Yup, I think this is the main reason why they implemented it.
To elaborate a little further on this point from a guy's perspective (this might sound controversial)..
1. You risk scaring off attractive girls if they are bombarded by mail from a wider range of less attractive guys
2. The less attractive girls will get less attention as the guys will try their chances with the hotter girls
3. And all the girls would have a worse experience, ugly or hot, which might result in them leaving.
Although the article is not completely accurate ("Those in the dreaded bottom 50% presumably do not have access to potential matches in the top 50%" -- not true from what was in the email), it does bring up valid points. How much should physical attractiveness play a role in relationships? Is it smart to isolate a part of your user base with such an email?
And who is Okcupid to make judgement calls on who I may find attractive?
To elaborate a little further on this point from a guy's perspective (this might sound controversial)..
1. You risk scaring off attractive girls if they are bombarded by mail from a wider range of less attractive guys
2. The less attractive girls will get less attention as the guys will try their chances with the hotter girls
3. And all the girls would have a worse experience, ugly or hot, which might result in them leaving.
Although the article is not completely accurate ("Those in the dreaded bottom 50% presumably do not have access to potential matches in the top 50%" -- not true from what was in the email), it does bring up valid points. How much should physical attractiveness play a role in relationships? Is it smart to isolate a part of your user base with such an email?
And who is Okcupid to make judgement calls on who I may find attractive?