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[Table] IAmA: I work for the "mail order bride" site HotRussianBrides.com. AMA
**Verified?** *(This bot cannot verify AMAs just yet)* **Date:** 2012-04-24 **[Link to submission](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/)** (*Has self-text*) **[Link to my post](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/tabledresser/c4gblm2)** Questions|Answers :--|:-- [1\)Do you hear about any success/Horror stories?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g30b7?context=5)|I hear success stories all the time. Many couples email us their pics and stories for the testimonials page. Most of the horror stories I heard came from our customer service department about men who literally expected to buy a bride and were mad when a woman didn't do what they wanted (meet on command, chat on command, marry on command). [2\) how did you get into that job?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g30b7?context=5)|The job was listed on Monster. [Do Russian women actually emit smoke at all times and simply hold lit cigarettes to disguise their condition?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g3qiq?context=5)|Fact. [BTW, your "proof" isn't proof. Can you provide real proof?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g8kvd?context=5)|Like what? [You have 18 year old engineers? What does someone need to do to become an engineer in Russia?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g8jjq?context=5)|They're engineer students...some list professions instead of student. [Are they *actually* engineers? Be honest.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gh6p2?context=5)|We don't ask for transcripts or anything like that, but I believe they are (or at least studying to be). [Are you going to offer a Groupon?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g48p3?context=5)|We actually would, but due to all the "mail order bride" stereotypes sites like Groupon won't work with us. [What's the return policy like on a bride? Do you get a refund?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g30nz?context=5)|There's no return policy, of course, because the women aren't for sale. The site is simply a fun way for men and women to expand their dating pool and meet people from abroad. [So you are saying these women are looking for partners outside of Russia/Ukraine in order to go out of their own country and start living/get married to whomever they've met online? That said, what must a guy visiting the site should pay a girl or the site?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g4x4l?context=5)|The women are open to meeting men from other countries and possibly marrying one, but by joining the site they aren't GUARANTEEING they will marry a foreign man, anymore than a woman on Match.com will guarantee she'll marry someone from that site. Hot Russian Brides is a niche dating site. The woman aren't literally for sale and men can't buy a wife. [*The woman aren't literally for sale and men can't buy a wife.* And do you know of other websites where this is possible?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gcrh9?context=5)|I don't. [I have no problem with the concept of a mail order bride, but come on man, let's be real. This is the same as a commerical on TV that says "FREE SHAMWOW!!!****" ****Plus $5000 Shipping and Handling.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g7ujv?context=5)|We don't charge for shipping and handling. [You are a woman who sells HotRussianBrides?. God bless.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4ggly0?context=5)|Yeah, who says you can't do anything with a Master's in English. [Why is it branded as Russian brides rather than some sort of east meets west dating site? The whole "buying" a bride thing makes me feel queasy and grim, why, if you are a legitimate site not actually true to any of the "russian bride" stereotypes, do you use such a title??](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g5ezr?context=5)|Excellent question. I wasn't around when the site was created but I imagine it's because "Russian brides" has been the industry speak for years and it's how men search for sites like ours. |Though many men say they want an intelligent, funny, or moral Russian woman, those aren?t the search terms they use. ?Hot Russians? and ?Russian brides? are two of the top keywords in the Russian dating industry, and as we are an online business we naturally want to capture that traffic. Thus, Hot Russian Brides. Plus, intelligentrussianbrides.com or beautifulrussianbrides.com just doesn?t have the same ring to it. |Also, RussianLoveMatch.com is our sister site for men not comfortable with the Hot Russian Brides name. [This was always my backup plan, but now all I hear about is how these girls stay until they get full citizenship after a few years and then take off on the guy. Is the dream over?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g28tc?context=5)|You're referring to a green card scammer. It happens, so you should choose your mate wisely, not just because she's hot. EDIT: Also, we take measures to weed out scammers. [What are these measures?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g3isl?context=5)|To ensure the women are who they say they are, we review their photo IDs (passports, licenses) and make a copy for our records. This generally gets rid of identity thieves, celebrity photos, and Boris pretending to be Natasha. That and we have live video streaming, so men can see the women themselves. |The women must also record a submit a validation video in which they state they are using the service of their own free will, that they will not accept money to participate on the site, and that they will not request money or gifts from our members. |We also investigate reports of any and all scam claims and boot women who violate the Terms of Service. |What we don't do is conduct lie detector tests, psychological screenings, hidden camera stings, etc. to "prove" the women are sincere and will never, ever leave their future husbands (as if that's possible). Some men seriously think we should do this. [Also, do you do price match with Build-a-Wife?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g3yek?context=5)|We do not offer price matching at this time. Our BOGO deals are also suspended..... |This is a joke obviously, so no one is confused. I'm looking at you SRS. [What exactly is it that you do for the website?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g3osb?context=5)|I educate the gentlemen about Russian dating and the ladies they are trying to court. Yes, we use that flowery language. For some reason, ladies, gentlemen, and courting is the industry speak. |Basically, I write short articles on [this blog](http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/) about the site's features, international dating stereotypes, what to do and what not to do, tourist attractions, etc. In other words, help members have a good experience. [I always wondered how much people get paid for something like this. I'm assuming you get to work from home on your own terms as well. Could you provide a rough idea of your pay grade?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4ghywj?context=5)|I work from home now, but didn't always. A daycare crisis prompted that. As for pay...my boss is monitoring the thread so I'll say it's fair and fabulous. That said, it's writing blog articles and typing on Reddit so it's not like I pull in major bucks and I certainly don't earn a commission on each item "sold." :-) |Also, I probably wouldn't be able to afford a hot russian bride. [As someone who is deeply attracted to European women, what are my best options to fulfill this desire?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g3sez?context=5)|Well, I educate the men on our site. So if you were a member, I'd tell you to take a look at the profiles (we have nearly 10,000 women), message a few ladies who appeal to you, be polite and respectable at all times, and take it from there. Also, have [realistic expectations](http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/search.aspx?q=realistic). [I prefer "adventurous heavy drinker"](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gj69y?context=5)|That's a good one. I will call you Boris since the other Russian guy I've spoken with is named Sergei and those are the only two Russian names for men. [Aren't they usually actually Ukranian?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g42v2?context=5)|Ah yes, I forgot to mention that in the Russian dating industry the term Russian is a generic term for Eastern European women. In fact, the vast majority of women on our site are Ukrainian. [Why? Are the men in that country defective?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g79l4?context=5)|The women haven't ruled out local men entirely. They are just exploring other options and meeting new people. [So it is purely a dating site. Isn't the term "Russian Brides" a little misleading?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4ghy0s?context=5)|I would prefer a different name, but it's based on search terms and industry speak so I understand why they chose it. We have a sister site, RussianLoveMatch.com, for men who aren't comfortable with the hot russian brides thing. [You say you check the women, but wouldn't this be an ideal site for the KGB (you may say they don't exist anymore but we all know that they do\)? Does that issue ever even come up?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g4ma8?context=5)|I haven't heard of this being issue, but they're crafty, those hot Russian spies. [Man buys bride, bride marries man. Bride secures citizenship, then seeks out a battered women's home (mmmmm battered!\) and claims domestic abuse. After several months of legal proceedings, lawyers, and a ton of cash, the divorce goes through and the bride is now free to pursue American life. I've heard this story from a friend's uncle, who had it happen to him. He claims that he learned too late that this is a not an uncommon occurrence. Tl;dr - Marry bride, she claims abuse after she gets citizenship, she leaves. Is this true?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g5ea2?context=5)|This happens, yes. In fact, I know a guy who had this situation with a woman he met on Match.com (she was from Spain). There are risks to Russian dating, as with any other form of dating, but if you take your time, choose wisely, use a little common sense you can minimize the risk of being duped. [What is the "success rate" for men? Do you know what the men are like? Like sexist or just into exotic women? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g4ene?context=5)|The success rate is impossible to calculate because we don't keep tabs on members or the status of their relationships. |The men vary, of course. Some are sexist and into exotic women, but most are normal guys who are intrigued by the idea of meeting women from overseas and opening up their dating pool. [*The success rate is impossible to calculate because we don't keep tabs on members or the status of their relationships.* What? _Surely_ your company would think of sending out emails once a year or every 3 to see how it was going. Would you say they absolutely don´t? Is the company avoiding the question? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gllcu?context=5)|We do keep in touch to a degree, but we try to respect members' privacy. [18 and 19 year old engineers, and they that look like that? ಠ\_ಠ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g4see?context=5)|The women probably mean they're studying to be an engineer. [What kind of woman typically signs up for this service? Age? Are they really hot? What circumstance do they seem to be in?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g2k9r?context=5)|We have women between the ages of 18 - late 50s. Some are indeed really hot. Circumstance? Who knows. Judging from their photos and videos, they're doing okay. Not rich, but not digging potatoes out of the frozen tundra. [*Not rich, but not digging potatoes out of the frozen tundra.* That's very funny, I would totally read your blog if your website had any relevance to me. That makes me think, are any of your customers women?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g3har?context=5)|No, they're all men. I've asked about lesbian mail order brides, but it's just not a thing. :-) Actually, Russia passed an [anti-gay law recently](http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/04/11/1082469/-Full-English-text-of-Russia-s-anti-gay-law). Also, there's no Russian men looking for love in the West, if that's what you meant. [I was thinking of lesbian mail order brides. Thank you for that link, I feel very foolish that I missed that news! If you haven't answered this question already, would you consider a motive for these women to become a "bride" to be the desire to leave Russia?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g3nvt?context=5)|Most women join the site because they're curious or adventurous, want to expand their dating pool, etc. The women aren't clamoring to leave Russia like many Westerners think. In fact, getting a Visa and moving thousands of miles away from their home is pretty grueling, as you can imagine. [Would you ever consider getting yourself a bride?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g8qtd?context=5)|I'm a married woman with two kids, so no. [What about any hot Russian grooms?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g3lr6?context=5)|No hot Russian grooms yet. I'd like to see some as well. [For some reason I picture you being really hot. Am I warm or cold?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g6di1?context=5)|Well, I'm no hot Russian bride but my husband seems to like me [Do you have an moral objections to the type of business that you do?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g29j2?context=5)|I feel kind of uneasy sometimes, thinking about men who literally think you can buy women. You can't. Many guys think you can. See above. [What is the craziest story that you have from working there?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g29j2?context=5)|Oh and I don't really have a crazy story. We work in a normal American office with cubicles and coffee pots and secretaries. The female members are all in Ukraine or Russia, obviously. [Do these sites pretty much only work if you're a white guy? Please be honest, I'd really rather not waste any more time/money if this is the case.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g4cub?context=5)|I honestly don't know enough about race and Eastern Europe to give you an accurate assessment, but [Willie and Sandra](http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/post/Featured-Couple-Willie-and-Sandra.aspx) might give you some hope. [In the coming Zombie Apocalypse, who will you team up with and what would your weapons be?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g4gam?context=5)|Any of the ladies in the [women with weapons](http://www.hotrussianbrides.com/russian_bride_photos/womenwithweapons.html) gallery. FriskyMiss looks menacing. [Are their weights and heights a little embellished? The one linked is rather underweight and so are a lot of the other women. A woman who is 5feet and 8 inches should not weigh 110lbs. ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gfg3k?context=5)|I suspect they shave a few pounds off their stated weights, like women tend to do. A lot of guys who go after foreign women make a big thing about weight and "fat Western women" so maybe that has something to do with it? [It probably does. I know several women here, in the US, get shit from their boyfriends for being over weight despite the women being of the correct size and weight for their height. It feels like there is a need for a bit more education on the topic. ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gg8qu?context=5)|The real kicker to this is that some of the men who go on weight tangents are fat themselves! That is my pet peeve. [Do you set the women up with professional photographers? Because mostly all of these photos aren't exactly mirror-shots a-la-OKcupid style.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g4pgn?context=5)|The introduction agencies (where ladies go to use computers) set them up at a discount, sometimes free. There are a network of agencies in Ukraine, Russia where women go to chat with men online, meet new people, etc. [What do you do outside of your work? How did you get this job and Who are you as a person? I hope you don't take this to be some basis of prejudicial judgment, like "how could you ever do that." It just seems from your responses that you're a pretty balanced person with a good sense of humour.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g6agy?context=5)|I'm a pretty average person. I'm married, I have two kids, I like pina coladas and the beach. The job came about in 2009. I was pregnant with my first child, my husband wasn't working, and I'd just gotten laid off. I saw an ad for a "Content Writer" and they sent back the hotrussianbrides.com link to make sure I was okay with it. I was a little freaked out and almost didn't go to the interview, but I did (obviously). I don't know what I expected, but the company is like any other small company in the U.S. No smoke, no vodka bars, and only a handful of Russians. People would be disappointed if they saw how normal everyone is. [So does she basically choose who she wants to? Or does she just go whoever wants her first? And are there prices?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gb48s?context=5)|I can't tell if this a serious question, but she is a regular woman that can do whatever she wants. No one can "buy" her. [What do you do there? Do you ever communicate with the "brides"? I saw a documentary about them and it was super depressing.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g2832?context=5)|I write for [the blog](http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/). Yes, the documentaries are always super awkward and depressing. Not saying that doesn't happen, but it's not like every couple is like that. [Does the website really work?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g26cd?context=5)|I assume you mean do people actually meet and get married. Yes, but it's not a guarantee like many men think. Here's the [testimonials page](http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/category/Featured-Couples.aspx). [How accurate are the physical descriptions on the site to the real thing?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4ggn4w?context=5)|I've only seen the women on camera, but they match up. [Exhibit A](http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/post/Are-Your-Russian-Brides-Real-See-For-Yourself.aspx) [Is the movie "Birthday Girl" with Nicole Kidman a pretty accurate portrayal of what usually happens?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g3zkx?context=5)|No. If I recall, the man in that movie ordered the woman without meeting her first, which isn't realistic. Also, he called customer service in one scene and got a VM. We're available 24/7 to meet all your Russian bride needs. :-) Phone, email, mail, and web hostesses! [You are getting a raise. Link your boss to this shit.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4ggop6?context=5)|I would actually rather go to Ukraine and see the women and agencies in person. [Some of the women on there are gorgeous. I can't imagine most guys being able to hold on to some of these girls once they actually get them over to the US. Reading about this industry, I have heard something similar where many girls just do this to get married and fake it for a year or two and then divorce and stay in the US, having planned it the entire time. Do you think there is any truth to this?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g5g9c?context=5)|It does happen. No form of dating is without risks. However, if a man takes his time, doesn't rush into anything, uses common sense, and has realistic expectations these risks can be minimized. [How does all of this typically play out? Shoot a few emails back and forth... maybe video chat at some point ... and then does the man generally fly out to xyz city to see the woman and things go from there? Or is it typical that first real contact involves the woman being flown over here? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4geswh?context=5)|Yes, basically. The man generally flies over because the women have less money and they have to apply for a tourist Visa that can be a pain to get. Most Westerners don't need one to travel to Ukraine, where most of our women are from. However, a lot of men are "Keyboard Romeos" in that they never travel to see women in person. The women know this so they may be a bit skeptical until someone actually visits. [So if you educate the men, and a lot of these women don't speak English, can you translate for the couples as well? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g5f0u?context=5)|Translation is included with the cost of membership. There are translators at the agencies who help women communicate if they need assistance with emails and what not. Some women are fluent, others not, and many speak [other languages besides English](http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/post/russian-women-dont-just-study-english.aspx). [Do the girls pay to be on the site?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g7lc9?context=5)|No. The site is like a ladies' night. [Do you get staff discount?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g7mgw?context=5)|No, but no need because I'm 1. married 2. female. [What are the average ages of men who sign up? How young have you seen?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g6siq?context=5)|All ages, 18 - 70+. A few teens have tried to sneak on with their parents' credit cards. [Link to www.stop-scammers.com This guy says that he used your website to email a girl. Then when he went to see the girl, she told him she never wrote any of the email it was somebody from the website writing the messages. Do the girls really write the e-mails or does the agency?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gf1ju?context=5)|Only the women are allowed to write messages (or translators translating their messages). I don't know the specifics of this case, but he should have contacted us so we could investigate. [Does your company do background checks for domestic violence for both parties?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g4hty?context=5)|We must abide by IMBRA. |"The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) is a United States statute that requires background checks for all marriage visa sponsors and limits serial visa applications. IMBRA also requires background checks before speech or other forms of communication are permitted between American citizens and foreign nationals." [OK, so part two. If you do find a history of domestic violence do you still take them on as a client?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g4pv2?context=5)|IMBRA only applies when people want to meet and/or exchange contact information. We don?t conduct screens prior to that. [So you screen the messages to make sure emails and phone numbers aren't exchanged before a background check is done. What exactly do you do?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g7h6a?context=5)|There's an automated filter that flags messages with contact info and such. The members know about this if they read the Terms of Use. [Does her handful of cherries have the same suggestive meaning in her culture?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gkjtw?context=5)|It means she likes cherry limeades and wants a man to take her to Sonic. |Actually I don't know. Probably. [I'll take this one, please. Is there a super saver shipping discount? Seriously though, women who look like this make your site seem awfully sketchy. She could easily marry the richest potato farmer in all of Ukraine. Why would she want to meet the wretched tools who are looking for mail-order wives? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gj8bv?context=5)|They're not all wretched tools and the reasons for looking outside of Eastern Europe are myriad - curious, adventurous, hopeful for new opportunities, know friends who have, shortage of Russian men (I've heard this but have no hard data on hand), etc. [Several times, I've been informed that Russian women 'hit the wall' at age 25 or so. They're super hot when young, but age very fast, genetics. True?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gjn7c?context=5)|[I will let you decide](http://www.hotrussianbrides.com/a-40-c-ua/40_year_old_ukrainian_women.htm). They look A-OK to me. You can change the age by replacing "40" with whatever number in the URL. [I think I know someone with a mail order bride.... But he is a client at work so I never asked haha So how does it work? They find someone they like and "buy" them? or is it more a match.com thing?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4geyug?context=5)|No buying. I can't think of one site where you can literally purchase a woman. That is the biggest misconception about sites like ours. Men pay to communicate with women. That's it. The site fees do not buy a woman or obligate the women to do anything. It would be like you paying for Match and expecting to "buy" a woman there. [A part of me also sees this AMA as an advertisement for your website(s\). Is it?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4guc3b?context=5)|The added exposure is definitely a perk. However, I came up with the idea because sooooo many people still believe sites like ours buy and sell women (as you can see from the questions I've received). This is a problem for us in two ways: 1. men who want to buy women show up and raise a ruckus when they can't charge a bride to their credit card 2. the world (some of the world) thinks sites likes ours are in human trafficking and should be shut down and imprisoned. The more people who know we're not selling women the better. [How many of your clients get a pre-nup? Must be close to 100%?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g2h5m?context=5)|I have no clue. We don't have anything to do with their relationship once they meet and go offline. [So you are basically just a glorified dating website? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g2mru?context=5)|Yes, though the preferred term is "Russian dating" or "international dating". :-) [Does your site have a same-sex marriage policy?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gh77p?context=5)|No, I've never heard of one. [Sorry, let me rephrase my question. if a woman wanted to purchase a mail order bride from your website, would that be allowed?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4ghgup?context=5)|Well, no one can "purchase" a woman from our site. It's just niche dating. As far as a woman joining HRB to meet another woman...there's no policy against it, that I know of, but it just doesn't happen. The women join the site with the intention of meeting men. Also, Russia passed an [anti-gay law](http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/04/11/1082469/-Full-English-text-of-Russia-s-anti-gay-law) recently so they're not likely to be as open about it. [Ok so a few months ago a radio station in the city where I live (100.3 the bear in edmonton, canada\) had a contest that set the winner up with a russian mail order bride. was this site associated with that contest?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g8h31?context=5)|No, that's another site and there's been at least two of those contests. I wrote about the Canada contest [here](http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/post/Canadian-Radio-Station-Offers-Russian-Bride-as-a-Prize.aspx), the New Zealand one [here](http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/post/A-Ukrainian-Bride-as-a-Prize-Not-Likelye280a6.aspx) [Ehhm sorry for asking this here but can one send your own email trough this site our do I have to use the payment options to communicate with theese women? ( I just created an account\) ty! Dont flame me.. ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4hcj0y?context=5)|Members must use the site at first (no personal email addresses). Here's [more info](http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/post/Sharing-Phone-Numbers-Email-Addresses-and-More-on-HotRussianBridescom.aspx) about when/how to exchange personal contact info with a Russian woman from our site. [Isn't US$6 to send or read an email a bit high? I suspect the immediate avalanche of emails/admirers you receive upon setting up a free membership is complete bullshit - am I right?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gc9sy?context=5)|The price of email/chat varies depending on what membership plan/credit package you purchase. As for the high volume of emails, yes new members get a lot. The female members outnumber the male members (we have around 10,000 women now), so they leap at the chance to contact new members. A 1% contact rate would be 100 emails or so. Some guys are put off by the introductory "form letter," but to be fair men send form letters just as much as the women. [Link to russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g4i3c?context=5)|[Link to russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com](http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/post/Featured-Couple-Josh-and-Anna.aspx) |[Link to russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com](http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/post/Featured-Couple-Elya-and-Kane-Hot-Russian-Brides-Success-Story.aspx) |Plus, older men/younger women couplings are not a Russian dating phenomenon. [Do you pay the women to sign up, or is there any monetary incentive for the women to sign up?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gajxl?context=5)|No. That would get rather expensive since there are thousands of them. Some men believe the women are paid to chat, but many men confuse the (paid) translators with the female members. We pay the translators to translate, obviously, but the women themselves don't receive anything. [Out of curiosity, how much does it cost to join? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gc3o7?context=5)|Joining is free. The price of email/chat and other features depends on what membership plan/credit package you purchase. [More info here](http://www.hotrussianbrides.com/russian_brides_services/member_level_comparison.htm). [I'm guessing that the usual case when a couple decide to get married is that she will move to the US to be with him (they get a fiancé visa, etc\). Is it ever the case (to your knowledge\) that the man moves to Ukraine or Russia to live with her? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g727t?context=5)|I've read about that on a Russian dating forum once, but I think it's rare. [Oh god. She's 1 foot 8 inches and 362lbs.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gfy9y?context=5)|Yeah....that doesn't seem accurate. I'll have that fixed. [Out of curiousity, I joined the site and realized every single one of these girls have had their pictures professionally done. It doesn't really give me the vibe that this is a legitimate site.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gldnr?context=5)|They are professionally done. The agencies (where women go to use computers, log on to dating sites) help set up the sessions. It's a perk to using the site. [I just clicked the link to your site at school. Preparing to be tracked in 3...2....1...](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g4rez?context=5)|We offer fraternity discounts....... |Not really. [Wtf I hate to be "that guy" but I'm pretty skeptical about that one. A girl like that could easily be a professional model. You have to wonder how legit this site actually is...](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g4gv5?context=5)|This is a totally valid concern. Keep in mind though, that they're all made up to look their absolute best and those are professional photos the introduction agencies (where women go to use computer) have helped set up. Also, the "most popular = hottest" women appear on the site first. We have plenty of "average looking" women as well. [Store credit.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g31qf?context=5)|Gift certificates to Red Lobster. [How do you make money with the site - what are the sources of revenue. How many brides do you have. Do the ladies have the right to sign up on other bride portals also ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gb7v2?context=5)|The ladies don't "have" to do anything. There are other bride portals they can join besides ours, but who they use is up to them. We earn money from membership plans/communication costs. However, we also provide translators, computers/web cams for the agencies, 24/7 web hostesses, IT professionals, anti-scam screenings, etc. So we're not having money burning parties. There are lots of operating expenses. [I can't help but think you're doing this in hopes of getting more members..](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g8ldc?context=5)|I won't cry if that happens, but I've seen a few mail order bride type questions here on Reddit and people in real life seem interested when I say what I do...so this AMA was born. [Who, in your company, decided to advertise here on Reddit? I must admit that an AMA is an ingenious method of pushing your company's product.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4gc1h7?context=5)|We're not "pushing," simply explaining a service and industry that many people are curious about. And it was my idea to do an AMA. [Do you find that most men find they have to spend a lot to marry one of these women? Like fees for airfare, etc.?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g57af?context=5)|How much you spend depends on a lot of factors - how long it takes you to find someone, how long you communicate, how many trips you take, Visa fees, paperwork. It can add up. Unfortunately, there's no "average" figure that I know of. [How big is your dick?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/sq9ur/i_work_for_the_mail_order_bride_site/c4g5f56?context=5)|I am female, so no dick. *Last updated: 2012-04-29 00:04 UTC* *This post was generated by a robot! Send all complaints to [epsy](/message/compose/?to=epsy).* more