LAI and writing before going

[Michael B]

... in response to LAI and writing before going, posted by chevy on Nov 3, 2003

Hello? I thought only ripoff Russian agencies played the 'all correspondence through us' game, and often wondered why guys would put up with it. This is the first Latin agency I've heard of doing it, and I must say that I am highly disappointed in them. Looks like no matter how long you use (and pay for) their 'internet only' service that if you find a lady worth getting to know better, you can't even get her home address or phone number unless you pay the agency another $975. If that's truely the case, I wouldn't give them another DIME! In fact, I'd tell them that they've made me so PO'd over the correspondence censoring that I'm going to take my tour with their competitor.

[LatinIntro]

... in response to Re: LAI and writing before going, posted by Michael B on Nov 3, 2003

As I previously posted, our EmailService program serves the purpose of helping man make a decision to join our service and come to Colombia to meet the ladies. Direct communication, without the "'all correspondence through us' game" is exactly what our executive and tour members are receiving.

Maybe my program is not what some clients would wish to go through, but I welcome anyone's input to set up a program which makes sense financially and at the same time helps clients experience our service without a considerable financial investment.

[pablo]

... in response to Re: LAI and writing before going, posted by Michael B on Nov 3, 2003


Hi Michael,

I hear you completely about what you're saying about agencies that control, or worse, edit or fabricate letters.  Sounds like you too had a bad experience with a Russian agency.

I had an experience with one dishonest Russian agency where they prevented personal contact information to be given out or even deleted my requests for such then lied about it to me.  The other Russian agency I used was above board and I had no problems with contacting the ladies through them.  Actually, it was necessary because I do not speak Russian and had to rely on their translation services.  Computer translators only go so far.

Interestingly the one dishonest Russian agency charged for their translation services, the other did not.  Bottom line though with both agencies is that they did not want to lose a potential sale of a guy later joining the agency who initially purchased addresses from them.  They were using the letter correspondence as a sales technique to get guys interested in using their services. Is that so bad though?

I used to have a problem with an agency that required correspondence going solely through them.  Now I don't think it is all that grievous especially if the lady wants to be a little selective on whom she corresponds with.  

I am a member of LAI and think they are a reputable agency.  I think they have two reasons for not giving out personal contact information.  To protect the lady to a certain degree and they want you to use their services more than just purchasing email addys.  I don't fault them for that.  If the agency is honest, then I don't have a problem.  If they aren't, you are wasting money, time and effort.  If you think the agencies selling address only are a better option I think it is a gamble and mixed bag.  Just look at an agency like LatinEuro.  Ask Bueller what he thinks of the owner, "Jack(ass)".    

Some of these ladies join agencies with the hopes of finding a nice guy without their parent’s knowledge or permission and they sure wouldn't want guys calling or writing to her if she still lived at her parent's home.  One Rolita I was dating told her mother about her joining an agency but was too afraid to tell her father.  He was too conservative to allow his little girl to meet guys like that.  I'm glad momma was more open to the idea.  He liked me after we met but I think he never knew how I really met his daughter.  

Some ladies would not want to be bombarded by numerous letters from would be suitors.  One RW I wrote off a free site said she literally was receiving hundreds of letters and couldn't possible answer them all.  I believed her as her photos she sent me revealed a very attractive woman.  On the other hand, a LW I wrote through Amigos.com that used a models photo and was likewise receiving lots of letters felt the same.  When I showed up at her door a couple months later my jaw dropped.  Not even close to being attractive.  Something said for an agency screening the ladies then.

Besides, writing as you know is only a small tool in this whole process.  The main thing is to get down there and if you are one that likes an agency, I recommend finding an honest one.

Pablo

[Michael B]

... in response to Other Side of Coin, posted by pablo on Nov 4, 2003

I hear you completely about what you're saying about agencies that control, or worse, edit or fabricate letters. Sounds like you too had a bad experience with a Russian agency.
--No, I've never dealt with any Russian agency.

I had an experience with one dishonest Russian agency where they prevented personal contact information to be given out or even deleted my requests for such then lied about it to me.
--My point exactly

The other Russian agency I used was above board and I had no problems with contacting the ladies through them. Actually, it was necessary because I do not speak Russian and had to rely on their translation services. Computer translators only go so far.
--I don't speak Russian either, but I do speak Spanish. If I needed translation, I wouldn't have a problem with paying for HONEST UNCENSORED translations.

Interestingly the one dishonest Russian agency charged for their translation services, the other did not. Bottom line though with both agencies is that they did not want to lose a potential sale of a guy later joining the agency who initially purchased addresses from them. They were using the letter correspondence as a sales technique to get guys interested in using their services. Is that so bad though?
--Yes, the way they are doing it is called 'bait and switch', look it up. I have no complaint with them offering a correspondence service, a translation service, a gift forwarding service nor a tour service, just a problem with jumping the price from $24.95 for 'all the communication you want for a month' to $975 because 'communication' doesn't include letting her tell you her phone number (even if SHE wants to give it to you).

I used to have a problem with an agency that required correspondence going solely through them. Now I don't think it is all that grievous especially if the lady wants to be a little selective on whom she corresponds with.
--If the lady wants to be selective, she can a) not respond at all b) respond saying 'not interested in you' c) respond but say 'sorry, I don't give out my phone number' d) respond saying 'Beachwood 4-5789, you can call me up any old time'. This agency isn't giving her option 'd'. 'a' & 'b' won't do you any good, 'c' says either the same as 'b' or that she's in the scam with them to lead you along as a sucker for more translation and/or message fees (could also say that she doesn't even exist except in their boiler room).  

I am a member of LAI and think they are a reputable agency. I think they have two reasons for not giving out personal contact information. To protect the lady to a certain degree
--If the lady doesn't want to be contacted, she should not list herself. Period. If she wants to be contacted but 'protected', she can insist on initial contact through the agency, then she can: see options 'a', 'b', 'c' above if she finds you not to her liking, or option 'd' if she wants to communicate further with you.

and they want you to use their services more than just purchasing email addys. I don't fault them for that.
--I do (fault them for that). I'm sure the Ford dealer wants to sell me a new car too, but he'd better sell me a clutch disk when I ask for one, if not, I'll take my big purchase business to somebody who didn't screw me over on the little stuff.

If the agency is honest, then I don't have a problem. If they aren't, you are wasting money, time and effort. If you think the agencies selling address only are a better option I think it is a gamble and mixed bag. Just look at an agency like LatinEuro. Ask Bueller what he thinks of the owner, "Jack(ass)".
--I think that agencies delevering what they promise are better. If they promise 'communication' and what you want to communicate is 'would you be willing for me to contact you via another method?' then if they don't let you do that and/or don't let her respond, they aren't delivering their promise.

Some of these ladies join agencies with the hopes of finding a nice guy without their parent’s knowledge or permission and they sure wouldn't want guys calling or writing to her if she still lived at her parent's home.
--Like she can't find an internet cafe and open a hotmail or yahoo account? She doesn't have a girl friend who's house she can receive a phone call at? Does her daddy follow her around 24/7 to make sure she's not talking to anybody? If he does, how's she ever going to get to THIS agency to check her messages?

One Rolita I was dating told her mother about her joining an agency but was too afraid to tell her father. He was too conservative to allow his little girl to meet guys like that. I'm glad momma was more open to the idea. He liked me after we met but I think he never knew how I really met his daughter.
--I'm not saying show up on her doorstep unannounced, but let's say you pay (and pay and pay) to correspond with her for several months and now you spring for the $975 to go on the tour so now it is 'OK' with the agency that you meet her....What's she going to tell her dad? 'I'm going to the agency social tonight to meet the guy you didn't even know I've been corresponding with for the last six months'???

Some ladies would not want to be bombarded by numerous letters from would be suitors. One RW I wrote off a free site said she literally was receiving hundreds of letters and couldn't possible answer them all. I believed her as her photos she sent me revealed a very attractive woman. On the other hand, a LW I wrote through Amigos.com that used a models photo and was likewise receiving lots of letters felt the same. When I showed up at her door a couple months later my jaw dropped. Not even close to being attractive. Something said for an agency screening the ladies then.
--Pretty woman getting lots of messages....that's life, nothing you nor I nor she can do about it....of course she doesn't have to answer all of them.
Ugly woman using false pictures....and how would you know? The agency gonna tell you? Maybe, maybe not (maybe THEY are using the false pictures and writting the emails themselves. I'm not accussing this agency of doing that, but from the messages on the Russian board, that seems to happen a lot).

Besides, writing as you know is only a small tool in this whole process. The main thing is to get down there and if you are one that likes an agency, I recommend finding an honest one.
--Agreed that writing (and telephoning and webcamming) are NOT the same as visiting in person, but together they can tell you WHO you want to visit. Of course there's always the chance that even after all that it's the old 'no chemistry' when you do meet in person, but that's a chance you take. I think that if you precommunicate (is that a legit word?) with 5 or 6 of them (that is 5 or 6 'keepers' that you've narrowed it down to and at least know somewhat) and then go to visit them, you'll do better than cold meeting 20 of them while you are down there. If you want to use the agency to arrange excursions, or provide a translator or a place to stay or even a backup in case all 6 of the ones you intend to meet bomb out, that's fine. My complaint is if you are writting (via an agency) I don't think it's honest for the agency to deny you the women's home contact information, IF the women are WILLING to give it to you.

BTW, I have 'been down', after much expense and red tape, she and her son just got their visas a couple of weeks ago, but they have to go back to Bogota for the other kid's visa. They'll be here as soon as I can scrounge the cash for the plane fare. Might bring up just her at first and the kids a month or so (i.e. a couple of pay days) later.  Anyway, good debating with you and hope you have good luck in your search.

[LatinIntro]

... in response to Re: Other Side of Coin, posted by Michael B on Nov 5, 2003

MICHAEL B Yes, the way they are doing it is called 'bait and switch', look it up.
LAI  We are not doing BAIT AND SWITCH. I think we are clear about the purpose of the program we offer before anyone signs up to it. This is what is posted BEFORE you sign up for my program:
"We are not in the business of selling addresses. The reason we do not do this (unlike many other services) is because we choose to work at a very personal level with you and our female clients. We are committed in helping the ladies and gentleman that join us in their search to find someone very special. We are also convinced and strongly believe that you should travel and meet the girls personally. Our EmailService program will give you a head start in the right direction. Therefore, Personal Contact information exchange (i.e. address, phone number, etc.) is only allowed for Senior Executive Members and Tour Members who have made the decision to travel at a certain point."

MB  This agency isn't giving her option 'd'. 'a' & 'b' won't do you any good, 'c' says either the same as 'b' or that she's in the scam with them to lead you along as a sucker for more translation and/or message fees (could also say that she doesn't even exist except in their boiler room).
LAI  On the contrary. I strongly believe that the quality men that sign up with us, will all find someone. If a particular girl is not interested in a client, I make sure my client does not waste any time on her and is informed of the situation. There are many other ladies that will be interested in him.

MB  I think that agencies delevering what they promise are better. If they promise 'communication' and what you want to communicate is 'would you be willing for me to contact you via another method?' then if they don't let you do that and/or don't let her respond, they aren't delivering their promise.
LAI  I believe we are being very clear with what we are promising. If several people disagree, please let me know. My email is nelson@latinintro.com

MB  I'm not saying show up on her doorstep unannounced, but let's say you pay (and pay and pay) to correspond with her for several months and now you spring for the $975 to go on the tour so now it is 'OK' with the agency that you meet her....What's she going to tell her dad? 'I'm going to the agency social tonight to meet the guy you didn't even know I've been corresponding with for the last six months'???
LAI  No, but she knows that the person she is introducing to her is a full member of LAI, which means we know him better than just someone who purchased her address. Why? Because we have been able to verify his information and know he is not an inmate who bought her address for 10 dollars or 39 dollars, because we have been able to do a background check on him and know she is not meeting someone who is married or with a criminal record, etc.

MB  Ugly woman using false pictures....and how would you know? The agency gonna tell you? Maybe, maybe not (maybe THEY are using the false pictures and writting the emails themselves. I'm not accussing this agency of doing that, but from the messages on the Russian board, that seems to happen a lot).
LAI  Even though we are not being accussed, I will take the opportunity to clariify that ALL PICTURES USED ON THE LAI SITE are taken 1 or 2 weeks before the ladies are posted on our site, and additionally those pictures are taken by us.

MB  My complaint is if you are writting (via an agency) I don't think it's honest for the agency to deny you the women's home contact information, IF the women are WILLING to give it to you.
LAI  Once again, personal contact information IS NOT CENSORED AT ALL for our all our members, except at the INternet Level.

Nelson Grisales
Owner Latin American Introductions
nelson@latinintro.com

[Michael B]

... in response to Re: Re: Other Side of Coin, posted by LatinIntro on Nov 5, 2003

I was just going from what the other posts said and was under the impression that customers were being led to beleive they were going to receive 'full' communication with ladies of their chosing for a period of time and then were only receiving limited or 'censored' communication. Your quoting the terms from your website clears up that personal contact information is NOT included, even if the ladies are willing to give it. Therefore, I will appoligize and withdraw the bait and switch accusation against you.

I can't imagine why anybody who understood those terms would actually pay for such a service, but you do make it clear that is what they are getting. You do understand that 'all communication through us' is a common scam used by dishonest (mostly Russian) agencies to play the sucker for a pile of translation and message forwarding charges, often with a 'lady' who only exists in their boiler room and is working on commission. I'm sorry I mistook you for that kind of operator and I do apologize.

[HeyNow]

... in response to Re: Re: Other Side of Coin, posted by LatinIntro on Nov 5, 2003

Nels,
 Could you clarify that last part?  "LAI Once again, personal contact information IS NOT CENSORED AT ALL for our all our members, except at the INternet Level"

The part "except at the INternet Level".  Does this mean all internet correspondence is censored?  I am not trying to be rude or vindictive but, that is what it sounds like.  Please correct me if I am wrong.

[Red Clay]

... in response to Re: LAI and writing before going, posted by Michael B on Nov 3, 2003

That's what I was thinking.

[buster40]

... in response to LAI and writing before going, posted by chevy on Nov 3, 2003

I sent a few letters down before going to LAI.  Overall, it was a bit of a waste.  You just need to get down there and spend some time with the gals running the agency to let them know what you are looking for.  I did meet some of the women I wrote to thinking I might be interested in them before I went.  What I realized pretty quickly was that the chemistry you MIGHT think you feel from looking at a picture doesn't necessarily translate after a personal meeting.  LAI restricts the replies from the ladies to them answering on thier website and sometimes they take a while to respond.  A few don't reply since the agency acts as a go-between and some normal delays can happen.
I paid for the $675 version which gave me five nights at the hotel at the agency.  Overall it was a totally positive experience.  

I Went down last minute on a buddy pass which resulted in a hairy moment for me upon leaving.  Unbeknownst to me, my luggage was flying standby also and as I was sitting in my seat ready to leave, a gate agent approached me and told me in spanish that I had to get off the plane since there wasn't enough room for my one bag below!!!!  I nearly had a heart attack thinking that I had to be at work the next day.  Two other people got taken off the flight for the same reason, but the captain told the agent I was staying and to get my bag onboard.  Later the flight attendant told me the reason was because the captain thought I worked for the government....haha...sometimes it pays to look like a DEA agent!!!  Nothing better than dumb luck!

BTW, I'm heading back down in 10 days to do some more due diligence on a particular lady.

Bottom line:  just get down there and check it out!

[Pete E]

... in response to LAI and writing before going, posted by chevy on Nov 3, 2003

I think if you pay in Bogota you can join LAI for $300-$400.They don't tell you that on the web site because it would undercut some wholesalers that make several hundred dollars for sending you to them.
Put that money towards getting your butt down there.There is no substitute for that.

Pete

[LatinIntro]

... in response to Re: LAI and writing before going, posted by Pete E on Nov 3, 2003

This is not correct.

We do offer  a weekly, monthly and yearly rate, but it is strictly for men joining locally at premises. No previous service can be rendered.

Nelson.

[jey]

... in response to Re: Re: LAI and writing before going, posted by LatinIntro on Nov 5, 2003

Hello Nelson,
I am glad to read your posting because I have questions for you. Please don't take it as criticism, because I just want to understand your ladies and how they think.
I joined LAI about a year ago. Wrote some ladies, none were interested in corresponding. I admit I picked some of the nicer looking, younger ones, but, how can I put it, most of the men on this list want a younger, better looking lady than they can get here in the USA. And I picked ladies from your site that were if anything older and in truth judging by their pictures on the same level or not as good looking as the girlfriends I have had.
Your employee Claudia asked me once why I stopped trying and I told her the kind of ladies I was interested in, but she never got back to me as promised on finding me someone. So I have never made the effort to go to Bogota, and am planning a trip to Cali in a few weeks.
On the other hand, I get some unsolicited letters from some of your older ladies,they are very nice but I don't think they are ready to have another  2-3 kids as I want neither would they be comfortable with the kind of music my daughter plays, and the noise level here.

[LatinIntro]

... in response to About LAI--Was LAI and writing before go..., posted by jey on Nov 6, 2003

Our EMS program has gone through many changes within the last 6 months. We have been improving the algorithm for the system in order to guarantee the 72 hour notification and to make it easier for the girls to respond. The changes made from one year ago to this moment have been substantial. I can not assure you that the girls you wrote to last time will be responding now, but I can assure you that you will now know what is happening to each letter you send down.

Send me a pivate email, I will set you up with a free month of EMS service.

Nelson

[DallasSteve2]

... in response to LAI and writing before going, posted by chevy on Nov 3, 2003

I had a lot of drop outs when I was doing emails/letters with women back in 1999.  It's par for the course.  Consider the circumstances.  Most of these women think (correctly) that they will probably never actually meet the man that is writing them.  If they do meet him there may not be chemistry.  If there is chemistry for her, he may still pick some other woman, because there are about 100 women in this process for every man.  So how much dedication are they going to put into email/letter writing before they ever meet the man?  Answer (for most):  notaheckuvalot.

But it is fun to open a letter or an email when they do write.  And it's easy to convince yourself that you are really very important to this beautiful woman who has never met you who is getting hit on by handsome men in her country all day long.  And you can even believe that after the webcam is turned off she goes to sleep dreaming of you instead of going out dancing with her girlfriends.  (Hope that's not a bummer).

Steve

[Freddie]

... in response to Letter writing again, posted by DallasSteve2 on Nov 3, 2003

My wife said she got so many letters that she just couldn't answer them all so she eventually stopped answering them at all. She had a great photo in the books and had a steady stream of letters and phone calls.

The few that she did answer had to contain a photo and she had to have some interest. Some didn't respond and some never went to Cali.

She didn't have a computer and the agency office was at the opposite end of town from where she lived. She felt if the guys were truly interested they would come to Cali to meet her.

Some of the guys she did meet in Cali but there wasn't any interest on her part after she met them.

Sometimes it's just timing. The good ones won't be around long so if you see something you like don't drag your feet. Fortunately there are always new ladies to meet.

Keep in mind the photos in the brochures and on the agency websites might NOT be up to date. I remember being in the agency office and one of the office girls was going through the latest edition of the brochure and marking the girls off, "Married, engaged, gone, married" etc.