Frequently Asked Questions.

"My Profile" FAQs

1. Can I reduce how often I see the "cookie" message?
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   Yes. We are all fed up with constantly being asked that cookie question, a side affect of the EUs GDPR legislation.
   On OD you only need to give permission once every 2 years, provided your web browser is set properly. If you are having to give permission very time you fire up your browser then you need to change the cookie settings. That's because we use a cookie to store your response and your browser is probably deleting it between visits.
   
   The best way to stop the browser deleting the cookie holding your [OK] response is to "white list" Outdoor Duo. How you do this varies between browsersjust checkout the details below for yours:
   
   FIREFOX
   -Type the words
   about:preferences#privacy
   in the address bar.
   - Scroll to the "Cookies and Site Data" section.
   - Click the [Manage Exceptions] button.
   - Type https://outdoorduo.co.uk and click [ Allow ] then also add https://outdoorduo.com and click [ Allow ]
   - Click [ Save Changes ] at the bottom.
   
   CHROME
   Type the words:
   chrome://settings/cookies
   in the address bar.
   
   Scroll to where it says "Sites that can always use cookies" and click the [Add] button.
   Type the outdoorduo web address
   
   MS EDGE
   Type the words
   edge://settings/content/cookies
   in the address bar.
   
   Scroll to where it says "Allow" and click the [Add] button.
   Type the outdoorduo web address.
   
   SAFARI
   Double click the address bar and choose "Settings for this site"
   Click "Privacy" and the "Cookies".
   Select the "Allow cookies for this site" or equivalent.
   
   
   
2. Do I get received mail alerts?
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   Yes, but only an unread e-mail alert.
   
   Every night a job runs that checks your mail box for unread messages, and informs you if you have received any. You get this via an e-mail to your personal e-mail address you entered when you joined up.
   
   If you do not get this then either:
   a) you read all your messages on the day they arrived or
   b) The e-mail is being dumped in your "junk" folder. Check your e-mail program's junk folder and junk settings. You may need to add info@outdoorduo.co.uk as a 'friend'.
3. How can I stay anonymous?
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   If you use our internal e-mail system the end user will never get your contact details, and you can block them if they won't "go away" when asked.
   
   When you are ready you could give them your actual e-mail, MSN identity or mobile number, but from then on we have no control over how they contact you.
   
   A mobile number is more anonymous than a landline, and is therefore a better choice to a landline.
4. How do I change my password?
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   There are two places to change your password.
   
   1. On the login screen there is a "forgotten password" link. This can be used to change your password whether you remember it or not.
   2. If you have logged in click the "golden head" icon top right -> "Edit my Profile" -> "Reset Password".
   
   Both will send a reset link to your email account, so make sure you have access to your emails. For security reasons this code is only "live" for 10 minutes.
   
   If you copy and paste the password make sure there are no invisible spaces - the computer treats these as a valid character. If you are struggling then use the "Show/Hide" button to ensure you have typed it correctly, though if you are in a public place be aware of those around you. Remember the computer differentiates between upper and lower case letters.
   
   Also, remember you use your email address to log in, not your screen name.
   
5. How do I change my username and other details?
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   Log into the website and click the "golden head and shoulders" icon top right. Click "Edit my Profile" -> "Profile Details".
   
   Click [Next >>] to save changes. You don't need to complete all four steps if you are just editing a section.
6. How do I edit the "I Like" star ratings?
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   Log into your Profile, and click the stars directly.
   
   To "zero" a line of stars click the star with a red line through it.
   
7. Should I post a photo?
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   YES! You should definitely post a photo because profiles with photos get 60% more messages than those without.
   
   If you are worried then get a friend to select a good photo from your collection for you, or invest in a professional portrait. If spending a little will make you feel more comfortable posting then do it - a future love is an asset worth investing in.
   
   Don't post an old or fake photo. You will have to meet any potential mates eventually, so don't waste either their time or your time. Be upfront and honest. The things you don't like about yourself are not the same as how others see you. Take heart from the fact that sometimes opposites attract!
8. How do I upload a photo - I seem to have problems?!
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   Your photo is probably too large. Try re-sizing it in a graphics program:
   1. choose Image - Resize. Set the width to 200 pixels for a profile pic, or 420px for a photo section pic.
   2. click OK
   3. choose Effects - Photo - Sharpen if it's a bit blurry
   4. save the file with a DIFFERENT name so as to not ruin the original file using File - Save As ...
   
   Now go to "My Profile" on the site and click the "Edit my picture" link, or "Add a Picture" in the pictures section.
9. Can another member take over my Invite?
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   Sometimes personal circumstances change, and an Invite you have been working on is jeopardised. You can ask another member to take over the Invite.
   
   If you find someone happy to do so please can both of you email Site Admin at info@ so that I know that both parties are happy for the change, and I can then transfer the invite to their account. They can then edit and alter the invite as if it is theirs, and all comments and expressions of interest will be moved over with it.
10. How do I delete my profile?
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    Log into the website and click the "golden head and shoulders" icon top right. Click "Edit my Profile" -> "Delete Profile".
    
    If you have subscribed make sure you click the "Unsubscribe" button and cancel your repeating payment; this opens a new tab/window. Once you have cancelled the payment return to the previous window to complete the deletion.
    
    We appreciate any feedback, especially if you have met someone.
    
    When done click the [Delete] button to finally delete your account. If you just wanted to stop payments but keep your account then don't click [Delete].

Dealing with Other Users

1. Can I prevent a user contacting me?
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   Yes. Log into your account, then find and view the profile of the user you wish to block and click the "Block this user" link.
   
   Once the user is blocked they will appear on your "Blocked Users" list. You can un-block them by deleting them off the blocked list.
   
   If you are particularly troubled by a user then feel free to contact us.
2. Can I report offensive content?
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   You can report offensive content by clicking the sad face with the speach bubble beneath the content. If you wish to report a user please e-mail us with their profile name, and details of your concerns.
3. How can I search for both men and woman for walking partners, not just for love?
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   It's absolutely fine if you just want to find an outdoor friend and don't mind if they are male or female. Just select the "Either" option for both "I Am:" and "Seeking A:".
4. How can I use the forum effectively?
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   Please remember these pointers:
   

   1. A forum has none of the tone of voice and body language clues of a conversation so posts may appear more positive or negative than intended. Use emoticons and pick your words carefully.
   2. If you feel a post was overly accusatory or sharp in tone read it again before replying - did the author mean something else, or simply choose their words badly?
   3. It's easier to get your point across without confusion in a short post. Think along the lines of a conversation rather than a ten minute speech.
   4. Be civil. Personal differences should be handled through the mail system and not through posts displayed to everyone.
   5. Be quick to apologise and slow to respond in anger.
   6. Try not to rant.
   7. If you feel hurt by a comment or exchange then the other party is likely to be feeling equally hurt.
   8. We do have a Cyber Bullying policy in our Ts and Cs, let's avoid the need to invoke it.

   Have fun!
5. How do I contact other members?
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   First log into your account, then when you click on others' profiles a "Contact Me" link will show (top right).
   
   You could also add them to your "Friends List" by clicking the "Add to my Friends List" link on their profile. You can then visit "My Profile" and click the "My Friends" link from which you can easily e-mail friends.
   
   You can, of course, reply to the e-mails they send you by clicking the reply icon on the e-mail list or when viewing the e-mail.

Online Dating FAQs

1. Does online dating work?
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   Yes, it undoubtedly works! Research shows using a specialist site like OutdoorDuo means that you are more likely to meet someone who is both looking for a relationship and interested in the same things as you.
   
   If people in real life walked around with sandwich boards declaring "I am am single and looking for a love-match; someone interested in pig breeding and flower photography" then internet dating sites wouldn't need to exist. Match-making websites enables users to have just such a notice attached to their profile, and enables you to find those who have similar interests to you. It has become a key way for many people to find their life-long partners.
2. Is online dating safe?
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   Online dating is as safe as any other form of dating. Indeed you could argue it is safer as there is no need to release details of who you are and where you are from until you feel comfortable with the person you are talking to. Our Online Safety page will give you a few tips to help in this regard.
   
   For more information:
   https://outdoorduo.co.uk/safety.php?&hp=21

Payment FAQs

1. How long is the contract?
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   There is no minimum term with OutdoorDuo. You can cancel your monthly payment at any time, and resume it again at any time. Our only restriction is that we do not refund monthly amounts already paid to us. Your "risk" is therefore just one monthly payment.
   
   You can cancel a payment at any time, and restart at a later date. To do this:
   

   
   
   • log into your account or click the golden head top right then the title "My Profile"
   • Click the "Cancel my subscription" option on the right or below the picture
   
   

   
   
   To restart just click the subscribe button. Again see the FAQ "How do I cancel or restart my monthly payments?"
2. What method of payments do you accept?
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   You have a choice of 2 methods of payment:

   1. Direct Debit arranged through GoCardless, with the normal Direct Debit guarantees, or
   2. by Credit Card through WorldPay, which is the world's largest credit card payment processor and very reliable.

   
   
3. How do I pay by Direct Debit?
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   We use a company called GoCardless to manage our direct debits. With GoCardless:
   
   1. Your bank details are secure. We don't see them.
   2. You can cancel your payment in any of 3 ways, through either OutdoorDuo, GoCardless or your bank.
   3. The normal direct debit guarantees still apply.
   4. GoCardless use banking-level encryption that is fully compliant with the UK's Financial Conduct Authority's requirements.
   4. When you subscribe simply click 'Pay by direct Debit' on the 'Checkout: Pre Pay Check' page and you will automatically be directed to the GoCardless secure site.
   
   If you are currently paying by another means and wish to swap to Direct Debit, don't forget to cancel the earlier payment. See this FAQ for more help:
   How do I cancel or restart my monthly payments?
4. How do I cancel or restart my monthly payments?
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   You can cancel a payment at any time, and restart at a later date. To do this:
   

   
   
   • log into your account or click the golden head in the top right of the site then the title "My Profile"
   • Click the "Cancel my subscription" option on the right or below the picture
   
   

   
   If you cancel you will still have access until the end of the period last paid for.
   
   To re-subscribe just wait until the [Subscribe] button appears and go through the subscription process again.
   
   
5. Why is the service not free?
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   Feedback from research shows that users find subscribers to "paid for" sites are more serious, have more commitment to the process, and are less likely to mess you around. It also helps reduce the likelihood of the inevitable spammers bombarding you with messages.