KISSCAFE LAUNCHES WITH AJAX AND RUBY ON RAILS APPLICATIONS

Kisscafe, located in Vancouver, BC, launched a new online dating and networking website using Ajax and Ruby on Rails based features. Multiple applications have been created to reduce the number of steps in profile editing and photo uploading, with particular attention paid to accessibility for both computer savvy and beginner users. Kisscafe's design and content aim to encourage discussion between members, with emphasis on both dating and global issues, particularly those concerning the environment. Kisscafe membership is free for all users.

Kisscafe offers editing and navigation features such as embedding videos into blogs, photo uploading and cropping, sorting, and Edit in Place. Edit in Place is a Kisscafe feature that employs an instantaneous request-response time, allowing changes to be applied without needing to reload information on the server. Similarly, features of Eureka, the question and answer forum, prompt the system to immediately display suggestions and related information while users are filling in the question fields.

Multiple member content management features have also been included to assist members in tracking their activities and organizing their contacts on the site. Members' content management uses prototype and custom libraries made in house. To add some graphical JS they opted to use the yahoo yui library. Similar to the Eureka and Edit In Place features, the Kisscafe mail system prompts immediate recipient suggestions while members are addressing their mail.

Other site features, such as uploading and editing photos, and embedding videos into personal blogs, enable information and media sharing between members. RSS feeds are used throughout the site for online dating members who request regularly updates on specific information. Launched alongside the web version of the site is a mobile feature rich version of the site using XHTML and WCSS standards, enabling users to check their inbox, new friends, winks, suggested users and weather while away from the computer. Custom widgets for the Nokia Widsets have been developed to allow users to interact with the service on the go, as well as support for BluePulse.

"We've used the best resources available and have a A-List team of developers who have helped us build a solid framework for a site that will continue to expand and adjust according to the feedback from our users," says co-founder and Head of Development, Kyle Nordman. "We want to make sure our site as accessible and simple to use for all our online dating members, but at the same time, keep our features up to date with the latest technology. Our ongoing R&D and focus on new technology will allow us to create advanced features that will be built with the ever-growing computer savvy nation, as well as the common user, in mind."

With the collaborative news section to be launched shortly, alongside blogs, and the Eureka section, members are able to share images, videos, and information with each other. These features assist with the communication of other information. “We want to offer people an online dating site that would make it easy and fun for them to meet new people,” says co-founder and Marketing Manager Pete O'Reilly “while also giving our members a place to become involved in positive discussions and learn more about important issues”. As most of the site content and articles in the Kisscafe News section reflect, Kisscafe's focus is on environmental and global issues.

About Kisscafe: Kisscafe is a new online dating service based in Vancouver, BC. Launched in 2006, Kisscafe was created to offer members unlimited access to features usually reserved for pay dating sites for free, including blogging, posting pictures, a question and answer forum, instant messaging, and mobile capabilities. Kisscafe is now one of the fastest growing online dating websites in North America.

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If you'd like more information, or you'd like to schedule an interview with Kyle Nordman or Tyson Miller, please contact Tyson Miller at (778) 896- 1643 or at tysonmiller@gmail.com