Online dating experiences can often range from the nightmarish to the wondrous to the downright weird.

Sites draw in hopeful souls from all backgrounds and walks of life, most of whom have the same aim - finding their perfect match.

Some are wide-eyed and expectant, while others are more cynical, perhaps after coming out of a painful and messy break-up.

Either way, some experts believe that there is a formula emerging to give daters the best possible chance of striking lucky.

San Francisco Dating Examiner columnist Annie Gleason, for example, recounts a story she heard from her doctor that sums up how not to go about formulating a relationship with an online date.

The doctor had been widowed and raised her children before deciding to take the plunge to find a new love on the internet.

She was reluctant to put her picture on her online profile, but still managed to make a connection with a man who seemed to be a potential match.

After six months of correspondence which became increasingly romantic, they decided to meet face-to-face for the first time in a San Francisco restaurant.

However, the experience was a nightmare - they had never seen pictures of each other before and during dessert, the man told her that he didn't want to see her again.

He explained that if had known what she had looked like, he would never have agreed to meet her in the first place.

Naturally, the doctor was distraught and her self-esteem plummeted, while she also vowed to never be able to trust another man again.

Ms Gleason, on hearing this story, was sympathetic and told her to carry on dating - but didn't have the heart to tell her how she could have avoided such a scenario developing.

There are a few simple tips that she has listed for people using online dating services to help safeguard from suffering the same fate.

Firstly, daters are advised that they should post a number of photos on their profiles - headshots and several full-body shots - and to make sure they are of professional quality.

When contact is made, telling a possible match what they have common with you is a good strategy, as is explaining what you thought was special about their profile.

Ms Gleason explains that there is nothing wrong with telling someone that you'd like to get to know them better, although you should never give off the impression that you're smitten.

She also advises daters to respond promptly to emails and winks, and suggests that after a couple of exchanges you should say that you want to see if there is chemistry in person.

"Meeting potential dates: the only way that most people know if there is the possibility of a relationship is when they meet in person," she says.

"So don't wait until you're emotionally involved before meeting someone. If you feel that there might be relationship potential, get together after a few e-mails and a phone call or two.

"Meet in a busy cafe or restaurant. Keep the date short, so that it's easy to escape if you need to."

Ms Gleason adds that by sticking to such tips, the online dating experience can be streamlined and the chances of meeting the right person - and avoiding the plight of the doctor - are greatly enhanced.

As she sums up so lucidly: "Getting carried away with someone is only wonderful when it's real!"