My trip to Kiev with Eduard

[dugger]

A year or so ago I went on an AFA tour to Kharkov and 2 other cities.  Without getting into detail I found it a good introduction to the scene but a shot in the dark as to the purpose of the trip which is finding a woman with a connection. Although many good people are involved with AFA it is pock-marked with scammers that they leave on their system and do nothing about. I searched for a better way and found RUA. I wanted to find the best, cheapest way to go about it. I found Eduard on the site and contacted him and filled out his application. Because of his initial price it took me a long time to decide but he gave me many references that i phoned and emailed giving good reviews in detail. I decided to bite the bullet and go through Ed's process. He told me that it would take about 4 months to find the right woman. He was right.

Eduard helped me find plenty of women who were interested in knowing me better. I talked to about 30 or 40 but found connection with 7 of them.  The search process I found difficult as I had to make split decisions sometimes, yes or no on little information. But I guess Ed wanted me to tell him if I liked women's photos first before we invested more time. I realise now that It made sense. Also it was summer and I failed to follow up quickly on some.  I may have missed some good ones. So after 2 or 3 months I had 6 or 7 women to meet. Without the follow-up trip all would be for nothing so we arranged the trip to Kiev. One woman was too young, I had to stop contact with her, another had family problems, she couldn't make it and yet another didn't really open up to me. So I had 4 meetings lined up in 3 weeks, October 15 to November 5: Vera, Tina, Alla and Natasha.
I got to know them through email and skype, some more than others. Vera and I connected on a deep intellectual and spiritual level in the beginning, though I was never sure of physical attraction. Tina I liked from the start, her English was great but I had limited contact as her skype was broken and talked with her briefly only twice, but did have email contact with her almost daily. With Alla I was taken aback a little because it seemed she was waiting for me on skype and wanted lots of contact. With Natasha I also had lots of contact, she was very attractive and had a 1.5 year old son. They were all in the age range of 39 to 41 (I am 57).

Met with Ed at the Kiev airport. I had about 2 hours there to wait for him to arrive. Right away I saw the amount of gorgeous-looking women there.  They were everywhere one after the other. They have an exotic look, and always dress to the hilt usually with 4 inch heels. It was just after 5pm Kiev time, we got a taxi, the taxi driver exchanged a couple hundred dollars for us, stopped for a sim card and went directly to the apartment. Taxi ride was 160 Grivnas ($20) and that with a stop to get a SIM card for Ed's unlocked phone. As soon as we got the phone working Ed called the landlady and told her we'd be there at 6pm. I paid by week for 2 apartments. Next morning got up early and at 6:30am we met Vera, 39yo from Belarus at the train station.  She is a widow with a teenage daughter. We got back to her apartment where she got settled and had a rest, giving us a chance to do the same. She is a speech therapist, conservative by nature and knows no English. Discourse was difficult but with Ed to translate we connected a little. Although she has an exotic beauty, I didn't feel a real connection with her and it was hard for me to get her to open up. We did some sight-seeing and it wasn't till the next evening that we saw her off that I grabbed her hand and held it.  And as she got on the train, a kiss on both cheeks.

All the women brought interesting gifts and wine or spirits and were very thoughtful.

Next morning early we met Tina, Belarus, the second girl at the station, thanks to Ed's ability to line them up one after another. Tina was the opposite of Vera in many ways. She is a professional singer and pianist who works every day in a restaurant. Excellent English skills, and very intelligent, a son who is about 20. She was 41, smoking body with dynamic personality, very successful, had her own car. She worked in Bahrain for 7 years as a performer. Red flags went up as we thought performer in an Arab country but after talking quite a while about it and questioning from Ed in Russian it turns out that she is very conservative, responsible and down to earth and by all evidence didn't fool around with the Arabs and wasn't into some suspect activities there. There was a real spark between us. She was funny, and had these cute facial expressions that made me want to stare at her to catch them all. A real dynamo who was also down to earth, what a combination. She would grab me and we would hold hands, quite affectionate and she seemed to be into me. We went dancing at the disco and we danced
there for hours, I felt so comfortable on the dance floor with her that I could show my funny side. Because her English was so good we went around town  ogether and left Ed. We had a blast together at galleries and churches. Although physical, it didn't develop into anything more than a little french kissing when I would drop her off at her apartment. I had 2 days with Tina which was too short but we had a definite connection. She had to return to work in Belarus.

We had a day or 2 before the next girl so Ed tried to line up some local Kiev girls. I met with one and although a good woman, she didn't compare to Vera or Tina.

Alla, 39, Moldova, with a daughter 20 was lined up for the next morning at the train station. Again we went back to our apartments to settle in and rest. It's a little blurry to me but I think we were holding hands right from the start. She brought 2 bottles of cognac, baked goods and chocolate for both me and Ed, very thoughtful. She knew little English but is now taking lessons and lessons in art. I am an artist so we were into the same things.  She had 3 jobs to put her daughter through college, main job being at a beauty salon. She explained to Ed that she wanted to join the nunnery because she couldn't find a good man in Moldova. She had no relationship in 10 years. I wasn't sure if she had a great sense of humor or she was serious. She was to me very attractive but still a little of an unknown to me, hard to get a real read on her, if she was a huge connection or if it was smoke and mirrors. 3 of us hung out the first day and talked through
Ed.

Ed told me he thought from her body language that she was really into me and that I would be sleeping at her apartment the rest of the time. We had 5 days together which was more than the first 2.  Lo and behold, the first night, Ed went back to our apartment and I stayed at hers for a while, talking through our respective English - Russian phrasebooks. Suddenly she crossed the kitchen table sat on my lap and started kissing me. I stayed the night and without giving too much away she was definitely making up for the last 10 years. I moved into her apartment for the rest of our time together. She was into dancing at the disco,
playing billiards, bowling and sight-seeing. She was suspicious that I was meeting other women but was not affected by it. She was very genuine and even after being questioned by Ed, we could find no red flags. She was prone to crying and fell in love with me. We had to put her on the train but neither of us wanted to say good-bye.

Next was Natasha from Kerch, Ukraine.  There were problems right from the start. She wanted us to come to her home town and needed money for a flooded apartment. Red flags went up. Ed and I decided to tell her we couldn't come to see her, but she was welcome to come to Kiev as we planned. She never got back to us. So I was free for 7 last days. I missed Alla and decided to call her and see if she could come back to Kiev for another week. After clearing it with work she said she could come. We spent the rest of the trip in each other's glorious company, much of the same, dancing, bowling, playing pool, intimacy, etc. The last
night the fun caught up with me. We had to pull an all-nighter because Alla's train left at 4am, Ed's and my flights left a 6:30 and 6:45. We both got the flu that evening, Alla was fine. I said my quick good-bye at the train station and Ed and I did our torturous trip back to North America. I am still recouping from the flu but I am in contact with Alla on skype everyday, we are each other's "beloved". Also still keep in touch with Tina and to a lesser extent Vera. After I rest and get my head together we are planning to meet in Cuba for her New Year. Also have to find a way to get her back to Canada to stay with me.

I'm very happy with Eduard's service and would recommend his site www.realrussianmatch.com to every one. It worked just like he said it would.  The only thing I regret is that I didn't find his site sooner.

[ML]

Suddenly she (Alla) crossed the kitchen table sat on my lap and started kissing me.

 I missed Alla and decided to call her and see if she could come back to Kiev for another week.

Yes, she is the one I would be missing also !!   

[Manny]

Are you prepared to share the cost for this jaunt with us? We know it was five figures in US dollars, but guys may wish to know if $10k or $20k is nearer the mark. Cost is a major consideration for people considering a similar route.

[dugger]

Are you prepared to share the cost for this jaunt with us? We know it was five figures in US dollars, but guys may wish to know if $10k or $20k is nearer the mark.

Manny, I said what I have to say about the cost.  This is my private information.  A guy can easily find out the cost by contacting Ed.  Why do you knit-pick at what I say and never say anything positive or encouraging  or even a "thank you for sharing".  Your like a termite inspector, poking and probing until something gives.  I put myself and my story on the line and I got so much incredible help and feedback from almost everyone.
Is it because I used Ed's services?  Then take it up with Ed.  I now consider Ed my friend.  I think your behaviour is shameful.

[ML]

Dugger, yes I agree that no one has an obligation to share personal info with others.

However, it is widely practiced here that many, many men do tell about the relative costs of their travel.  They do this to help their fellow members with this info just as we all try to help with many kinds of info.

So when dozens here are willing  to tell such info, and then one man is not willing, it says quite a bit.

[Eduard]

I belive that sharing information is on a volantery basis here. If Dugger doesn't feel comfortable sharing it why would you insist on it? Just FYI: I don't have a set fee, I look at each situation and assess how much time it would take me to complete the mission and then I give quotes based on that. There are too many variables to apply the same fee to every one.
I am not cheap any longer. I believe that I have paid my dues and developed a system that truly works. I help my clients find love in the most efficient and the least time consumming way. Basically if you are a normal man with no psyciatric or psychological problems who has realistic expectations give me 3 to 4 months and it's almost a sure thing that you will have your lady. Sure, it will cost you more upfront. But look at how much you are going to spend if you stretch it over several years and many trips. You will still spend the same money or more, BUT you will spend years on "learning the ropes" and countless hours that you could be working and making money instead.
At the end you still might not find your girl or even worse - marry the wrong one.


In business people know that it makes sense to hire a qualified consultant who is an expert instead of spending years to become an expert  yourself. It's no different in this endevour. In a long run you save money, time and lots of heart ache.

[Manny]

Manny, I said what I have to say about the cost.  This is my private information.  A guy can easily find out the cost by contacting Ed.  Why do you knit-pick at what I say and never say anything positive or encouraging  or even a "thank you for sharing".  Your like a termite inspector, poking and probing until something gives.  I put myself and my story on the line and I got so much incredible help and feedback from almost everyone.
Is it because I used Ed's services?  Then take it up with Ed.  I now consider Ed my friend.  I think your behaviour is shameful.

It was a perfectly reasonable question. Hence the many topics on the subject. Cost is a big factor to many. Taking a hired hand along with you is far from cheap. For those who may consider chaperone services, I think they might be well served by an indication of anticipated cost. However, as you got my question to you somehow intermingled and confused with other discussions your new friend is involved in. I shan't bother further.

So when dozens here are willing to tell such info, and then one man is not willing, it says quite a bit.

I think with Ed's fees and three sets of flights, we can safely assume he did a fair lump of money.

[dugger]

It was a perfectly reasonable question. Hence the many topics on the subject. Cost is a big factor to many. Taking a hired hand along with you is far from cheap. For those who may consider chaperone services, I think they might be well served by an indication of anticipated cost. However, as you got my question to you somehow intermingled and confused with other discussions your new friend is involved in. I shan't bother further.

Manny, it is a reasonable question. Maybe I over-reacted.  I felt that I was getting unfairly caught in the middle of the feud between you and Ed.

As I understand it, Ed charges about $75 per hour and he quotes men accordingly. Once he knows all the specific info about a man and what he is looking for, Ed figures out how much time it's going to take him and quotes based on that. I'd rather not disclose my personal finances here but I'll say this, Ed is not cheap but well worth it. If you don't want to deal with years of "learning the ropes", deal with scammers and prodaters have the least amount of guesswork as possible, just enjoy your dating experience instead of dealing with all the logistics, and find a great woman in just a few months Ed's service is the way to go. Many guys try to save money by doing it without help of some one like Ed, but they wind up making many trips where they come home emptyhanded, spend several years and a lot of time that they could be working and making money. In the end they will spend just as much or more money and might not have as good a result.

[Manny]

Manny, it is a reasonable question. Maybe I over-reacted.  I felt that I was getting unfairly caught in the middle of the feud between you and Ed.

Fair comment. Good luck with the lady you met. 

[dugger]

Fair comment. Good luck with the lady you met. 

Thanks loads Manny.  Greatly appreciated. 

[Faux Pas]

Manny, it is a reasonable question. Maybe I over-reacted.  I felt that I was getting unfairly caught in the middle of the feud between you and Ed.

As I understand it, Ed charges about $75 per hour and he quotes men accordingly. Once he knows all the specific info about a man and what he is looking for, Ed figures out how much time it's going to take him and quotes based on that. I'd rather not disclose my personal finances here but I'll say this, Ed is not cheap but well worth it. If you don't want to deal with years of "learning the ropes", deal with scammers and prodaters have the least amount of guesswork as possible, just enjoy your dating experience instead of dealing with all the logistics, and find a great woman in just a few months Ed's service is the way to go. Many guys try to save money by doing it without help of some one like Ed, but they wind up making many trips where they come home emptyhanded, spend several years and a lot of time that they could be working and making money. In the end they will spend just as much or more money and might not have as good a result.

And therein lies the rub. For many, not all, learning "the ropes", discerning scammers from prodaters and dealing with logistics isn't that big of a deal and no consultant or nuclear science is involved. Ed offers a valuable service to the guys that want/need it. If the truth be told many may want it but, few would need it.


I do not fault Ed in the slightest offering this service. Many guys such as yourself "want" it. Ed's constant pitch is "guys need it". There is a large divide in the two IMHO.

[Eduard]

FP, point well taken. Let me ask you a question:
I want to get my site on top of the google search, have a strong, effective presence on social networking sites with a large following, have a very high rating with many search engines, etc., etc.  I don't know much about SEO, Social networking marketing, web design and internet marketing in general.
What should I do:
1. spend 2 or 3 years learning the ropes, studying and becoming an expert in this field (would a couple of years be enough to be an expert? I don't know...)
2. Pay an internet marketing expert to help me and have my site boosted in a matter of a couple of months to where it generates a lot more business and $$$ for me without me spending any time on that while I continue working and generating income?

[Gator]

FP, point well taken. Let me ask you a question:
I want to get my site on top of the google search, have a strong, effective presence on social networking sites with a large following, have a very high rating with many search engines, etc., etc.  I don't know much about SEO, Social networking marketing, web design and internet marketing in general.
What should I do:
1. spend 2 or 3 years learning the ropes, studying and becoming an expert in this field (would a couple of years be enough to be an expert? I don't know...)
2. Pay an internet marketing expert to help me and have my site boosted in a matter of a couple of months to where it generates a lot more business and $$$ for me without me spending any time on that while I continue working and generating income?

The contrast you make is obvious.  However, there is a difference, a huge difference, with meeting RW. 
 
With the above example, I assume your ultimate goal is to increase sales.   One strategy is to increase Internet leads.  The sooner this happens the better.  Clearly you would retain a consultant.  There is no benefit to learning the consultant's process  and probably no fun either.  The consultant enhances your Internet marketing position, and the end result is a dramatic increase in sales opportunities.
 
Now compare this with meeting RW.  Screening RW profiles is fun. Writing and calling them is fun.   Arranging meetings is fun.  Meeting them and dating them with little idea of what will happen is fun.   And at each step I am discovering and learning much that I want to know.   Unlike many men, however, I had plenty of time and I do enjoy adventure.  It took me a long time to get married and my marriage ended in a quick divorce.  However, the six years of dating were a pure joy, and in comparison the joy of the dating made the divorce seem insignificant.
 
Let me try another analogy.  If I went quail hunting I would really need a good dog to point to the birds hiding in the bush.  In fact, to do it without a dog is very difficult - as a kid I walked through the fields and flushed quail without a dog, and many days I went home with no birds.  I don't see anything wrong with calling you a bird dog.  The hunter still has to bag the bird.
 
A fishing analogy.  When fishing, I prefer to hire a guide because I really want to hook some gamefish and I go only 2-3 times per year.  The guides know the water and where the fish are hanging out.  They also know what bait/lure is working.  If flyfishing, I buy my flies rather than tie them myself, and one morning on the water is enough for me.   OTOH, the purists in trout fishing tie their own flies and spend much time on the water, all part of some spiritual experience.
 
 

[Eduard]

Unlike many men, however, I had plenty of time and I do enjoy adventure.  It took me a long time to get married and my marriage ended in a quick divorce.  However, the six years of dating were a pure joy, and in comparison the joy of the dating made the divorce seem insignificant.

And this is the key difference between you and men who retain me, Phil. Not all, but most of my clients are younger than you - in their 30s and 40s and are looking to get married and have children without having to go through 6 years of dating and after all that a divorce. I'm sure you'll agree that your divorce wouldn't be as painless if you had a couple of kids with your ex. They usually are very busy with their career and prefer to outsource all the legwork to me.
Let's face it, it takes several years for most men to find the right FSU woman if they ever do. As we see on these fora there aren't that many successful marriages. Some men, like yourself, just enjoy the process, the learning, the unknown and don't ming spending several years on this search. When I was 44 yo I felt that I was ready to find a good woman and start a family. I didn't want to spend another 5-6 years on searching dating, marrying, divorcing, searching again, and again... you get the point. I was ready! I found my wife in a matter of just a few months, made two trips to see her and spent about 6 weeks total face time with her (besides countless hours on the phone and chatting on line) and she was here in 6 months from the time I filed for the K-1. All is good, you've met my wife and I guess only my older daughter. You haven't seen my 2 year old yet.  I work with guys, who like me, are ready to find their soulmate, get married and live happily everafter without spending years on the process of searching.
To each his own. 

[Misha]

I have to agree with Ed, it need not take years. If you know Russian, it certainly speeds up the process, and likewise being able to go off the beaten track is a godsend!

[Gator]

Eduard, 
 
Your point is valid for men pursuing the fast track to marriage.   
 
In the past many men  because of shortage of time and/or money became committed within two meetings (sometimes within one week, thus becoming a One Week Wonder, OWW, a term coined by KenC).   And the RW years ago also had their motivations to progress quickly.   
 
I guess some men today still want the fast track even though  I doubt that these same men would do that in the USA.   I do not recommend a fast track, especially with the cultural, language and probably age differences.  I just don't see how two people are hardly more than strangers.  Soulmates?  I felt I was more a solemate rather than a soulmate (from walking so much). 
 
My question - Are RW today just as motivated as they were 5-10 years to commit to a stranger from a strange land?   I know all the hype about looking for a good man, etc.  Please, just my question. 
 
P. S. - You  now have another daughter!   Fantastic!  Congratulations!  Your older daughter is certainly a show stopper, and I imagine your younger daughter is just as impressive.  Wishing you the best.

[GQBlues]

...If you don't want to deal with years of "learning the ropes", deal with scammers and prodaters have the least amount of guesswork as possible, just enjoy your dating experience instead of dealing with all the logistics, and find a great woman in just a few months Ed's service is the way to go. Many guys try to save money by doing it without help of some one like Ed, but they wind up making many trips where they come home emptyhanded, spend several years and a lot of time that they could be working and making money. In the end they will spend just as much or more money and might not have as good a result.

 
No offense, but....
 
Why would any man want to be married to a woman he has no idea how to date? or maybe this angle, why would any woman want a man who has to pay for someone to enable him to date and marry her?
 
 
I'm hopeful you can give me an insight on this simple questions.

[BillyB]

 

We know it was five figures in US dollars, but guys may wish to know if $10k or $20k is nearer the mark. Cost is a major consideration for people considering a similar route.

 
I suspect Ed caters to men who have very busy lives and make a lot of money. I never felt I needed agency services or a personal matchmaker in my search but some men, probably of no fault of their own, don't have time to read the forums or make travel arraignments. Reading forums helps greatly but still the odds are most here won't end up marrying a FSU woman. I would assume Ed comes in and does most of the hard work for his busy clients and helps them choose "wife material".
 
 
I don't mind if Ed is making good money but let's not forget he has sacrafices. The more clients he has and time he spends in the FSU, the less he will spend with his family.
 
 

Why would any man want to be married to a woman he has no idea how to date? or maybe this angle, why would any woman want a man who has to pay for someone to enable him to date and marry her?

 
I can't speak for dugger but I have a couple of friends who are good people but they don't know how to date. Why would a woman want my friends? Because they they have many fine qualities and will take better care of a lady compared to the average guy. The problem is they don't know how to date so it's hard for them to get past first base. They have no intention of dating outside the USA but if they did and a guy like Ed can help show a RW that my friends are good "husband material", then that is to their and the lady's benefit.

[GQBlues]

....I can't speak for dugger but I have a couple of friends who are good people but they don't know how to date. Why would a woman want my friends? Because they they have many fine qualities and will take better care of a lady compared to the average guy...

 
1. How the heck are you so sure that an average guy would have less of a chance to treat a woman right compared to those who have no social skills to begin with? There's a very obvious reason/s why they can't get past first base!     ..or are you just guessing? If so, then what does that say about your statement?
 
2. If you're so busy to meet/date women to begin with, how can you have the ample time to marry one? Are you implying it'll take less time, patience, and the skills to asssociate with the opposite gender if they can somehow marry one and forego dating and associating altogether?
 
3. What type of a woman who'll subscribe to a man, let alone marry one, who don't have the time, the fortitude, basic social faculties, the audacity, and just the general awareness to take care of something so basic as in meeting a woman they're interested in; though possess a lot of money? Doubtful a man like Donald Trump will subscribe to pay anyone to choose his wife for him.
 
4. Are FSUW really so out of touch and insensitive to be these callous as to marry someone who doesn't the time to search/get to know them and had to be hand-held to go out on a simple date; but have easy disposable cash?
 
5. Lastly, will you marry a woman someone else told you is the one you should marry? If you can't, can you imagine what kind of man who will actually do that? You honestly believe these men is likely to treat a woman right compared to an average guy? LOL.

[wheretheheckami]

I think your forgetting fundamental difficulty of dating "cross culture" with Language Barrier. And that is what Edward fills, his knowledge and skill so that it isn't a barrier.

Also Dugger has indicated his time is worth more than the fee he paid to Edward.  And they are both satisfied with the business transaction. I don’t understand why some of you are so caught up on the price of his services. Considering Edward himself has admitted his not cheap. There for his service isn’t for everyone. This is one of the reason he screens potential clients. Which I think is very ethical of Edward, and very good business practice.

And now you’re attacking a woman you have no idea because she decided to date a man who uses a translator to break the ice.

Well let’s see it from perhaps her point of view. Here is a man who is serious enough in his pursuit of meaningful relationship with a FSUW and his putting his money where it counts... i.e. his hired an expert of FSU language and cultures. Shouldn’t that speak volume to a smart woman who is also seeking a serious relationship? His taken charge of his own life and brought his own advocate instead of using an agency translator. And I have a feeling many of these FSUW knows whose interest the agency translator is looking out for.

I know I’m new to this forum, but you guys are really disgusting that way you incessantly attack Edward. I felt I had to write this, because every time I see a thread about Edward lately is the same old Sh!t.  And I feel that this forum has diminished in the quality.

FYI, my mother is a MOB and my parents are still married after 38 years. So I believe I know something about cross culture relationship. But don’t claim to know them all.

Well, I said my piece so back to being a silent majority.

Go get your woman Dugger. Only history and God can judge us mere mortals.

I'm thinking of "inalienable rights to liberty, freedom, and PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS." And it's music to my ears)))

[Muzh]

FP, point well taken. Let me ask you a question:
I want to get my site on top of the google search, have a strong, effective presence on social networking sites with a large following, have a very high rating with many search engines, etc., etc.  I don't know much about SEO, Social networking marketing, web design and internet marketing in general.
What should I do:
1. spend 2 or 3 years learning the ropes, studying and becoming an expert in this field (would a couple of years be enough to be an expert? I don't know...)
2. Pay an internet marketing expert to help me and have my site boosted in a matter of a couple of months to where it generates a lot more business and $$$ for me without me spending any time on that while I continue working and generating income?

Ed, this past Monday Google was in my neck of the woods helping new starters on exploiting google's services. Maybe you may want to ask google directly? It would be in THEIR best interest for you to succeed using them.
 
FYI
http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=16527689

[BC]

I know I’m new to this forum, but you guys are really disgusting that way you incessantly attack Edward. I felt I had to write this, because every time I see a thread about Edward lately is the same old Sh!t.  And I feel that this forum has diminished in the quality.

Whoah there.... LOL

Of course there will be a lot of 'angles' pointed out from the wide range of participants here.  Like those wandering through a forest, some might comment on a particularly high tree or another on some dead branch.  Some have been to the forest before and tend to comment on the same things instead of wandering off the previous path they took to a bit to see the trees in a different light.

Overall, I find the comments are pretty balanced when viewed as a whole, even more so than I have seen on other fora.

[GQBlues]

I think your forgetting fundamental difficulty of dating "cross culture" with Language Barrier.

UseAmap (jk)
 

LOL. I won't even bother writing a rebuttal but just simply present your own post back to you so you can read it and hopefully ask yourself what's wrong with that statement? The very basic premise of your 'reason' should at least ring warning bells to anyone with an ounce of sanity.

[Gator]

Well, I said my piece so back to being a silent majority.

 
 
I hope you participate more.  Getting involved in some RWD topics will enhance your understanding of this venture.
 
BTW, I have met Eduard socially and he is a good man, and interesting person too.  When he joined us years ago, he wrote like a salesman with much hype.  Such rubs many of us wrong as we endeavor to be independent rather than salesmen.   Thankfully Eduard has toned down his hype considerably.  What remains is his natural enthusiasm and acceptable IMO. 
 
 
I do not feel that most here at RWD are attacking Eduard.  Many of us have navigated the FSU on our own without guides and without tours, so we naturally encourage men to consider doing the same.  However, I agree that there are men who could benefit from Eduard's services.  Ed has defined the benefits of his services.  Just be sure to know your woman.

[Faux Pas]

FP, point well taken. Let me ask you a question:
I want to get my site on top of the google search, have a strong, effective presence on social networking sites with a large following, have a very high rating with many search engines, etc., etc.  I don't know much about SEO, Social networking marketing, web design and internet marketing in general.
What should I do:
1. spend 2 or 3 years learning the ropes, studying and becoming an expert in this field (would a couple of years be enough to be an expert? I don't know...)
2. Pay an internet marketing expert to help me and have my site boosted in a matter of a couple of months to where it generates a lot more business and $$$ for me without me spending any time on that while I continue working and generating income?

Eduard


I don't find your analogy as a good one. However, in general and in business yes, I would look for the most effective and efficient way of obtaining and reaching my goal. Personally, I would research and read everything I could get my hands onto and determine what would be the best course of action to reach my desired goals. That may or may not include a consultant. I do see where you are going with your analogy and I get the point. For a "certain" mindset your services are no doubt appealing. I am not inferring there is something wrong with men who might require this type of personal service. There isn't (likely) most of them.


The adventure is an expensive one whether someone would uses your service or not. Using your service makes it exponentially more expensive but that's okay, if one is willing to pay it. Necessary for some, unnecessary for others. The services you provide are available for anyone to do on their own if they are so inclined. The analogy you pose isn't a good one to me because, what we are discussing here is IMHO, personal relationships and matters of the heart. My approach in this area would be weighed differently.


Granted, many in this pursuit are only interested in the hot babe arm candy they can't find available to them at home and they want it asap. McBabe, so to speak. Eduard you seem like a nice guy but, I wouldn't trust you (or anyone for that matter) to pick out a woman for me. I wouldn't trust you, anyone with like services, an agency or anyone else to do that.


Early on in my exploration I determined it was beneficial to me to keep away from a third party of any sort and I did that. Others as we know insist on a third party or more. Different strokes for different folks I suppose. With that said I'll also say this. Regardless of what I or anyone here might think, your best yardstick to gauge on how needed your services are, is by how busy with it you are and how much cash you put in the bank as a result. All else doesn't really matter, does it?