OK, it may not catch on as a pick-up line, and in fact it may mark you as a dud on the first internet speed-dating platform to use Skype.

The concept of event speed-dating is well known five minutes of face-to-face conversation with several potential suitors but Melanie Ryan saw an opportunity to transform it using Skype, the popular software that allows online voice conversation and video conferencing.

''One big concern from women is that they don't want to be pestered after a speed date,'' Ms Ryan, founder of Skyecandy, said.

''With Skyecandy, you have the option to add the other person to your contacts after the date, but you both have to say 'Yes'.''

Or, you can exercise what Skyecandy describes as ''guilt free rejection'' click 'No', and you'll never be matched again.

The free Skyecandy speed-dating service, which will be launched in Sydney on Valentine's Day, attracted 10,000 people from 150 countries during a six-month trial.

The hope is that registrations will quickly swell, increasing the likelihood that a person will be able to find someone not just with a similar profile, but who also lives within reach.

The service promises to protect the anonymity of the user, who is able to use an on-screen name and withhold personal details such as their name and contact numbers.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times