I had been on my own for four years when I finally gave in and tried internet dating. Prior to that I had been to lots of social engagements, learned Spanish, asked all my friends if they knew any suitable single men over 40, had golf lessons, hung around at school events trying to spot the single fathers etc etc. If there had been a ramblers club, I'd have given it a go.
Nothing. Literally nobody in my social circle even knew a single man, never mind a suitable one. I concluded that I would become an old tweed wearing cat owner if I didn't get out and do something myself.
I went on POF, which I have seen much derided on here. This was about four years ago now, so it may well have changed but I can honestly say I didn't have any bad experiences. I also went on Match for about a month. I found the sites a great way of just basically finding single men who sounded interesting and who would agree to meet up with me within a week or so of getting in touch.
Early on I made one mistake and got embroiled in a (for me) lengthy email/msn thing (probably about a month). It drove me mad - you get no idea what they're like from that. Then when the opportunity to meet up arose he made excuses. So that was the end of him.
I met 8 men in total. All perfectly fine dates and good company, but the second date (if it got that far) certainly sorts the wheat from the chaff. My current partner was date number 8. We've been together three years.
Meet 'em quickly. Then it's either onwards and upwards to date two when things become clearer. Or it's "Next!"