Redneck and loving it

Redneckandsingle.com offers online matchmaking

By: Emily Baker

Posted: 2/8/05

It's just a "redneck" thing. From huntin' and campin' to NASCAR, the newest breed of online dating Web sites targets "rednecks" around the country. Kevin McIntosh, a marketer from Winston-Salem, N.C., discovered through personal experience that online sites don't seem to cater to "country folk."

As a single guy with redneck interests, McIntosh wanted to meet other singles who shared his down-to-earth ideals. McIntosh hit a dating site dead end. His marketing skills led him to start a dating Web site specifically for single rednecks looking for other singles like themselves.

RedneckAndSingle.com matches characteristics such as common interests, body frame and religion. For example, a "redneck" can choose from Baptist, Southern Baptist, Missionary Baptist, First Baptist and Independent Baptist just to name a few.

BATT: Where did the idea come from?

KM: I'm single and I have looked at some of the other online dating sites. They are all like being in a bar - everyone is looking for something. There are girls that have no interest in dating a guy who likes NASCAR and fishing. They make it very clear. There are a lot of people out there with more "down-to-earth" interests who need to find each other. I figured that there are sites that cater to specific groups, why not to rednecks? I am targeting the South, since there tends to be a heavier concentration of rednecks in the South, but there are actually rednecks all over.

BATT: What is your definition of a redneck?

KM: I heard it described once as "a glorious absence of sophistication." I look at the lifestyle and interests as well as the agricultural heritage. It's not meant to be derogatory. There is a sense of connection in being a redneck. There is pride in living simply which is misunderstood.

Rednecks are hard working and have a good sense of humor about it. They keep it real. The first step to joining the site is admitting that you are a redneck. Once you acknowledge it you can start being proud of it.

BATT: Where are you from?

KM: A small town in Kentucky, I went to the University of Kentucky; in Lexington. I lived in Indiana, Florida and now North Carolina.

BATT: Blondes, Brunettes or Redheads?

KM: Blondes.

BATT: What is your most redneck quality?

KM: I leave my Christmas lights up all year round.

BATT: Favorite music?

KM: Shania Twain, Keith Urban, the Dixie Chicks - until they started slamming our president. Also Bluegrass is getting to be really big. I have liked it for awhile.

BATT: Favorite Movie?

KM: "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

BATT: What kind of car do you drive?

KM: A Jeep Cherokee, not one of those trucks that's 10 feet off the ground. I have to admit I'm more of a middle-of-the-road redneck.

BATT: What is the best Valentine's gift you have ever given?

KM: Probably a nice note from the heart. I am a hopeless romantic. That's probably why I'm still single.

BATT: If you went on a celebrity dream date, who would you take?

KM: Julie Roberts, the country singer. She grew up not too far away in Charlotte and she seems really down-to-earth. She writes her own songs, and she's single.

BATT: And what would you do?

KM: I might take her to a NASCAR track, or maybe shoot pool. I also play the guitar, so I might play a song for her. And then end the night with a nice good night kiss.

BATT: How is the site doing so far?

KM: We have only been running for a couple weeks, but we have been getting a lot of hits, especially from areas where we have had press. We were just featured in "D" magazine in Dallas so we have had a lot of hits from the Dallas area. The profile ages range from 19 to 58. There are rednecks of all ages interested in dating.

BATT: Are you on your Web site?

KM: Yes, my profile has a picture of me "campin.'"

BATT: What's the best redneck name you have ever heard?

KM: Well "Bubba." "Bubba" is a very redneck thing. On the site, physical attributes are listed from petite to "Bubba" size. I think when you say "Bubba" people know exactly what you mean.

With Valentine's Day around the corner, RedneckAndSingle.com is redneck dating heaven. Unpack those daisy dukes, and brush up on Jeff Foxworthy lines for the ultimate dating adventure.