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ronin1
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| Joined: | Saturday January 21st, 2006 |
| Location: | S.F. Bay Area, California USA |
| Posts: | 622 |
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Posted: Sunday August 13th, 2006 07:09 pm |
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The Future of Russian Mail Order Brides …
Despite the negative connotations that the term Mail Order Brides (MOBs) may imply, many still refer to it. As such it would be hypocritical of anyone to ignore it. Indeed, it is a misnomer. Through many laws and regulations, women can no longer be literally ordered for by mail.
So where did this trend get started in the Western world? The idea of international marriages by mail is really something that only nobility could afford. With the advent of geopolitics in ~15th century Europe, international marriages had its first spurt of growth. Like most things that nobles are privileged to do the masses aspired to follow.
Today, courier and mail no longer dominates international communications. The primary methods of conveyance are e-mail, phone, e-cam and ICQs. It is no longer something that only kings are privy to. We are no longer confined to selecting a mate within our so call stomping grounds, even though tradition, customs and even laws may hinder such endeavors. The Internet has allowed a new explosion of interest in women around the world. For those that are interested in European women, then Russian (or FSU) had cornered the market. Currently, Goggle has 2.4 million results on the phrase, “Russian Mail Order Bride.” This is definitely a hot topic in cyberspace.
Still, most of these results are connected with agencies (~1.9 mil). So the question arises, “Are the agencies the new gateway to the Mail Order Brides or just merely the facilitators?” It is known that many agencies have policies (formal and informal) that attempt to keep both parties dependent on them for the avenues of communications. The agencies can be very effective in doing this until the man and woman meet. After the initial date the two can setup communications independent of the agencies involvement.
Another thing that the agencies are good at is taking care of the logistics and other bureaucratic details that a stranger in a strange land would have difficulties with. This is especially true for the less than well-heeled travelers, which many of us are of this type.
Russian is still viewed by many potential clients as a place of chaos and uncertainty. Consequently, the fear of the unknown is one of the agencies links to their bread and butter bread.
Nevertheless, IMO, as time goes on with the help of sites like this, the subtle fear of the unknown will dissipate. Also, ever increasing amounts of Russian Women will be able to afford to communicate directly with WM on their own through internet cafes and the like. Then the agencies will slowly be forced to evolve or fail. Eventually most contacts between RW and WM will be made directly through either new or existing dating or matchmaking sites.
Agencies will most likely evolve into logistic services similar to travel agencies or international dating sites or both. Some will move their geographic regions of influence in order to maintain their current business models.
As the Internet strengthens its hold in its ability to connect everyone to everywhere, more RW and WM will eventually be able to make that tentative spark over fiber optic cables on their own. The agencies can only survive in the transitions of instability and economic non-parity. So long as Russia moves to bridge these gaps the agencies power as the key holders of the gateway to RW will surely erode. The big question is how long will these gaps be significant. Also, as the Russia narrows the gaps, RW will have less incentive to invoke the option of looking elsewhere for a husband. The supply will draw to a trickle. Again, the question is when this equilibrium will be reached.
RoninLast edited on Monday August 14th, 2006 10:47 pm by ronin1
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