always- trying to scam the Home Depot returns desk. I see some sort of nonsense going on every time I go there. It's usually little old ladies doing the scamming though :X.
I don't know statistics on the matter of younger people seeking older people, so I'll just tell a pointless story that proves nothing! I know a woman in, we'll say, her 40s, on one of those dating sites, who gets quite a few offers from younger men. They'll tell her that they'll 'make her feel like a college girl again' and other such forward remarks. Now this woman looks basically like a middle aged librarian, she's not going around looking like Madonna or anything. I think her reaction is mostly one of amusement. "Why on earth would I want to feel like a college girl again?" sort of thing. But maybe these younger guys want a sexual relationship where they feel like they're doing the woman a favor, rather than the other way around? Maybe even playing on the insecurities of aging.
I don't know, though, that doesn't jive with the public perception that a younger man would want an older woman because an older woman is more experienced and open to new things, more dominating in the bedroom, etc. Of course, we all know there's more to the story here anyway. I'm sure we could bullshit theories pulled from our personal interactions all day - sorry I don't have numbers.
Vulash
15 years ago
I highly highly doubt the younger men hit on older ladies from a position of power/favor to her. Guys talk about older women a lot - I think there is just appeal there, and an entire "MILF" culture right now on top of it thanks to American Pie. I don't want to jump too far into areas that I'm ignorant on, but I think younger guys are still transitioning to being independent, and that older stronger woman is appealing.
Also - I think some of the perception of the gold digging younger man dies not necessarily because women don't make as much money, but because a lot of cougars are bored housewives with rich husbands
Also - I think some of the perception of the gold digging younger man dies not necessarily because women don't make as much money, but because a lot of cougars are bored housewives with rich husbands
ROzbeans
15 years ago
Honestly, as a pre-cougar but definitely not in my 20's, I don't have much of an attraction to younger men. If anything, I'd totally want to hook up with a handsome 40 something before a 20 something. It just makes me feel older to check out younger men. Take Taylor Lautner (Jacob from Twilight) - very handsome, fit, muscles...all that, and yes I did a count down till he actually turned 18, but really, that's kinda icky. Just makes me feel older than what I really am. If I were single now, at 36, I wouldn't date anyone younger than 30. I just couldn't do it.
Verileah
15 years ago
Yeah I guess guys aren't going to be say "older woman r hot let's hook up milfy lady" in a message - the 'make you feel like a college girl' thing is probably just a line that may or may not work.
pharren
15 years ago
I can barely tolerate talking to any female younger than mid-twenties, and even that is pushing it, excepting the exceptional. Younger girls are nice to look at, but, ugh. No. I can tolerate the immaturity in males, for whatever reason, but in females it really agitates me. And also unusual to me is that at an age where differences in age (around my bracket) should count for less and less, there's still a sharp delination in behavior (perhaps imaginary) apparent to me. For example, a friend was acting strangely, and I asked someone how old he was. They said 26 or 27, and I was all "ohhh..." as if that explained anything. I'm 33 ffs. The difference should be negligable. Is it my imagination?
Verileah
15 years ago
I think it's a shame that popular culture tends to hone in on the worst examples of that younger age group rather than the exceptional young people (that really do exist, I've met some). It leaves people with the unfortunate impression that young people are generally to be found stumbling around drunk, accidentally-on-purpose revealing their junk and crashing their cars into dumpsters. You never hear "Young adult acts in a responsible manner" on the news, even though it would probably come as a ringing shock to some people.
pharren
15 years ago
I hope to god it doesn't work, because it's a terrible line. Who says they'd want to feel like a college girl in the first place? If a chick said some stupid shit to me like "I'll make you feel like a cowboy" I'd probably punch her in the face, because cowboys suck. That is a nice amount of egocentrism, thinking that you know what some complete stranger wants, and that you're able to give it to them. I'd automatically mark down anyone using a line like that under the "insensitive" column and move on.
I'm not entirely sure what this is in relation to. Anyhow, I think this is just human nature. Turn on the news lately? They're not going to talk about the interstate being accident-free and fast-moving when they can spend 10 times as long talking about overturned semis and traffic backed up for miles. Nobody cares if little Jimmy is a good boy that does all his homework and brushes his teeth 3 times a day. That stuff isn't interesting, because it's commonplace. Ironic, isn't it? At least Jimmy benefits, because now all his family members who watch the news about his peers robbing 7-11 at gunpoint and setting each other on fire think he's an absolute angel. Good work, Jimmy!
the 'make you feel like a college girl' thing is probably just a line that may or may not work
I hope to god it doesn't work, because it's a terrible line. Who says they'd want to feel like a college girl in the first place? If a chick said some stupid shit to me like "I'll make you feel like a cowboy" I'd probably punch her in the face, because cowboys suck. That is a nice amount of egocentrism, thinking that you know what some complete stranger wants, and that you're able to give it to them. I'd automatically mark down anyone using a line like that under the "insensitive" column and move on.
I think it's a shame that popular culture tends to hone in on the worst examples of that younger age group rather than the exceptional young people
I'm not entirely sure what this is in relation to. Anyhow, I think this is just human nature. Turn on the news lately? They're not going to talk about the interstate being accident-free and fast-moving when they can spend 10 times as long talking about overturned semis and traffic backed up for miles. Nobody cares if little Jimmy is a good boy that does all his homework and brushes his teeth 3 times a day. That stuff isn't interesting, because it's commonplace. Ironic, isn't it? At least Jimmy benefits, because now all his family members who watch the news about his peers robbing 7-11 at gunpoint and setting each other on fire think he's an absolute angel. Good work, Jimmy!
Vulash
15 years ago
Congrats Jimmy!
Verileah
15 years ago
Sorry Pharren, that little meandering was only tangentially related to your post. I was just thinking about how people our age perceive young people and my mind wandered.