I know my bluntnes rubs some the wrong way but here goes:

Anyone who thinks "less" of me for pursuing the Lifestyle online needs a very serious wake up call. Period.

Is it as fulfilling as real time? I doubt it. It doesn't mean it isn't very important. It doesn't mean that feelings can't soar, or get hurt. And it certianly doesn't mean it's not real.

This is not a lifestyle-exclusive issue of course. Ask the pre-internet generations what they think of online dating in general and you'll find tons of people making faces about it with many foolish misconceptions, or portraying only the negative end of things. Doesn't make them right, either.