Single? Like yellow paper? Then SA4QrelatE is for you!

The Slickman A4 Quotation Event spawned its own vocabulary almost as soon as it began in 2002. To 4qate (pronounced 'fork-you-ate') meant to write a quote from a Russell Hoban novel on a piece of paper and leave it in a public place. People who took part were called '4qaters'. Then there was '4qlate', which also meant to 4qate - but late.

Now, there is '4qrelate' - the act of hooking up with others on SA4QrelatE, the new dating service for Russell Hoban fans.

TRUST ME, I'M A WEIRDO

Have you enjoyed one of Russell Hoban's oddball romances? Wished you could meet a real-life Peter Diggs, Sarah Varley, Amaryllis Potts, Luise von Himmelbett, Roswell Clark? Had a fantasy about a voluptuous Hospital Sister? Lingered awhile in a Charing Cross Road bookshop or Fulham Road cafe hoping to meet your destiny woman, or the man of your dreams?

Well, now you can! Whether you fancy a tango with Barbara Strozzi or something more exotic with Harold Klein, simply send your name, address, email, gender, age, likes and dislikes, favourite Hoban books and any other autobiographical details you like, together with an idea of the sort of person you're looking for, to destiny@sa4qe.com - then sit back and relax, and we will do the rest.

You have the choice of a public web page where interested eccentrics can message you direct, or for a small extra fee, a secure PO Box number which we will manage on your behalf. (Please note that any underwear, potato pancakes or novel manuscripts sent to these private mailboxes will be returned unopened.)

DON'T LOSE THE IDEA OF HER, SIGN UP NOW

Special offer! The first 4 people who sign up for SA4QrelatE will receive a free 'UNNATURAL PRACTICES YES' tee-shirt. Ideal for ensuring your date spots you in the crowd in the Royal Festival Hall foyer. (Please state preferred size when registering)

TESTIMONIALS

Selected comments from people who tried the SA4QrelatE 'beta'

"Fantastic! I lacked self-confidence and never thought anyone would be interested in me. But after a whirlwind romance with 'Istvan', I'm now booked on the EuroStar to Paris for a romantic weekend visiting graves in Pere Lachaise." ('Karen')

"Karen was my perfect woman - every bit the weirdo. I can't wait to join her weeping at Chopin's tomb." ('Istvan')

"Myrtle blew me away in every way. We're getting married next month. She doesn't seem to mind that I'm 62 years older than her." ('Irving')

"I lost my head when I met 'Pearl'." ('Herman')

DON'T BE A FREMDER!

Contact us on 4qrelate@sa4qe.com or use the comments box below.

SA4QRELATE. The dating service for people who know that 'kleinzeit' means 'hero'.

Disclaimer: this was originally posted on 1st April 2009. Apologies to Russell Hoban!