By Tom McKinney
This month I'm writing a step-by-step guide to the AE premium service MatchMaker. If you're already a premium member and don't use the service, maybe this will make it less intimidating! I've included a screenshot thumbnail at each step—click the smaller image to open a larger one.
So, first, getting to MatchMaker. There are a few ways, but the simplest, is to click on the Premium Services link in the lefthand menu bar (visible on every main AE page, just not pop-ups). See screenshot below.
![](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ExnJDb4iwG4/TCp0NJioI2I/AAAAAAAAAFs/TP6KEtGCHfM/s144/screen1.jpg)
From the Premium Services page, scroll down to the bottom where it says AE Services. See screenshot below.
![](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ExnJDb4iwG4/TCp0NX6iSGI/AAAAAAAAAF0/TuDJYPhWlrs/s144/screen2.jpg)
Click MatchMaker. See screenshot below.
![](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ExnJDb4iwG4/TCp0NcdhT_I/AAAAAAAAAF8/2nrmwt-a-KA/s144/screen3.jpg)
Below is what your MatchMaker page looks like before any wants are added. There is a small explanation of the service near the top, and each button/link in it - like those to create or review wants - is live in that paragraph. So you can use those links to interact with MatchMaker, or use the same buttons located further down the page.
![](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ExnJDb4iwG4/TCp0fV44QlI/AAAAAAAAAGE/mluyt2dDUgk/s144/screen5.jpg)
A "want" is either a specific subject of interest based on keywords or a specific Author/Title that you are interested in buying. Wants are very specific in that the terms you define them with all have to be present to show up. Usually, you cover a larger subject by having many specific wants related to it.