Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is The LEK?
The LEK is a new dating site, inspired by a simple premise: meet people based on the things you like to do and the places you like to go.
What's a Lek?
A Lek can be a bar, cafe, restaurant, concert venue or even a museum. It's any place where people gather and good times roll.
What's a Lekker?
Aside from being a Dutch adjective to describe "that which is pleasing to the tastes," a Lekker is another name for anyone who is a member of The LEK community.
What makes The LEK different from other dating sites?
We make dating the way it should be, a fun and natural process. You'll find no complicated matching algorithms or self-help type gurus. Our formula is simple: meet people based on the things you like to do and places you like to go. LA is an amazing city. With all its diversity and cultural complexity, there is a dazzling array of wonderful things to do and see. The LEK wants to help you explore all the good things this city has to offer and, in turn, introduce you to some incredible, new people who share your interests.
We don't believe in monthly subscription plans. I mean, we believe they exist, but we find them annoying (always recharging your credit card, you forget to cancel, you're stuck for another month, etc.). Instead, we've adopted a 99 cents per initiated email plan ("initiated email" means we charge for the first email, but all replies thereafter are free). You like someone? You pay 99 cents and say "hello." Simple. Easy. And meaningful, because it makes you think about who you're talking to and why. We like that. We want all your "hellos" to be meaningful.
We also set aside 10 percent of every penny you spend contacting other Lekkers and give it to a local charity. Our focus for donations falls in three areas: 1) food, shelter and medical assistance, 2) at risk youth education and opportunity and 3) the environment. Why? It’s just the way we like doing business. If all the businesses in the world made a conscious effort to give back to the communities that sustain and support them, a lot of good would get done. It’ll be a great day when businesses compete based not on how much profit they make, but by how much they give away. So, remember, the next time you're looking for love on the The LEK, you're helping to change the world a few cents at a time.
What is a Founding Lekker?
For a limited time, new members become Founding Lekkers. Founding Lekkers will never have to pay a dime to contact other members. It's our way of thanking you for blessing us with your creative presence.
Founding Lekkers have to upload a photo to qualify.
What's the deal with this charity - have fun, do good thing?
We believe in giving back. While The LEK is all about experiencing and tasting the good things in life, we don’t forget the hardships. To that end, we donate 10 percent of every penny you spend contacting other Lekkers to a local charity.
Our focus for donations falls in three areas: 1) food, shelter and medical assistance, 2) at risk youth education and opportunity and 3) the environment.
It’s just the way we like doing business. If all the businesses in the world made a conscious effort to give back to the communities that sustain and support them, a lot of good would get done. It’ll be a great day when businesses compete based not on how much profit they make, but by how much they give away. So, remember, the next time you're looking for love on the The LEK, you're helping to change the world a few cents at a time. Have fun. Do good.
When is the next party?
Ever since we promoted Funky in the Middle's DJ night in a Koreatown loft, people have been asking us that question. We'll be posting about all the fun events and venues as we can. Check out the calendar to see what's new!
Is this thing only about nightlife?
Day, night, dusk, dawn, twilight, mid-afternoon Leks can be anything or anytime where people gather where there might be the chance for courtship behavior. Like hikes in Temescal Canyon? Make it a Lek. Want to make the LA river more than a trash dump, add your clean up event to The LEK. So the answer is, no, it's not only about nightlife!
Joining the Lek
How old do I have to be to join The LEK?
At least 18. If you can vote, you can Lek and hopefully you'll do both!
Can I join the Lek if I'm in a relationship already?
The more the merrier! Just click "I'm Nested" when you sign up. You won't show up in any search results, but you'll still be able to check out what's going on, post reviews, comment on your friends' profile pages, play matchmaker and more.
What's this deal with questions and answers?
At The LEK you'll find no "About me" boxes. We just think they're annoying and nearly impossible to fill out. Instead, we thought it might be a little more fun to have each Lekker ask and answer their own questions. Ask anything you want--as long as it's not inappropriate--and answer away. You can also choose to have Lekkers who want to contact you answer the same questions. Not feeling so inspired?
Check out a of popular questions submitted by other Lekkers. No matter how you do it, remember, filling out a profile is not a test. The more fun you have doing it, the more fun will read through!
What's the deal with express registration?
For those of you with no time or who only want to stick their big toe in to test the waters, we've created a quick and easy way to join The LEK. Fill in a few basics and you're an official Lekker, free to post reviews, respond to events and more. But you won't be able to contact other Lekkers until you upload a photo and complete your profile.
What if I own a Lek that I want to add to the site?
Fantastic! All you have to do is create an account and add your Lek (business). Once you've registered and your Lek has been approved, you'll be given all the tools you'll need to manage your business presence on The LEK.
Using The Lek
How do I contact other Lekkers?
Go to the Lekker's page you want to connect with and click the CONTACT button. You'll be brought to page where you can enter your payment information. It only costs 99 cents for the initial contact, and all replies thereafter are free.
(If you're a Founding Lekker, you have unlimited credits for contacting other Lekkers. Enjoy!)
What is My Tribe and how to I add members to it?
Online dating is way more fun with friends involved. So, if you know someone on The LEK, go to their profile and click the ADD TO MY TRIBE button. They'll be sent a note with your REAL NAME, inviting them to join your Tribe. If the other Lekker accepts your invitation, then the two of you will be able to post comments about each other on your profile pages, send emails, check out events together, play matchmaker and more.
Invite friends! If your friends aren't already members of The LEK, click My Tribe in your control panel (upper right hand corner) and send them an invite! No one else can see who your friends are, so this isn't about "collecting" friends like on MySpace. It's about having maximum fun on The LEK and surrounding yourself with good people.
What's up with Profile Comments?
The Profile Comments section on your profile is place for your Tribe Members (aka friends). Who else is better qualified to say nice things about you than your friends?
What if I find offensive material on The LEK?
Flag it! We need your help in policing the site. We like to keep things positive and maintain a relatively non-offensive community.
Can I keep track of my favorite Lekkers?
Yes, just click ADD TO FAVORITES. You can view your list of Favorites in by clicking FAVORITE LEKKERS in your control panel.
Can I see who's checking me out?
Yes, and, of course, it goes both ways. Click the WHO'S LEKKING ME link in the control panel and you'll see any Lekkers who have browsed your page.
What are My Leks?
We match people up based on where they like to hang out. Adding Leks to your favorites enables other Lekkers who like the same places to find you. Same goes for writing reviews. Write a review and it will be added to your Leks. Reviews are fun to write and are an easy way to add content to your profile!
Searching Leks is also the perfect way to discover fun new restaurants, bar and venues.
What is "Been To" and "Going To"?
If you've been to or are planning to go to one of your favorite Leks, we want to know. That way we'll be able to tell you where the hottest Leks are on any given night. "Been To" and "Going To" also gives you a second chance to make a first impression. Saw a cute guy at The Roxy on Friday night but didn't have the guts to go up and talk to him? See if he's on the Lek by checking out who was at The Roxy. If he is, maybe you might want to give it another shot...?
How do I add a Lek?
If we're missing one of your favorite Leks, we want to know about it! Click ADD-A-LEK, which can be found at the bottom of any page, fill in everything you know and upload photos if you have them. We'll review your posting to make sure it's real and, once your Lek is approved, you'll be able to post reviews and add it to your favorites.
What if I find my business on The LEK?
If you find your business on The LEK and want to update your Lek's profile, please click the "IS THIS YOUR BUSINESS" link and enter your contact information. We will then contact you to assign you a username and a password. At that point you'll be able to manage your business' presence on the site.