Ask me, I've done it! and have been married for 3 years happily!

[groovlstk]

Except for the "expert advice" part, I see this as a velvet-gloved Baracudda Baranova approach to matchmaking.

Regardless of how much research and work you put in prior to your first trip, it's foolish to expect success, regardless of how many women a guy plans to meet. Kuna and others were successful but I think they are in the minority. (And by minority I mean being successful in finding mutual love; not in rushing to do a K1 and marrying.)

The problem I have about Eduard's claim of ALL of his clients NEVER having to make a follow-up trip is that it's exactly what guys who don't have the necessary $$ to make multiple trips want to hear... It's exactly what socially inept guys who need an advisor to tell them if a woman is sincerely interested want to hear as it takes all the responsibility off their shoulders...

In all my years of involvement in this endeavor, I have yet to see an inexpensive, guaranteed path to success. As in pretty much anything else in life, there are no sure paths to success... only general guidelines.

[Simoni]

I can agree with most of what you say.

But I also believe that all options on how to do this should be left on the table.

[William3rd]

Eduard- what did you say that your degrees are in, again? I thought I read dentist. Are you a sociologist or psychologist as well?

[Simoni]

Nah, he wrote pages back that his wife had a degree in Russia in Dentistry, and it would not transfer here.

[William3rd]

OK- same question. Degrees are in. . . . . . . what fields?

[Eduard]

OK- same question. Degrees are in. . . . . . . what fields?

is your wife from the FSU like Kirgizstan somehwere? Or Phillipina?

[Eduard]

Of course Eduard, you don't have to answer, no problem 

I'd be curious about how many women that you introduce to your clients are fluent in English to be able to express almost everything they feel and want to say? Are you also present at the meetings where in fact no translating is necessary?

Privet Lilia,
most women that have some grasp of english language still are not able to freely communicate with my clients and I've had situations where a woman would get offended by some innocent joke from my client that just didn't translate into russian properly.
I've had a couple of situations when my clients were meeting women who like you were pretty fluent in english, but the chemistry wasn't there and they wound up going with the other women who didn't speak english that well...
I'm usually with them for the first few days untill they want some privacy...and NO, I don't hide under the bed and translate from there!!!   I hear that that's William3d's gig, he is  into that!!!

[Kuna]

But I also believe that all options on how to do this should be left on the table.

This is pretty funny from a guy that has been slamming letter writing of any sort for the past X months.   

[Eduard]

Why is there a presumption that women using the free Russian dating sites automatically know no English or are not fluent? The main dating site (the mambo network with sites such as singles.ru) allows women to indicate which languages they speak (including English). It is possible to find women who have indicated that they know English and then through chatting you can judge their level of fluency. 

precisely!!!
One thing worth noting, that if you don't speak and read Russian it would be extreemly difficult for you to get anything going on these russian-only sites I've talked to a few guys that somehow found about that site through a Russian friend. They've been running ads on there for years with no success. It's a great site with just under 2 million women and I use it in my searches but you need to read what a woman writes in her profile and not just look at pretty pictures and mail all the hotties. many women specifically state "NO FOREIGNERS, local men only!!!" Yet these guys are still bombarding them with mail getting pretty bad reputation amongst the Russians. There are some very important key things to look for in a woman's profile if you want her to consider you. And you need to be pretty fluent in Russian to accomplish that. Also since this is the real world I found that only 5 to 10% of the women i contact on behalf of my clients respond positively. So this is pretty time consumming.
Communication is the key!

[Simoni]

This is pretty funny from a guy that has been slamming letter writing of any sort for the past X months.   

Dear me, I guess lying is just your second nature.  Yes, I'll use the "L" word here.  I learned it from you and your posts at RWD.

The problem is, a lie unchallenged is seen as truth.

So I'll respond.

My advice has been repeated many times.  I recommend that the guy write a few letters to a select group, and then go meet the girls.
So your statement "writing of any sort" is flat out wrong.

I don't agree with 4 months or 6 months or a year of letters to someone you have not met.

Anyway-- here is what I have been saying at RWD about letter writing:

Good post, Bruce. Very insightful.

On the trip I met Marina, I had written half a dozen girls, including her.  I ranked them according to the way I liked them. Marina was number one.   And the first girl I met there.  But it was not instantly great, so I went ahead and met the other girls.  Out of those six, two were possible good matches.   Marina kind of messed it up-- she kept calling me during my dates; I think she knew the drill.  Finally, I dumped my schedule and spent the last few days with her.

It was a wise move.

And I feel much better about it even today, because having met other girls, I know I'm with the best girl.  Comparison is a good thing.

Makes sense, Bear.  Except for the part about discussing with any girl that you are meeting other girls.  No RW wants to hear about others.  But if they bring it up, your answer makes sense.

I'd go with Gator's advice and not spend too much time writing letters in advance.  Two or three and a phone call should be enough.  After meeting, you'll know if you want to go further.  Good luck!

~Si

WMVS - write many visit some

I used an agency.

Wrote several brief letters to a number of girls.

Got there.  Met them one by one.  Four or five a day.   Since there is only time for one lunch and one dinner, it means the others have 30 minutes to one hour meetings over coffee.

Stopped my meetings when I clicked with one, and spent the rest of my trip getting to know her.

[/color]

[Simoni]

I can agree with most of what you say.

But I also believe that all options on how to do this should be left on the table.

This is pretty funny from a guy that has been slamming letter writing of any sort for the past X months.   

I'm very tolerant of various approaches.

I'm said that WOVO is ok.  In fact, I shared it was the strategy I started out using.  I've told guys that if that is the way they feel, then do it.  But I've also warned them that the likelihood is that they will be disappointed.

I still maintain that there are a number of ways to be successful.   I'm of the theory that you should write only girls who speak English.  But look upthread here.  I also say that many guys have been successful meeting such girls and marrying them--girls who did not speak English.

There are indeed many models to choose from, and many ways to be successful.

Look, there are many ways to succeed and many ways to fail.  WOVO can work. But usually it does not.

Personally, I don't believe in months of writing a girl and then going to meet her.  Rather, just strike up a marginal relationship through a few letters, and then go meet the girl (girls).  KenC says it best...
 
That's exactly my take, too.

[Gator]

Kuna,

Yes, Simoni has never slammed "letter writing of any sort", but like me sees little utility in long periods of correspondence.

If one eliminates the "how is the weather" letters, one can cut to the chase quickly.  That and a couple of phone calls can get both the man and woman primed for a meeting.  In contrast, a WOVO man would naturally prefer longer and more intense correspondence periods.

I acknowledge the viability of all methods, and what is appropriate for one man may be inappropriate for another, dependent upon his experience, personality and goals.  Eduard's method is a good one for entering a mostly untapped market; however, I would leave his ass at home.  Some other man may want the personal attention.

[Gator]

 William 3rd

He also likes to watch

 

Eduardo

NO, I don't hide under the bed and translate from there!!!

 

It always pleases me that some people can maintain a SOH in the middle of a somewhat argumentative discussion.

[Kuna]

Dear me, I guess lying is just your second nature.  Yes, I'll use the "L" word here.  I learned it from you and your posts at RWD.

The problem is, a lie unchallenged is seen as truth.

So I'll respond.

My advice has been repeated many times.  I recommend that the guy write a few letters to a select group, and then go meet the girls.
So your statement "writing of any sort" is flat out wrong.

I don't agree with 4 months or 6 months or a year of letters to someone you have not met.

Anyway-- here is what I have been saying at RWD about letter writing:

Call me a liar if you want but it's better than being a loser!

You can selectively pull out whatever posts you want but the fact is you've been saying for months letter writing is a waste of time. You are not important enough to me for me to waste the time going back through all your drivel but newbies should be aware your posts are suspect!

Yes, you did line up the women through a little or two so you could choose one to marry on meeting...  but Eduard suggests writing to the in enough detail to get to know them then traveling to choose your next wife.  No need for futher visits... ALL DONE! 

You seemed to support the concept that more letter writing and phone calls during the visa process is enough knowledge of someone you're going to share your life with! 

Is that true?  Am I correct?  You're now supporting a concept where couples don't need time together face to face before marrying?

I guess now you've made a new "friend" you feel compelled to support whatever outrageous process he promotes in his business because you are needy and desperate for approval.

You're a strange fellow Simoni!

Let's confirm you agree his process is a good one and some unsuspecting and uninformed chump should be lead own the path of destruction in a way Eduard suggests?  Agree with it do you?

Kuna



Gator,

You're right... in my original post I said "letter writing of any sort"... That was inaccurate.

My post above confirms that my intention was to question his integrity based on his support of a process Eduard SELLS after his ongoing attacks of those that send more than introduction letters.

[Makkin]

  If he does agree then it's his choice and free will to do so as he has a mind of his own Mr. Kuna..lol

Makkin

[Simoni]

Call me a liar if you want but it's better than being a loser!

I'm definitely not a loser.  In fact, I'm very successful in life, both professionally and personally.

And you are the one who CHOSE to misrepresent what I say when you say I say that "writing of any sort" is a waste of time.  Wrong. I do say to write and make contacts with several girls.  Pre-writing a few letters is important.  I corrected your inaccurate information about what I recommend.


You can selectively pull out whatever posts you want but the fact is you've been saying for months letter writing is a waste of time.

No, I posted the whole posts.  Click to the source and see.  My advice is consistent.  I say don't write a lot of letters.  But do write a few.

You are not important enough to me for me to waste the time going back through all your drivel but newbies should be aware your posts are suspect!

I stand by what I say.   I'll choose my timeline and path over yours for sure.

Yes, you did line up the women through a little or two so you could choose one to marry on meeting... 
Actually, I used meetings to meet one girl I wanted to get to know better.   Unlike you, I met My Girl over an extended period of time (7 meetings in 4 countries) before getting the visa.

but Eduard suggests writing to the in enough detail to get to know them then traveling to choose your next wife.  No need for futher visits... ALL DONE! 

As I understand Eduard's advice, they do have more detailed letter writing than I recommed.  I also understand him to be saying that if the guy meets 5 girls and clicks with one, they continue to get to know each other over time.  How long did it take you to decide to marry Your Girl?  Seems I remember it was pretty fast.  Not my style, but as I said above, different strokes for different folks.

You seemed to support the concept that more letter writing and phone calls during the visa process is enough knowledge of someone you're going to share your life with! 

As I have said many times....I think you should spend lots of face time with the girl. And I did.  Seven more face to face meetings.   But I also know of examples, including yours, where engagement happened in one or two meetings.  But the relationship continued to grow during the visa wait time.   Not my way, but a way that works for some.

Is that true?  Am I correct?  You're now supporting a concept where couples don't need time together face to face before marrying?
How much face time did you have before you got engaged?  Five days?  Three weeks?  

I guess now you've made a new "friend" you feel compelled to support whatever outrageous process he promotes in his business because you are needy and desperate for approval.
If you had read this thread, you would have seen me disagree with Ed pages back on several points, including language.  And nope, I don't need your approval at all.  Nor his.  I'm comfortable with who I am  
You're a strange fellow Simoni!
Same back to you.

Let's confirm you agree his process is a good one and some unsuspecting and uninformed chump should be lead own the path of destruction in a way Eduard suggests?  Agree with it do you?
Did you not read the above, where I said different approaches work for different people?  I think his way has its plusses and negatives.  But it does have plusses.  And his clients are not poor chumps, but happily married guys.  I think we need a lot less judgmental posts around here.  They are counterproductive.  As is talking with you.  You like to talk a lot and jump to conclusions that are sometimes wrong.
Kuna



Gator,

You're right... in my original post I said "letter writing of any sort"... That was inaccurate.

My post above confirms that my intention was to question his integrity based on his support of a process Eduard SELLS after his ongoing attacks of those that send more than introduction letters.

[ScottinCrimea]

I've been gone for a few days so I'm just catching up on this thread.  It's been interesting to see how it has wandered through the various hot topics.

I have noticed that eduard has used every opportunity to expound on the advantages of his services and this in my opinion brings into question the motives behind some of his other postings, and that's a shame.  I think the most disappointing point he has made is how his service is more efficient and makes it easy to find a wife with only one visit to the FSU.  The idea of spending such limited time with someone, no matter the depth of the communication before the engagement, then using the visa waiting time to "get to know each other" and the 90 day waiting period to test true compatibility just plain goes against common sense.  I know some of you out there have done this with success, but I personally would have far too much to risk to play such games with my future.  To base any marketing of his services on this type of agenda does a disservice to his potential clients and I believe attracts specifically those men who have no business getting involved in this process.

ScottinCrimea,
I was curious as to why you choose to live in Crimea? I realize that it's a beautiful place in terms of nature (and women off course) but if you are married why not bring your wife here and live in a bit more civilized, democratic society?
I have an apartment in Moscow and obviously speak fluent Russian, and my wife would rather live in Moscow where she could be closer to her family, friends and go back to work as a dentist (The US doesn't recognise Russian dentists even though I think a lot of them are much better than American!).Yet I prefer to live here, in Florida. And even my wife feels that it's a lot better for our daughter to grow up here rather than in Russia.
I'm not criticising but just am very curious. I haven't been to black see in about 30 years, but used to go there on vacation with my parents almost every summer...

Sorry to be so late answering this question but I think it important, particularly considering the FSU bashing that went on in response.

I lived in Crimea for about 2 years and loved every minute of it. My wife and I decided that it would be a good idea for her to spend some time in the US for various reasons.  I came back first and prepared everything for the visa and she has been here for three months now.  We plan to bring her daughter over after she finishes school so she can learn the culture and more importantly English, stay around for a couple of years and then return to Ukraine to live permanently.

I won't deny what others have said regarding the corruption, bad roads, etc in the FSU.  I haven't spent much time in Russia so don't feel myself qualified to speak on conditions there.  So why do I love Ukraine so much?  Maybe because I've been a victim of many of the problems of the US system and therefore don't see those of Ukraine as being any worse.  Ukraine has a deep soul that seems to wrap itself around me like a warm blanket when I'm there.  In the US the soul seems too shallow for me and the priorities misguided.

People talk about problems with bribery and the "system" in general.  I think this is because, as has been mentioned before, the difficulties of our own system are just as ingrained in our minds such that we see them as normal and those of other countries as aberrant only because they are different, not what what we are accustomed to, and we don't know as well how to work within that system.  Do I like paying bribes?  Not really, but I don't like paying such high taxes, either, but it seems to be the cost of doing business so I accept it and use it to my advantage.  All of the talk about how it ruins the economy of Ukraine is fine, but I'm not out to change the world and it works just fine for my individual economy.  Something that those without sufficient time actually living in Ukraine don't understand is that there is another way of getting things done in a "timely" fashion and that is having the right contacts.  We have friends such that one phone call from them clears any barriors in many situations.  Still, in other situations we have come out on the short end.  You accept it and don't whine about it.

As far as mafia control of businesses and a "roof", of course I've seen such situations and much worse.  Everyone knows someone who knows someone that something like this has happened to, but I don't believe it's as prevalent as some would make it out to be.  I have many relatives and friends who own businesses there and they don't pay anything to anyone and have never had their businesses burned down.  I look at how in the US ecology groups for example hold companies hostage and the amount of paperwork required and taxes and fees one must pay as a business owner in the US and I see we're getting the shake down here the same as there, just by different people.  We see it as normal and the "cost of doing business".

I have seen many ex-pats try to make it in Ukraine.  Those that focus on the negatives eventually run back to the US where things are more "comfortable".  Those that focus on the positives stay and love it there.  It's all about the attitude you take with you.  I know of one who brought his wife to California and after five years decided they didnt' like ti there and moved to Ukraine.  At first he couldn't say enough about how wonderful it was, but after two years couldn't say anything good, sold out and moved to France.  Of course the same pattern wass followed there.  Wherever we go, the one common factor we bring is ourself and our experience in any place is more a reflection on ourselves than where we are.

eduard, you haven't lived in Russia for thirty years now.  The reality is that at this point you are as much a visitor when you are there as any of us here, albeit with better Russian language skills.  Again, I can't speak for Russia, but Ukraine has changed tremendously in the past thirty years and if attitudes were formed that long ago, they can be difficult to change, especially if we return only looking for things that confirm our beliefs.

[Shadow]

If one eliminates the "how is the weather" letters, one can cut to the chase quickly.  That and a couple of phone calls can get both the man and woman primed for a meeting.  In contrast, a WOVO man would naturally prefer longer and more intense correspondence periods.

A WOVO man should not prefer it at all, but find the logistics to make short trip to his WOVO choice, then move on to the next.
Long and intense correspondence is more for keyboard romeos.

[Gator]

Shadow,

You are correct, yet so am I. 

There are diffferent WOVO men.  Some are "love at first photo".  He can not wait to meet her.  Another letter is a waste of time.  He is smitten.  If the meeting works, great.  If not, back home and on to the next photo.

There are others such as Blues Fairy's fiance who wrote her for a year.  Or was it longer?  My feeble mind can not keep track of all this.

So maybe we can avoid a WOVO debate.  There is enough disagreement already.

[Admin]

There are some very important topics being explored here. I, too, hope we can avoid any (*ANY*) de-railing of those topics into personal attacks or insults or any vendettas played out be members who don't like each other.

- Dan

PS - Kuna and Simoni - can we meet in a private chat session (or *something*) to try to resolve the tensions? I value both of you - and it pains me to see you at constant odds with one another?

[Eduard]

Gosh!
I leave you guys for a day and you almost started World War III   !!!!!
Well I'll try to address a couple of legitimate points made and will ignore the dumb attacks that are based on nothing but ignorrance and bad attitude.
Scott,
If you read my question to you I wasn't bashing FSU but simply stated some facts of life there and asked for the reason why you prefer living there. I was sincerally just curious and never imagined that my question would stirr such contraversy!
yes I came to the USA 29 years ago, but I've been travelling to Russia on a regular basis since 2000. The last couple of years I've been there 6 times a year on average spending a couple of weeks each time. I also still have family there and friends with whom I keep in touch on a weekly and even daily basis. So your statement that because I left so long ago I don't know what's going on is completely false.
Yes I know that if you have the right connections you can get a lot accomplished there, but i was just talking about the principal. It bothers me that things are the way they are for an average citizen of the country where I was born.
I'm not going to tell you every sad story of what happened to different people that I personally know, but I'll tell you only one thing: My father was killed in Moscow 2 years ago. Everyone knew who did it and how , but the murderer's son happened to be a police detective who arranged a quick cover up and my father's body was taken to the most corrupt hospital in Moscow and cremated before I could even get there.
So I couldn't prove anything...so as you see I had a very personal and a very recent experince of the "Russian life"
As I said before, no country is perfect and corruption exists everywhere. All I'm saying that personally I prefer to live in the USA and I feel that human life is worth a lot more here than in FSU.
I belive that lack of beliefe in a system, not having any control of or security of tomorrow, and a feeling that no matter what you do you just can't win drives so many Russians to alcoholism...they drink and try to forget and escape the cruel reality...so let's all try not to be so judgemental, shall we?

Now about my system.
Some of you had very positive comments, others negative, and some said that they see both good and bad. I'd like to say that my system worked for me very well.
I found, got to know, met, brought to the USA and married my wife 3 years ago. We have a wonderful, loving relationship and raising a beautiful daughter together.
I apply exactly the same method that I used for me for my clients and it works every time. I do believe that it is very important for a man and a woman to get to know each other on line first. Two people can get to know each other amazingly well by writing letters to each other, providing there is no language barrier (which I effectively remove for them)Didn't many great long distance romances developed by writing letters to each other before the internet???. Communication is the key here and when they can communicate freely without rediculous on-line translators or trying to talk as simple as possible so that the other one can understand what you are talking about, you can trully develop a great connection and even feelings for each other.
In my experience it takes 3-4 months on average of writing each other every day or every other day to get to the poing that you know that this person potentially can be your mate and partner for life. When after all that time of writing and talking on the phone, my client finally makes a trip to Russia he is not meeting with a "stranger" now, but a good friend who he had gotten to know very well and share the most intimate thoughts and feelings with in many cases. At this point it's all up to chemistry. And if it's there you just know that this is it. Unlike some of you, many men can't afford to travel to the FSU several times or fly a girl to different exotic locations to meet. If you can do it, great! There is nothing wrong with that and you can only get to know each other even better and make sure that you are right for each other. But I would like to point out that unless you used someone like me who is completely fluent in both Russian and English languages to interpret your communications with your prospective bride, you probably haven't gotten to know your girl as well as my clients do before your first meeting. Therefore there is a lot more need in your case for additional trips and getting to know time. In addition you are continually communicating with your girl while awaiting the fiance visa approval, and then once she comes over you have another almost 3 months (in the US) to actually live together as husband and wife and decide if you are going to marry.
Once again, I'll say that there are many ways to skin a cat (try to get an on-line translator to interpret that one!!!) And if you are lucky and meet "the right" girl for you, whichever method you used will be the best one for you! 

[Makkin]

  I have learned very much and very fast...Thanks.

Makkin

[Lily]

I apply exactly the same method that I used for me for my clients and it works every time. I do believe that it is very important for a man and a woman to get to know each other on line first. Two people can get to know each other amazingly well by writing letters to each other, providing there is no language barrier (which I effectively remove for them)Didn't many great long distance romances developed by writing letters to each other before the internet???. Communication is the key here and when they can communicate freely without rediculous on-line translators or trying to talk as simple as possible so that the other one can understand what you are talking about, you can trully develop a great connection and even feelings for each other.
In my experience it takes 3-4 months on average of writing each other every day or every other day to get to the poing that you know that this person potentially can be your mate and partner for life. When after all that time of writing and talking on the phone, my client finally makes a trip to Russia he is not meeting with a "stranger" now, but a good friend who he had gotten to know very well and share the most intimate thoughts and feelings with in many cases. At this point it's all up to chemistry. 

I have a few thoughts on the method. Do you use videos in your introduction work Ed?

I like your youtube movies very much, so I suppose you do make videos of both the man to show to the girls, and vice versa. That would be a big advantage and would give maximum of information to both parties. From your experience, what do people say on how the prospect is different from what they have seen on videos, and what do they see in real?

Video makes a big difference indeed, as we can hear the voice, observe mimicry and movements. One is just not able to touch the counterpart. Eventually, the difference would be a sort of a "flat" picture instead of a multi-dimensional perception in real.

How many times have you been able to see that the chemistry is already here on the video communication stage? Did people tell you that 'yes, he/she is exactly the person how I have watched and heard her/him on the webcam for last 2-3-4 months?'

Also, do your clients and girls use webcams in their daily communication?

[Shadow]

...so let's all try not to be so judgemental, shall we?

Lets indeed not be judgemental. I understand your bad experiences, still do not approve of your constant slamming.

I understand your 'method' however it seems to me nothing more than other agencies should provide. Do you take any kind of client, or will you turn down men or women that approach you, and if you do what are the criteria ?

[William3rd]

is your wife from the FSU like Kirgizstan somehwere? Or Phillipina?

Neither country- Now, do you have an answer to my question?