Posthuman Blues

Friday, March 31, 2006

I've been getting email from someone in Russia who purports to be female and more than a little enamored of me, despite our having never met (or pronounced unlikelihood of ever meeting). Of course, this is nothing new; being familiar with all sorts of online scams, I'm not sure whether to be mildly flattered or just wary.

Anyway, I happened to look at the latest picture she sent -- of herself -- and burst out laughing when I saw a framed portrait of me placed strategically on top of the dresser in the background.

If she's a fraud baiting me so I'll send her money, I have to concede that this is a rather effort-intensive step to take.

My question: Has anyone else encountered this sort of romantic buttering up while swapping email with an international woman of mystery?

7 comments:

JohnFen said...: I had something like that happen once. We met, and she was gorgeous and fantastic in every way. We spent the evening at a disco ice rink, getting smashed on mai tais, comparing Nietzsche with RAW and laughing the night away. Then, just as I got her in my bedroom, I woke up.

I hate it when that happens.; 2:29 AM
Meidosemme said...: I had a crush on you a few years ago, but were too shy to write you. So yes, the Internet and especially weblogs foster international romances and friendships, but since most people just won't let it happen, green card and money scams prevail.; 8:02 AM
Mac said...: Meidosemme--

I just looked at your Blogger profile. Good lord -- you're like the female me!; 11:50 AM
Ray Palm (Ray X) said...: Mac:

Before I was a blogger, I was a zinester, reaching out to the world at large via snail mail. One time some guy emailed me a print of his girlfriend in a bikini, no explanation given. There are advantages to having a pseudonym and protecting your identity through a PO box or screen name. I was already meeting enough weirdos in my normal life. I didn't need any more while writing about alternative realities. Did you ever consider a pseudonym? Do you regret posting your face on the web? I know -- it's too late now.

With this lady you've met, I think it would be fair to ask for a recent image of herself. Make sure she isn't recycling a high school or college photo. Without obscuring her face, have her hold up the latest edition of the New York Times -- or in this case, Pravda.

Best,

Ray X; 12:27 AM
Ray Palm (Ray X) said...: Mac:

Before I was a blogger, I was a print zinester, reaching out to the world at large via snail mail. One time some guy emailed me a print of his girlfriend in a bikini, no explanation given. There are advantages to having a pseudonym and protecting your identity through a PO box or screen name. I was already meeting enough weirdos in my normal life. I didn't need any more while writing about alternative realities. Did you ever consider a pseudonym? Do you regret posting your face on the web? I know -- it's too late now.

With this lady you've met, I think it would be fair to ask for a recent image of herself. Make sure she isn't recycling a high school or college photo. Without obscuring her face, have her hold up the latest edition of the New York Times -- or in this case, Pravda.

Best,

Ray X; 12:28 AM
Ray Palm (Ray X) said...: Sorry for the double post. Blame it -- like everything else -- on Bill Gates.; 12:32 AM
Di said...: My cousin traveled to Russia on business and met his 'dream woman', eventually married her and brought her back to the states along with her daughter. She stayed long enough to claim a portion of his finances and returned home. It wasn't a large amount of money to him, but he agreed it would be a huge fortune for her in Russia.

For some insane reason, he still continues to be attracted to foreign women in his travels, but has yet to report a relationship where he feels a woman he's met is interested in more than his wallet. Obviously, what they provide seems worth it for him to occasionally share his wealth? Maybe he's just a 'sucker'/ie 'loser'? I love him, but he would likely be the first to admit this himself.

I know it is unfair to categorize 'foreign women' in this way, we are 'foreign' from the opposite perspective, and capable of the same, I suppose...I'm just sharing what I know to be true. It seems to be acceptable, maybe even encouraged, in that society. Rather sad, if you ask me, because I don't know what I would do in that setting, so I am not judging, just stating what I've been told.

My ex exports (no pun) to Russia and visits there often. He used to bring back catalogs full of pics and profiles of women advertising to become, I suppose, your 'mail-order bride'.

My (aforementioned) cousin also shared with me that whenever businessmen arrived in Russia, there would be a great reception awaiting with a roomful of women hired to keep the Americans 'happy'. He warned me that if my ex was not sharing this, then I should be aware?

I guess by now you realize my take on this story?

(BTW...to prove that I am 'legit'...I know about your blog through a regular visitor of yours....KenY. Oh, and to the person who said ask for pics with a current paper, I go a step further and ask to see someone on webcam. I would NEVER even talk to someone seriously who would not invest a few bucks to prove their identity. Enough said!); 8:14 AM