PING: Getting Screwed By The GovernmentURL: http://llamabutchers.mu.nu/archives/131769.phpIP: 67.19.5.2BLOG NAME: The LLama ButchersDATE: 11/08/2005 12:03:00 PMWho knew there were state laws governing on-line dating service prices? Great Expectations, an Internet dating service, fell short of the expectations of two Manhattan women and must refund their membership fees, a Manhattan judge has ruled. The women’…

The contracts for one of the country’s leading Internet dating services have apparently run afoul of a New York law that could put it out of business.  A New York judge has ruled that Great Expectations, “the nation’s premiere [sic] destination for meeting and dating quality singles,” broke the law by charging more than $25 for the service, and also failed to include several other mandated contract terms, including (a) failing to specify the minimum number of contacts that clients would receive; (b) providing for a refund if that number were not met; (c) required privacy clauses; and (d) a provision that would allow clients to “freeze” the contracts.

Great Expectations normally charges $1,000 for a six-month membership.  It posts profiles and videos of its clients so that they can be seen by other clients, but and does not promise any referrals.  Under the law, a Manhattan judge ruled that it can charge no more than $25 and must refund the difference to customers who complain.

[Frank Snyder]