I've seen this same message on two other work-related discussion lists.
Please, keep these types of things off lists that don't center on finding
matches for people. There are, I'm sure, appropriate channels for this
type of discussion.
 
Tim '88
LSSU
GO LAKERS!
 
On Wed, 31 May 1995 [log in to unmask] wrote:
 
> **probable flamer, see humble note below
>
> ##    meet women of the former USSR through romance ads    ##
>
>      Months ago, Olga Kosmina placed my personal ad in several papers
> of the former Soviet Union.  Since that time I have received over 70
> responses for the $50 I sent her.  My ad was specific -- seeking
> attractive women no taller than 5ft 8in.  Had I not been that specific,
> perhaps the response would have been double. I have found far greater
> success placing my own personal advertisement than by purchasing addresses
> through several well know Russian "bride" catalog companies.
>      If you are interested in placing a personal romance ad as I did,
> contact Olga.  She has built up a list of most every newspaper and
> magazine in the former Soviet Union and could help direct your ad to
> certain areas if you wished.  She writes: "please say that I place all
> ad _throughout_ Russia and other countries of former Soviet Union, not
> only Western Russia."  Olga asks for $50 because this amount provides a
> fairly wide exposure.  *I think that of the $50, she pays the various newspapers something around $35.  She keeps the remainder for her efforts.*
>      Olga is 23 years old, has a bachelors in biology and works full-time
> as a florist in Kiev. She speaks, reads and writes English as well as her native languages of Russian and Ukrainian.
>      I realize that it is a very trusting person who would place $ in
> an envelope and mail to a foreign country.  And so, feel free to send a
> letter of inquiry.  The time for a letter to reach Kiev averages 15
> days and response 8 to 10.
>
> Olga Kozmina
> Dekabristov Street 5 - 178
> Kiev 253121
> Ukraine
>
>      A month ago, I posted similarly on Olga's behalf.  She wrote
> back: "I have already received 4 bank cheques on $50 - from two
> Americans, from a Speniard and a Australian.  Thank you very much for
> your help!  I will be able to receive this money in two months only."
>      Apparently it takes several months for personal checks to clear.
> I have found that by placing a single bill between two pieces of
> newsprint inside of a white envelope, the Ukrainian post can not see
> through and does not bother to tamper.  I have yet to lose a letter
> sent to Kiev.  I am sorry that Olga does not have e-mail.
>      I am posting anonymously because of the inordinate amount of
> e-mail which I would receive -- inquiries as well as flames.
>
> Best Wishes,
>
> Brett and Olga
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> To: probable flamer
> Subject: polite note
> From: Brett
>
>      Although Olga has never seen a newsgroup nor heard of "net-
> etiquette," she believes that offering lonely singles the possibility
> of romance exceeds the cost of angering those who feel the net should
> not be used in this fashion.
>      IHA (I humbly ask) that you not flame the postmaster of this site.
>
> peace. . .
>