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July 24, 2021

'Fifty Shades of Grey' boosting sign-ups to 'sugar daddy' site

Rare is the modern book that stakes a long-term claim in the public consciousness, but this Fifty Shades of Grey  thing is still happening.

The novel trilogy is a bestselling smash, and in this space we’ve covered the economic impact of the books, which have boosted the sales of everything from sex toys to grey ties.

Though perhaps E.L. James’ novels, in addition to filling financial headlines, are matchmakers, too.

By one measure, the Fifty Shades of Grey  phenomenon has boosted sign-ups to an online dating site that connects “sugar daddies” to “sugar babies.”

In the Fifty Shades  books, the main storyline – so I hear! – follows a young virgin named Anastasia Steele and her bawdy relationship with Christian Grey, a wealthy entrepreneur years her senior.

*Bing: Where to find cheap books online

It’s a familiar refrain – rich old guy finds young sweetheart – but it’s also driving traffic to one prominent Internet dating site.

SeekingArrangement.com is the discrete name of a sugar daddy dating site, connecting “modern daddies” to “goal-seeking sugar babies.”

“The modern daddy … is always respectful and generous,” the site reads. “You only live once, and you want to date the best. Some call you a mentor, sponsor or benefactor.”

A “goal-seeking sugar baby,” the site continues, is “attractive, intelligent, ambitious and goal oriented. Sugar babies are students, actress, model or girls (and guys) next door. You know you deserve to date someone who will pamper you, empower you, and help you mentally, emotionally and financially.”

Certainly, fans of the Fifty Shades  books have found a parallel between the novels and SeekingArrangement.com. According to the site’s founder, on its 1.6 million active profiles, the term “Fifty Shades” is mentioned nearly 30,000 times.

The fictional character Christian Grey is noted more than 23,000 times, and nearly 200,000 female members are actively seeking a “Christian Grey-type” arrangement.

Further, since January, 2012, the site’s founder says, almost 42,000 new members have attributed signing up to Fifty Shades of Grey.

By Jason Buckland, MSN Money

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Gordon PowersGordon Powers

A long-time fund company executive, Gordon Powers now heads up the Affinity Group, a financial services consulting firm. Gordon was a personal finance columnist for the Globe & Mail for many years, has taught retirement planning...

Jason BucklandJason Buckland

The modern-day MC Hammer of money, Jason can often be seen spending cash that isn’t his with the efficiency of a Wilt Chamberlain first date. After cutting his teeth as a reporter for the Toronto Sun, he joined the MSN Money team with...