How do American members feel about the Russian Meeting Place? - Russian Ukrainian Belarus Travel Music Woman Dating News

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How do American members feel about the Russian Meeting Place?
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Posted by: Khashyar

Hi Everyone,

I know that we have some very active members from all over the world, including the U.S., UK-Ireland, Australia, Denmark, and other parts of the world.

Our Australian members have been particularly active recently.

I wanted to make sure that we are meeting the needs of our American members, and that they are feeling comfortable participating in the RMP Forums.

What are some of the thoughts of our American members...

Is there anything that American members do NOT feel comfortable with?

How can we better serve the needs of our American members?

Khashyar

Posted by: AkMike

IMO Everything is going well.

But it would be nice if we could keep the Aussies in their cages a bit more.

j/k Alls good.

Posted by: Pin Boy

hi khashyar,

like the new avatars and good luck with the new place. i was looking forward to meeting you guys when you moved to MD, but it'll give me an excuse to visit cali when there's another RMP gathering.

i feel the forum tends to ebb and flow. don't believe there's any particular reason american member traffic may be slow. i hadn't really noticed a difference. i'm not on the aussie or UK board so much so maybe the american side just seems less active because those sides are kicking in high gear.

would like to see more women posting in the areas that i visit but can't force it. all in all, i think the forum is healthy and thriving.

pin boy

Posted by: Khashyar

Thanks for the feedback, guys...

I want to make sure that we are serving the needs of all of our member groups (American, as well as from other parts of the world).

I personally like the multi-national aspect of our forums... I like to hear the thoughts and ideas of people from all parts of the world.

I also feel that perhaps some guys would want to participate in a forum where there are just guys getting together with other guys to talk about women (which is o.k. also, but I wanted our forum to have a broader appeal and go into other issues as well).

Of course we haev men talking with other men about their relationships with Russian women. I think that some guys feel more comfortable in a forum completely filled with guys who have the same goals. It is natural to feel comfortable with people who are like you and who agree with your point of view.

I like to have a diverse population of people getting together with all types of viewpoints (including those of guys developing their relationships with Russian women)-- I personally find a diverse forum more interesting, and so I've developed the forum in that way.

Khashyar

Posted by: GREGK

I don't see any problems. I recently quit RWGuide ( that forum most definitely has problems!)

Posted by: jeffs

Khashyar,

For this American I would say the forums have been enlightening and useful (even if I did post that it seemed slow).

Posted by: SeekingForThe1

Khashyer,

I have only been a member for six weeks, but the wealth of information and advice that I have received has been tremendous.

I have been reading as much information as I can. I hardly get enough of it.

If it wasn't for this website and it's great advice I would be geeting scammed right now by a lady and not even knowing it. This has made me very aware of many things to look out for along the way.

I really rely on our russian members and members with actual experiences with russian women to give me as much information as possible. I like being able to read about the good and bad experiences.

When it comes to trying to trust someone half around the world it gets very difficult without knowing what things to look for.

I couldn't be without this site!!!!!

Thanks for all your efforts....
Corey J

Posted by: Khashyar

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I am glad that it is serving a positive purpose, which is our goal in maintaining this website.

I appreciate everyone who contributes their thoughts and ideas, which really creates the resource of information on the website, which in turn, helps those who visit the site after us.

I occasionally want to check in with everyone to get a sense of how well we are serving others.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Khashyar

P.S... I look forward to seeing everyone's new bigger avatars, not that the size limit has been increased.

Posted by: Smoovement

to be honest i'm amazed at how well you have constructed this site....the people here are...people....it's to be expected the different personalities....what i've enjoyed is the cornucopia of viewpoints....so many times i've read post from members that mirror my own situation....some have given me pause to reflect and others have given me hope....i am preparing to visit natasha for the first time next week and i'm all aflutter....i've read many posts describing the same feeling....all in all i'd say you have a great forum here and i'm hoping someday to meet you personally....i live in the highdesert area but know l.a. very well...i was in west l.a. today off of santa monica blvd and the 405....

even tho natasha says she doesn't need to meet any other russians when she get's here...i think it's only a matter of time that she'll want to "mingle"....

keep up the good work....

btw....you have a walkthrough for the K1 visa but i've found no info on the K3 visa which is what we will be pursuing....

smoove

Posted by: Khashyar

Thanks very much for your feedback, Smoove...

When Natasha comes to the U.S., definitely have her call Lena. Lena would be happy to speak with her. Natasha can also join the Russian language forums here, where Lena posts quite a bit.

And we are planning on having another Russian Meeting Place get-together this summer (probably in August), so we would enjoy emeting you then.

Perhaps you can post a question about K-3 visas, and see if someone has some more information for you.

I appreciate your contributions to the RMP.

Khashyar

Posted by: Chuckles

I think some of the mods are too quick with the ban and censor buttons. I dislike when others bash peoples opinions, but I hate it worse when those opinions are squashed, no matter how insane, vulgar, or hateful they may seem to be from anothers perspective.

Posted by: Khashyar

Thanks for the feedback, Chuckles...

Do you think that anyone was banned or edited who did not write a personal attack?

If you are referring to the person who was recently banned, I personally and clearly felt that his presence was hurting these forums. He also was leveling personal attacks.

Aside from that, what instances do you recall when a Moderator acted too quickly, and in a way that was not justified?

Khashyar

Posted by: Chuckles

I remember several instances where someone would interject an alternate opinion and get 'ganged up on' by others in the thread. Nothing wrong with that, but the person that did not have the 'go-happy joy-joy' attitude about things would be censored and/or warned. I would have preferred the debate to have continued. What happens is people like that who have much to contribute to the forum just get fed up and leave. I used to consider this site informative, but now I hardly visit due to these instances.

I do not care for the person who was banned who you are talking about who clearly went over the line.

Posted by: Khashyar

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuckles

I remember several instances where someone would interject an alternate opinion and get 'ganged up on' by others in the thread. Nothing wrong with that, but the person that did not have the 'go-happy joy-joy' attitude about things would be censored and/or warned. I would have preferred the debate to have continued. What happens is people like that who have much to contribute to the forum just get fed up and leave. I used to consider this site informative, but now I hardly visit due to these instances.

I do not care for the person who was banned who you are talking about who clearly went over the line.

Hi Chuckles,

I hear what you are saying, but what I see to be the case is very different.

I often encourage people to express different opinions, and even to have passionate disagreements in the forum, as long as there are no "personal attacks."

Can you post a link to a post where someone expressed a differing opinion, and did not personally attack another forum member, and then was censored or ganged upon?

As the administrator of the forum, I want and encourage and have often encouraged a variety of opinions. I strongly feel that differing opinions make any forum or community a better place.

The instances that I remember where people were asked to cool down are when a person started to wander from talking about the subject and why they disagree and what they disagree about, and started to talk about how "stupid" someone was, or how "they have the intelligence of a 13 year old," or some other personal attack that serves no purpose but to "smell up the toilet" for others in the forum.

So, I don't agree that differing opinions, whether they are gloomy pessimistic opinions, or opinions that aren't optimistic, are not welcome or accepted here. Everyone who has read my posts knows that I welcome opinions that differ from mine or anyone elses, and I welcome people who express opinions that disagree with me.

My dad is a conservative Republican, and loves President Bush, and yet I still love him and we can have talks sometimes that express our different opinions about politics and life.

What I don't like or think contributes to the forum is when one person tells another that they are an "a..hole" for having their opinion, or that "they don't deserve to find a wife because they are a d-ck," or that all Russian women are "whores."

Those kinds of things I consider personal attacks and don't belong here. They don't serve any useful purpose.

Actually, we have a thread about World War II, for example, where peopel are disagreeing with one another on every page, but they are doing so in a way that is not attacking the other person.

So, if you recall instances where someone was slapped hard in the face for giving a different opinion, or they were censored or banned for giving a different opinion, then please post links to those posts here. I want to see what you are referring to. (The only posts that we have deleted are those that contained very rude personal attacks. The rest of the threads, even when someone was banned, are generally left standing in the forum so we can see why they were banned).

Feel free to post your differing opinion about this (and do me a favor, and post the links that illustrate what you are saying), or your differeing opinions in other threads...

Khashyar

Posted by: sidney

I've been on this forum for quite some time and have seen a few individuals banned. I feel that they were given sufficient warning as to forum quidelines. I personally feel the moderators went the extra mile with them before the ban. I realize the world is made up of all kinds but when it takes away from all the good it is time to do something and banning is the last resort. I feel the moderators allowed more then I would. It is always a difficult call especially with the many ways you can possibly read something into a post.
Sid

Posted by: Khashyar

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidney

I've been on this forum for quite some time and have seen a few individuals banned. I feel that they were given sufficient warning as to forum quidelines. I personally feel the moderators went the extra mile with them before the ban. I realize the world is made up of all kinds but when it takes away from all the good it is time to do something and banning is the last resort. I feel the moderators allowed more then I would. It is always a difficult call especially with the many ways you can possibly read something into a post.
Sid

I also agree, Sid, that the Moderators have been very patient with people who were breaking forum rules, and have given clear warnings as to how they were personally attacking others.

There must be a balance between giving people complete freedom to express what they want to say, but at the same time, maintain an environment that serves the needs of our members as a whole, and where members feel that they can express themselves and their thoughts without getting "Bashed" with a personal attack.

In my opinion, we absolutely encourage different opinions (please feel to disagree with me in any post that I write), but don't personally attack anyone.

Khashyar

Posted by: Khashyar

One of the moderators pointed something out to me this morning.

It is Springtime in the U.S., and Americans are more inclined to go outside and enjoy the Spring and Summer.

In Australia, it is Autumn and winter is coming, so there is more of an incentive to visit the forums than to go outside. Does it snow in some parts of Australia? (I'm not sure.)

But, as far as our forum stats, in the last couple of months, we have have more total registered members visiting the forums than we ever have. (Over 100 registered members visiting every day for a at least couple weeks in a row). There are definitely more forum members visiting the forums than ever before.

Khashyar

Posted by: AkMike

Yes they have snow for 3-4 months in places down there. There are a couple of pics posted in the 100+ page thread. I was suprised at snow.

That place might not be all bad!

Posted by: matt

Hi Khashyar,

A couple reasons I find RMP very useful, for me atleast. One,
there are quite a few personal accounts of their trips to Russia/Ukraine with
great detail to gain insights that may be related to your situation. Two, the interaction w/ all the moderators is very good to add/clarify points of interest.
I too, really like the multi-national aspect of this, it is great!

thanks,
Matt

Posted by: firemansam

Do I need a visa to post here??

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkMike

Yes they have snow for 3-4 months in places down there. There are a couple of pics posted in the 100+ page thread. I was suprised at snow.

That place might not be all bad!

AustralianKindaMike, you couldn't even Imagine how great it is here! We have it all!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkMike

IMO Everything is going well.

But it would be nice if we could keep the Aussies in their cages a bit more.

j/k Alls good.

I'll rattle your cage...

hahahaha

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khashyar

In Australia, it is Autumn and winter is coming, so there is more of an incentive to visit the forums than to go outside. Does it snow in some parts of Australia? (I'm not sure.)

This is my fav mountain to ski.. It is sadly such a short season (as correctly pointed out by Mike) so it's an expensive past time....

http://www.hotham.com.au/

Posted by: Cheburashka

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuckles

I used to consider this site informative, but now I hardly visit due to these instances..

Chuckles, are you serious? I challenge you to find another site that has more information about all things Russian than this one. I was on Russia.com in the glory days, and it went "kaput" because the moderators let things go wild. I think you should count your blessings, stay here, and contribute. But nobody is keeping you from taking your bat and ball and going home.

Posted by: Leprechaun

LOL, I remeber getting ganged up on for having a happy happy joy response...
But I didnt start abusing people about it.

The Americans are here and healthy.

Posted by: Khashyar

Again, Chuckles, you are welcome to contribute your thoughts and expeirences in the RMP, and I encourage you to write different viewpoints and perspectives.

The fact that different opinions are encouraged is something that I really like about this forum.

It's important to understand that we can present and post a very different opinion that disagrees with a particular person's viewpoint, and that we can do that without attacking them personally.

I can strongly disagree with my dad, for example, without calling him "an old fart" or "Kramerhead" (my dad looks like the character "Kramer" from Seinfeld

especially when he was younger).

Khashyar

Posted by: zaniac

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREGK

I don't see any problems. I recently quit RWGuide ( that forum most definitely has problems!)

I know I'm not American (when I last checked my passport), but just wanted to say that I totally agree with GREGK on this. When I found the RWGuide I visited 2 days, then found a link somehow to this site. Straight away I was impressed so I ditched RWGuide and setup camp here.

I'll give this thread back now to our american brothers (& sisters).

Posted by: Khashyar

Quote:

Originally Posted by zaniac

It's o.k. for non-Americans to post their thoughts here...

In my opinion, there is a difference in the atmopshere of a forum that operates mainly as a commercial enterprise, and one that operates as a service.

I think that a service has more of the welfare of it's community in kind, and the business has profit in the back (or front) of their mind.

The RMP personals are essentially closed (although I think it is going to rise from the ashes as a free service), and Lena may make a few dollars per month helping others with translation, but Lena and I do not do this with profit in mind. From the income that Lena makes from the few translations she does, we couldn't even afford to live in Belarus

Khashyar

Posted by: DavidScott

I have not been on other websites like this nor do I wish to see if there are any. This is an icredible place. I luckily stumbled accross it in my search for knowledge and understanding and am very thankful that it exists.

I wish I had more time to read, read and read some more here. The fact that my children are very active and it is spring time keeps me from visiting more. I have to believe this holds true for many.

Most of my recreational computer time is saved for writing my beautiful Russian friend that I cannot wait to meet in June!

My thanks to all that contribute their knowlege, experience AND patience for the good of everyone. This is a place of class.

David Scott

Posted by: BradIL

I am not posting as much... but the reading is fantastic!!! Doesn't mean I don't visit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khashyar

It is Springtime in the U.S., and Americans are more inclined to go outside and enjoy the Spring and Summer.

PRECISELY!!! Don't need to spend one more minute indoors than is ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED. In St. Louis, in the last 48 hours, every plant has *exploded* into lush green!

I've been waiting for this!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pin Boy

like the new avatars and good luck with the new place. i was looking forward to meeting you guys when you moved to MD, but it'll give me an excuse to visit cali when there's another RMP gathering.

Khash--- the new avatar from your russian wedding ceremony is excellent. California, eh?

Posted by: Khashyar

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradIL

Khash--- the new avatar from your russian wedding ceremony is excellent. California, eh?

Actually, the avatar of Lena and I is from our Belarus wedding ceremony.

But yes, we are staying in Los Angeles.

And I would still like to have a RMP gathering this summer.

David... I appreciate that you are finding some interesting information in the forums. I agree that relationships with people, especially on an internet community, takes patience, since it is easy to berate someone who you cannot see, and who is typing words without a face.

Khashyar

Posted by: skinsfan

Good site....but in the southern states, all is beautiful outside and the temp here is 90 degree's F.......i just now jumped on the RMP while i wait, as usual, for my Russian wife and children to go to barbeque with friends....for me, the computer is used mostly in the winter...but i check up now and again.....does anyone have the answer why Russian women are always late ??????

Posted by: cedarwind

Quote:

Originally Posted by skinsfan

anyone have the answer why Russian women are always late ??????

It is how women continually test there man to show they are still the one in control even when the man believes different. LOL

90 Degrees. All I have is a good winter storm Rain, wind Rain and more Rain. Did I mention the rain. Unless you are in the mountains then you have 2 feet of new snow.

Black sea resort here I come!!!! I wonder if I can get a umbrella drink there?

Posted by: sidney

Quote:

anyone have the answer why Russian women are always late ??????

I don't have the answer but my solution is to not to wait. We have a neighbor RW that doesn't drive and is either invited or invites herself to events. The AM she married is a little different. He refuses to repair his driveway and I get tired of getting out and locking the 4 wheel drive hubs in to get there. She meets us at the end of the drive and was constantly late. I got tired of waiting 10 or more minutes when we were the ones doing her a favor by taking her along. I made it clear we would be there at a certain time and if she were not waiting I would not even stop. This seemed to solve the problem as she has always been on time since.
Sid

Posted by: RoninRWP

As Gregk said the RWG had it's problems and that's in part why I bailed from it after 3 years there. More specificially, in conjunction with Khashyar statement, their commercial interests seem to overshadow and/or conflict with the forum.

Personally, this is the most interesting format I have seen. It beats the RWG by a mile.

RoninRWP

P.S. I would be using my old RWG name as "Ronin", however it is already take in this forum.

Posted by: Khashyar

Thanks for your feedback, guys...

I look forward to your controbutions to the discussions in the forum, Ronin.

Please fell free to invite all of your buddies from the RWG to join in the conversations here as well.

Khashyar

(p.s... Lena and I have moved into our new place, and my internat JUST was connected again... Adelphia cable internet).

Posted by: deccie

I've lurked around the RWG for a while.
There does seem to be a lot more information around trip reports there..

I think because RMP is more of a community (which I like) the nuts and bolts stuff sometimes gets diluted.