Toldya, sometimes it's lots at once.

This guy's letter was almost too nice to pass up, but I did at least send him a thank you. It's the line (in red) that got my attention and warranted a response...
___________________________________
"From: cscp*****
Subject: Hi,
Message: Hi, I read your ad and I'd like to use this opportunity to let you know that I love your profile and I'll truly like to be your friend, if you let me that is...... I a very strange way, I feel very attracted to you and all that went to my mind was to write and just let you know about it... I hope we'll get to something tangible as I am looking forward to knowing you, this is true and I speak from the heart. I am a black male, simple, truthful, funny, affectionate, straight to the point and most of all, I am capable of falling in love with the right woman that vibrates at my same frequency and I think that you are that kind of lady I currently reside in Banjul, The Gambia, a small tourist city in the most westerly part of West Africa with lots of sunshine, beach life and beautiful nature; its people are very friendly. I'll stop here for now, wishing a most lovely ! day and anticipating your soonest response.please l will want you to email me through my email box which is ****@hotmail.com
Cheers"

Here's an exchange that I felt deserved attention ...

This guy is from 'Plentyoffish'. He wrote me first of all to ask my birthday. I looked at his profile and it says 'other religion', so I asked him what that means to him. His response is exactly my reason for scoping this out: I don't want to waste time debating religion, especially from a new age, universalist, etc .. point of view .. I get very quickly weary of the political types who consider themselves worldly, sophisticated ... and are therefore unteachable.

This guy's attitude LOUDLY demonstrates why I'm wise to avoid anything further!
(his posts will be in green, mine in purple, in order of correspondence)

Pay close attention to the rapidly-accelerated intensity of such a brief interaction:
_______________________________________________________
From: *oc*
Subject: *hey
Sent Date: 9/29/2007 1:54:10 AM
you are my age....
my birthday is april 5th.....when is yours....??
g

From: Key_Player
Subject: march 21 ..
Sent Date: 9/29/2007 2:50:08 AM
I noticed it says 'other religion' on your profile: what does that mean for you?

From: *oc*
Subject: RE:march 21 ..
Sent Date: 9/29/2007 8:44:31 AM
it means i subscribe to the spirit of the law not the letter of the law...
or,
it means the commonalities of religions i follow....the same truth within ALL religions...
they are all saying the same thing....they are just using different terms....god, alah, the tao,the great white spirit,all-that-is...etc, etc...all refer to the same force or energy...
other religion means....a catholic shouldn,t say a native african will go to hell because he has never heard of the word ....jesus and is therefore a heathen
so...an allowance for all religions means ..."other"...
g

From: Key_Player
Subject: RE:RE:march 21 ..
Sent Date: 9/29/2007 10:11:17 AM
ahhh. I see....
well, in all fairness I ought to tell you that my faith is of the deeply Christian, and I'm not sure we'd necessarily see eye-to-eye on this level (I'm of the conviction that if someone has not put their trust in Jesus, they cannot see God, because Jesus IS God!) so perhaps as friends we'd do better, as long as we steer clear of religious matters?
If I dated someone, a shared belief base is basically wanted in order to prevent that fundamental conflict.
whatya t'ink?

From: *oc*
Subject: what ya t'ink
Sent Date: 9/29/2007 10:51:49 AM
dating???
hard to do with the distance....i'm in vancouver...
jesus....is my hero...the best teacher i have ever known...
is he god? yes!!!
you know why they killed him????
because in john 10:26
he said.....THAT YE ARE GODS
he said all of humanity were gods not just himself....even according to the old testament scriptures it was written so...
but the pharasee's couldn't take it!!
they were not able to endure HIS knowledge....as he said...you can't put new wine in old skins....they will burst
so the religious priests of the time MURDERED him....
that is why i am not religious but very spiritual...
the sabbath said you should not heal on the sabbath day....but jesus did !!!
therefore jesus was spiritual and not dogmaticly,rigidly religious...
if you are a christian...you should love your enemies....the usa is a religious people...their money says...in god we trust....and yet they have murdered innocent women and children in iraq in the name of god.....see how people USE religion and dont understand it...
do good unto those who would harm you, pray for those....
as you so you reap....that is pure
how can you say jesus,jesus ...go to church and then have anger in your heart....these people are not practising christians.....by word yes...not by deed...
g

From: Key_Player
Subject: this isn't a political thing with me.
Sent Date: 9/29/2007 10:57:27 AM
dunno why the reference to the USA is there..
I'm just not into discussing the religion part of it. like you, I'm spiritual but I don't care for the way man has distorted it.
however, it sounds like we're not very well-matched even to get along as buddies, I do appreciate your letter.. and as for asking about the dating, don't make it seem so incredulous that I would ask; how could I know what you're here for? :-)
anyway I'm going to take my leave here; I have a lot of things in my life that are stressful and I do apologize but debating religious motives is just too much for my nerves, I wish you well.
KP
________________________________________________
Wow ... I've learned over a little while on these sites that the ones claiming the most expansive religious tolerance turn out to be the LEAST tolerant of those who profess a specific faith in Christ.
I don't want to turn my blog into a battleground; I merely am saying that I have to steer clear of the reverse example of a holy roller: someone who demands a complete melting pot of all faiths, and gets THIS ANGRY when a person points to JESUS.

Some of you readers may point out "but YOU brought up religion, he didn't". Fair enough, but since his profile left that detail so ambiguous, I had to ask. My experience is that those with 'other religion' would not let up on the debate, so I wanted to see if this guy is of the debating kind, which .. as we see here, he is.

This (OH, and from someone else, a *wink*) ... clueless, clueless ..

*sigh* .. ANOTHER scam. This one's from a LADY!! People just CAN NOT read.
____________________________________________
(http://www.singles.org/)
"From: cscp******
Subject: Dearest In Christ
Message: Dearest In Christ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you as you read this message, it is obvious, that this message will meet you with great surprise. I am Mrs Kate Donald from the Republic of Seychelles. I am married to Engr. Joseph Donald who was the Chief Executive Director of an Oil and Gas producing Company here in Cote D' Ivoire for eleven years before he died on the 27th of November 2005. We were married for eleven years with-out a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his sudden death, we were both born again Christian. Since his death I decided not to remarry or get a child outside my matrimonial. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $6.2M U.S Dollars in a Security Company here in Abidjan Cote D' Ivoire, and adviced me that he used my name as the next of kin and that the security company officials does not know the real content of the trunk box because he comorflage it as (FAMILY VALUABLES AND TREASURES), and it is still with the Security Company up till now. Recently, my Doctor told me that i have serious sickness which is cancer problem, the one that disturbs me most is my stroke sickness. Having known my condition now, I have decided to donate this fund to a church or individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. I want a church or individual that will use this fund for the helping of the orphanages, widows, propagating the word of God and to endeavour that the house of God is maintained. For i know that my sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in me in the kingdom of God according to the book of [Romans 8:18]. Therefore i am giving out this donation in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is written that i should give, and it will be given to me. Blessed is the hand that giveth. I took this decision because I don’t have any child that will inherit this money and I don't want my husband’s efforts to be in vain. I don’t want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly way. Please, let my donation be in secret between you and i, as it is written in the book of [ Matthew 6:3 - 4].That when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand to know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret;and your father who sees in secret will himself reward you openly. I am not afraid of death since I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord, because the Lord has been my strenght and hope As soon as I receive your reply in acceptance of my donation, I shall give you the contact of the security company here in Abidjan Cote D' Ivoire. I want you and the church to always pray for me . My happiness is that I lived a life of a worthy Christian. Whoever that Wants to serve the Lord must serve him in spirit and Truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life,and also remember me in prayers. May Almighty God make you an eternal excellency and a joy of many generations....Amen. Please, Get back to me on this my private email address thus; *^*^*^^@yahoo.fr Hoping to receive your reply and remain blessed in the Lord. Yours Sincerely in Christ, Mrs *^*^*^*^*^*(at)yahoo.fr"
____________________________________________
OY!!!! ... where do these people come up with this idea, and how does it persist? I've noticed this is ALSO from Abidjan Cote D' Ivoire. See below, tho' that was on another site. Hmmm... could be another, or could be the same individual(s) under aliases.
In any case, THEY GET REPORTED ...

OH COME ON.

.. another 'virtual kiss'!! (http://www.yourchristianzone.com/)... courtesy of an eager, sincere, and unfortunately misguided fella from Kuwait. Alas, I had to block him, or he would continue to send me 'kisses', there was more than one.

There must be a culture chasm here to explain the apparent inability to comprehend a few simple, terse words in my profile:
"DO NOT SEND ME KISSES!!"

I'm more convinced now that these guys do not read profiles.

HA!! ... Spoke too soon. :-)

Here's the latest ...
(http://www.yourchristianzone.com)
_________________________
"From:Lemo*****
Subject:hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii read it plz
Received:25.09.07 - 1:45
hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii saw ur profile and intrested in u"
_________________________
He may have 'seen' it but obviously didn't COMPREHEND it ..

Nothing new ...

The messages seem to come in droves or not at all. I wonder if there's a pattern to the timing, and I wouldn't see it yet because I put this up just a week or so ago so I wouldn't yet see any consistency in email activity.

It's sort of unfortunate for the chaps, really; most of them seem genuine enough, but when they fail to read the most intrinsic part of the supposed reason they claim to LIKE ME, I think they have only themselves to blame. I made it very clear.

Still, I know that many guys don't even bother to read them; they see a picture and then just send a hopeful blurb with lots of mush and promises. What gets me is that they apparently have time to draft their messages in long paragraphs that actually look well-thought-out, BUT NO TIME TO READ THE PROFILE OF THOSE THEY EMAIL???!! ..

I think they make ONE letter, and send it to as many as they can. It's so impersonal that now I feel even less obligated to acknowledge it!

Don't worry, my dear readers. I'll get others and will post them here. For now, please feel free to remark on those already up!

Ohhh, here's an opportunity of a lifetime!!

(http://www.yourchristianzone.com)
_________________________
NickName:simon4****
Sex:male
Age:uknown
From:Cote d'Ivoire
Date:09-21-07
Subject: From Abidjan Cote d' Ivoire
From Abidjan Cote d' Ivoire West Africa. Attention: Respectful Greetings and How are you today, Iam simon olubuihe The Only Son of chief late Ibrahim olubuihe. Please my dear I would like you to permit me to apply through this medium for your co-operation and to secure an opportunity to invest and do joint relationship and business with you in your country. I have a substantial capital I honourably Inherited from my late father late Chief Olubuihe who was minister of Interior and deal in Cocao and coffee platation and share from family Gold, diamond Minining site.The Epmigo rebels killed Him recently in political crisis in our country that have resulted to war since this past two years. I intend to invest this fund in profitable areas in your country into a very lucratives business venture of which you are to advise and execute the said venture over there for the mutual benefits of both of us . Most especially is for you to help me come over to your base if possible for You be able co-operate with me to become my business partner in your country and create ideas on how money will be invested, properly manage...
________________________________________________________
... oh goody, just the way to begin my day. SPAM! ... and his letter was so long they cut it off.
Nice spelling too... ya, this looks legit, ya think??

But ...you DIDN'T read it!

I'm not even gonna preamble any more.
(http://www.singles.org/)
_________________________
cscp******
Subject: Hello
How are you doing today hope cool if so am happy to know that.I am KR young man in search of a life partner someone that is loving and caring someone that has the fear of God i saw your profile on Singles.org and felt interested in you.If you interested in what i have just said then you can contact me at *****@****.com i am online currently and on yahoo messenger also we can chat or exchange e-mails.I hope to hear from you real soon do stay cool and have a lovely time hope to hear from you real soon.. KR
___________________________________________________
Oh, but I actually should put additional details of my profile (which he claims to have seen). This is what apparently is wildly attractive to these guys!
See how hard I try to look my best for all those hopeful wannabe future husbands?
"I'm overweight. I don't get out much to exercise, and my apartment is very cluttered. I am stubborn, moody and I don't take much of life seriously ..."

OH Brother ...

OK! Here are the two newest messages, in order as I saw them ...

(www.singles.org)
_________________________

"From:cscp******
Subject: Hello my beloved
Date: 2007-09-18
Hello my beloved I saw your profile and your photo and the first thought was, i must write you from My heart, My desires? I am looking for someone special, with many romantic feelings in ones life, but also with the look for all important feeling in life Perhaps are you are a man I am looking for in my heart. My heart is full with love to share with you. I strongly beleive in true genuine love and romance. The most beautiful present for me is when you give me your heart and your soul and your love, so I am waiting for this.I am faithful and very generous to those I love and care about in my heart,i am God fearing Man. I want a woman i can be proud of and i can kindly call her my Queen who is ready to love me and cherish and i will love me with all her heart for whom she is to my heart, whose life experience can allow her to appreciate it. So my sweet Queen of my heart?, i will stop here now. Always Brad Kay Please you can reach me through this yahoo id bradkay19500@yahoodotcom..and i will send you some of my picture and you can reach me easily..thank you so much!!!"

________________________________________________
(http://www.yourchristianzone.com/)
_________________________

NickName:******
Sex:male
Age: unknown
From:United States
Date:09-18-07
Subject:Hello

Hello, I am singles and i am search of a trustwoorthy companion someone i can talk freely to with the litle i understand from your profile i wish we could be more than a perfect match with all life.
John
________________________________________________

So what could be THAT HARD to grasp?? .. how can it be so difficult for a person to understand that another is not seeking dates?

.......... Cindy! Any thoughts?

Now ~ I need this disclaimer:
First of all, I use these sites for myself, but I'm not trying to promote them. The only reason for displaying the links is to differentiate the messages' origin. Also, I believe it's not wrong to look for 'just friends' if the site itself offers that option! Men getting upset with me for refusing their seductions are foolish, and wasting their own time, as my profile is very clearly NOT seeking romantic opportunities.

Then, as readers may have seen prior to this, I get blasted by strangers ... oh JOY..

YIKES!!!

I can't believe it ~ I'm being criticized by people who think I should jump into the arms of every guy who offers to marry me. Some of these comments!!! *sheeesh* ... one or two are from my best friend Cindy, but there's a couple of them with loose wingnuts ...

Today on 'yourchristianzone' I got "kissed" .. ARG!

There's no text so I can't post that here.

On 'singles.org' I got both a 'wink' (which always means the guy is trying to prompt me to contact him, and it's not because he'd otherwise get charged, because that's a FREE SITE) ... and a note from someone else saying he'd like the honour of being my friend, and to see 'where God will lead us to' .. ???

Here it is:
(www.singles.org)
_________________________
"From: cscp******
Subject: Hello
Message:
Hi How are you doing on earth, hope God is doing His will in your life? May i have the honor to be your friend? Then share the Word of God together to see where God will lead us to. I will be glad to read from you. Here is e-mail : ckenxie@hotmail.com Stay Blessed Chris"
_________________________

... and to just where does he imagine it could possibly lead? ..

Now some of you reading this might think I'm wasting people's time by signing onto these services when I'm not interested in dating. Well, if the option of 'friends/buddies/pals' wasn't there, I would not use their site.

The idea is that if an online social community offers the prerogative to be there for just friends, I choose to avail myself of it in order to acquire some new contacts. If there are guys who feel like I'm teasing them by being there but not seeking their attention, that's not my problem.

My profile makes it very clear I'm only there for platonic reasons, so they have nobody but themselves to blame if they keep hitting on me!

Here's another one!

This is from "pricelesspartner.com". First see that profile, then read the message sent to me. While I was typing this, someone instant-messaged me on the same site, trying to pick me up. I blocked him. However, for some reason blocking him does not prevent him from trying to IM me! Weird .. because he tried a second time.
__________________________________

Here's the gist of my "pricelesspartner.com" profile ~
"Key_Player
PLEASE, GUYS, LOCAL FRIENDS ONLY.
All about me:
Guys, I'd rather just be your friend. If you're seeking more, I wish you all the best and happy fishing... (what part of this is so hard to understand??)

--
Now here's the newest email ~
(www.pricelesspartner.com)
"From: ********
Subject: Hai
Received: 14.09.07 - 19:04
I peeped in to ur profile and that looked great and cute. I wish to have a nice relationship with u if the same from u too send me a reply"
________________________________________________________
... see?
Lack of comprehension, or a delusion of irresistible persuasiveness. Whatever it is, these guys are teeming with it. I don't overlook the compliments, but in all fairness if my profile says 'no' to more than friends, I don't owe anything to people who disregard it and send me offers anyway. If they're going to be that obtuse, a bit of rejection won't make a dent.

*Sheesh*, why don't people PAY ATTENTION????

I like making friends online.
Under the right circumstances, a friendship could develop into a deeper connection but I NEVER START THERE. For this reason, I may maintain a small number of accounts on sites that are, I grant, chiefly for dating purposes. However, each one of them lists 'friends' as an option for use, and so I exercise the prerogative to limit my contacts accordingly.

I wonder if anybody besides myself is primarily interested in simply getting acquainted with others for its own sake. About 90% of those who email me on any one of my memberships are guys who just don't seem to grasp the concept of a woman who ISN'T online looking for a new man!!

This blog is to document those instances which glaringly belie the intentions of such men as who don't even seem to have taken a moment to READ THE PROFILE.

I deleted the messages from today's lot, but from now on I will keep them and copy/paste them here, along with whatever reply I felt appropriate to send. Only the most polite are answered. Those whose emails clearly indicate my profile was dismissed are DELETED WITHOUT A REPLY.

UPDATE:
Here's one I got today, and I added a previous email that hadn't been deleted. First of all, see what I stated in my profile, then read the message from my wannabe suitor.

This is what my "yourchristianzone.com" profile says ~
"PLEASE, DO NOT SEEK ME FOR ROMANCE!!

**** IMPORTANT ********ALL EMAILS INDICATING LACK OF ATTENTION TO MY PROFILE WILL BE DELETED WITHOUT A REPLY!!!
I am NOT here for romantic reasons. I only want to make PLATONIC FRIENDS, NO MORE.If you email me for partnership, I will not answer.Please DO NOT send me KISSES! ---Ham and Cheeze on Wry ..
Silly, moody and introspective. I have been told I 'think too much'. Sometimes that's a hindrance to merely being in the moment; other times it keeps me from losing my marbles.---Footer: I guess I have to say this more strictly, since some have not understood I AM *NOT AVAILABLE* FOR A ROMANTIC PARTNERSHIP.
:-)"
__________________________________

This is today's email ~
(www.pricelesspartner.com)
_________________________
"NickName:********
Sex:male
Age:uknown
From:GhanaDate:09-15-07
Subject:best
l love you and l saw your profile and decided to drop you as my best love and l want you tell me something about and l will so willing to marry you as my wife if only you agreed of my view and l will make you any kind of feeling you need as my wife."

.... uh .. what?

Here's another in this service who clearly lacks observation or comprehension skills (edited) ~
(www.pricelesspartner.com)
_________________________
"NickName:*********
Sex:male
Age:27
From:GhanaDate:09-10-07
Subject:friend
hi,
am john francis,i want to be your best friend forlife,i like listening to romantic love songs and watching loving films and singe.that mine number,00233 27 772 6274 or 00233 24 668 7450 johnablefrancis@yahoo.com

bye"
________________________________________________________
Gaaaahhhhh!! What is it with these people? ...OH well.