Is it worth it?

I'm trying to decide if joining an online dating service is worth it? Not just paying the fee, but the time and effort to try to meet someone online. Do I want to write a profile, take pictures, and then pray that it attracts some decent person? I have spoken to many that have had good success with online dating, but how do you make it work? How do you write a profile that really showcases who you are? How do you take and post the perfect picture that will attract that guy? So many choices; no answers. Just another day being single and starting over at 40. It sucks.....