I've had both positive and negative experiences with online relationships, but I can echo everyone else here in saying as long as you are honest about yourself, and you believe the other is honest as well... then it could be a fulfilling and rewarding relationship/friendship.

On the flipside, I was in a year long relationship with someone I honestly believed I loved. We shared everything, spared no details, nothing was left unsaid, we'd planned to meet. In the beginning he'd shared some pictures that he said was him, but when it got down to meeting, he confessed that he'd sent pictures of his cousin... And this was after a year of us talking about everything! I hadn't demanded pictures, it was something he offered to show, so he wasn't under any pressure to prove himself.. I didn't want the perfect guy, and honestly I really liked his *real* pictures (it actually fit in with my image of him, rather than the "perfect" pictures he'd sent earlier that year) but I think from there, the doubt started to creep in, like what else had he lied about? The relationship rather deteriorated from there. I felt really betrayed by it. Especially since I was really uncomfortable with my own body, but still trusted him enough. I don't know even know if it was something to dissolve the friendship over, but I no longer trusted him.. *sighs*

I guess it comes down to trial and error unfortunately. Some people are honest and honestly want friends and maybe more, and some people are only looking for a good time. I would just say, be honest with yourself and honest with the people you meet, and in time, the fakers will be weeded out.

I agree with Pandora... it's difficult to sustain a lie for very long..