Travel Forum & Career Advice Forum

[Ling Ling 22]

Definitely agree we should have windmills, with lots of tiny little regional forums.

I realize your statement's in jest, but consider the forums as blades.

More blades = more energy = more performance (in theory)

Finally someone who gets me. (because it is, after all, all about me. )

I can't say as I agree with you Ling, but I do agree that your proposal should be heard out instead of dismissed out of hand. Constructive criticism may not always be valid, but it's good conversation to have. Don't be deterred!

спасибо

[mox 298]

спасибо

пожалуйста

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

I do not diminish it . I think that as VJ moves along things will always change, grow and morph into what the community best would like to see happen, within the vision of whoever is making changes. If my track record shows anything I hope that it indicates my willingness to listen and update the site's features to best serve the community.

[Ling Ling 22]

I do not diminish it . I think that as VJ moves along things will always change, grow and morph into what the community best would like to see happen, within the vision of whoever is making changes. If my track record shows anything I hope that it indicates my willingness to listen and update the site's features to best serve the community.

Agreed...in all I've seen, and my limited communications with you, you appear to be a catalyst of evolution. For better or worse, you court feels you may be over-worked....or perhaps the fruit has fallen far from the tree.

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

The "Working & Traveling prior to getting a Green Card" forum was mainly created to cover EAD's and AP's for people that were waiting on their AOS. I have long thought about a part of the site that would enable "networking" or other interaction for the community that would promote travel and career for the community. How nice would it be to be able to consider traveling some place and then "boom" be able to see all the VJ'ers in the area and get ideas that they may have posted or that other have for that location. Maybe even meet some long time members that you know that live near where you are traveling? Also for jobs it would be great to establish some type of networking or other mechanism that people can leverage to help them when the first get here. Finding a new job with no "US based" references at any age can be tough!

Anyhow those are just some thoughts I had. The "Portal" feature on VJ was the original attempt to help on some of these topics... maybe an expansion of this would be useful or simply a forum as was originally suggested. Thoughts?

One last idea I had was to create a list of members (that could sign up) as "VJ buddies" for other new members. People could then find other members on this list and contact them to ask about their experiences locally with regards to immigration. Example, if someone brought their wife to the US they may find a local VJ Buddy and give them a PM and ask about how hard it was to find a job for their spouse; issues at the local Social Security Office; etc.... Maybe even act as a way to allow people to find new friends in their city with similar immigration and social backgrounds. Wild idea I know but sometimes ideas turn into something great!

[tmma 467]

I do not diminish it . I think that as VJ moves along things will always change, grow and morph into what the community best would like to see happen, within the vision of whoever is making changes. If my track record shows anything I hope that it indicates my willingness to listen and update the site's features to best serve the community.

Agreed...in all I've seen, and my limited communications with you, you appear to be a catalyst of evolution. For better or worse, you court feels you may be over-worked....or perhaps the fruit has fallen far from the tree.

What does the bolded part mean? Sorry-it's early here and this has gone right over my head. I hate metaphors or whatever first thing in the morning.

[Sinergy 3]

I do not diminish it . I think that as VJ moves along things will always change, grow and morph into what the community best would like to see happen, within the vision of whoever is making changes. If my track record shows anything I hope that it indicates my willingness to listen and update the site's features to best serve the community.

Agreed...in all I've seen, and my limited communications with you, you appear to be a catalyst of evolution. For better or worse, you court feels you may be over-worked....or perhaps the fruit has fallen far from the tree.

What does the bolded part mean? Sorry-it's early here and this has gone right over my head. I hate metaphors or whatever first thing in the morning.

sounds insulting to me

The "Working & Traveling prior to getting a Green Card" forum was mainly created to cover EAD's and AP's for people that were waiting on their AOS. I have long thought about a part of the site that would enable "networking" or other interaction for the community that would promote travel and career for the community. How nice would it be to be able to consider traveling some place and then "boom" be able to see all the VJ'ers in the area and get ideas that they may have posted or that other have for that location. Maybe even meet some long time members that you know that live near where you are traveling? Also for jobs it would be great to establish some type of networking or other mechanism that people can leverage to help them when the first get here. Finding a new job with no "US based" references at any age can be tough!

Anyhow those are just some thoughts I had. The "Portal" feature on VJ was the original attempt to help on some of these topics... maybe an expansion of this would be useful or simply a forum as was originally suggested. Thoughts?

One last idea I had was to create a list of members (that could sign up) as "VJ buddies" for other new members. People could then find other members on this list and contact them to ask about their experiences locally with regards to immigration. Example, if someone brought their wife to the US they may find a local VJ Buddy and give them a PM and ask about how hard it was to find a job for their spouse; issues at the local Social Security Office; etc.... Maybe even act as a way to allow people to find new friends in their city with similar immigration and social backgrounds. Wild idea I know but sometimes ideas turn into something great!

I think your last thought is an EXCELLENT idea capt...we should really move forward with that!

[TBoneTX 45,288]

One last idea I had was to create a list of members (that could sign up) as "VJ buddies" for other new members. People could then find other members on this list and contact them to ask about their experiences locally with regards to immigration. Example, if someone brought their wife to the US they may find a local VJ Buddy and give them a PM and ask about how hard it was to find a job for their spouse; issues at the local Social Security Office; etc.... Maybe even act as a way to allow people to find new friends in their city with similar immigration and social backgrounds.

If the "buddy" systems works as intended and purely in this way, great; however, I foresee a danger (random, but a danger nevertheless) that newbies or newer members would begin asking their "buddies" for advice on immigration paperwork/policy/procedure. Some VJ members would give wildly inaccurate responses. I believe that this would be an overarching negative that would be difficult to prevent, despite initial warnings, and nearly impossible to reign in, once it starts. Thoughts, si man?

If the system is implemented after all, perhaps "buddies" could be allocated more space in their PM mailboxes -- a "buddy" could be away for a couple of weeks and be unable to reply or clear his mailbox, si man.

Also, while we have the Cap'n's attention: In the Embassy Info and the Reviews: Embassies sections, PLEASE correct the "Ecuador" location from Quito to Guayaquil. From an accuracy standpoint, NO family- or marriage-based visas are processed in Quito. From a truth-&-fairness standpoint, Ecuador-inflicted VJers deserve to see the name of the consulate that they will likely forever curse. We thank you in advance for this correction, si man.

[KimandRuss 0]

I foresee a danger (random, but a danger nevertheless) that newbies or newer members would begin asking their "buddies" for advice on immigration paperwork/policy/procedure. Some VJ members would give wildly inaccurate responses. I believe that this would be an overarching negative that would be difficult to prevent, despite initial warnings, and nearly impossible to reign in, once it starts. Thoughts, si man?

Great point TBone.

[TBoneTX 45,288]

Great point TBone.

It is an hono(u)r to be praised by the lovely, gracious, responsible, and sensible Kim, si man.

[Sinergy 3]

I foresee a danger (random, but a danger nevertheless) that newbies or newer members would begin asking their "buddies" for advice on immigration paperwork/policy/procedure. Some VJ members would give wildly inaccurate responses. I believe that this would be an overarching negative that would be difficult to prevent, despite initial warnings, and nearly impossible to reign in, once it starts. Thoughts, si man?

Great point TBone.

Good point indeed, however, there should be rules to being a buddy...example above in TBoneTX's post

[Ling Ling 22]

I foresee a danger (random, but a danger nevertheless) that newbies or newer members would begin asking their "buddies" for advice on immigration paperwork/policy/procedure. Some VJ members would give wildly inaccurate responses. I believe that this would be an overarching negative that would be difficult to prevent, despite initial warnings, and nearly impossible to reign in, once it starts. Thoughts, si man?

Great point TBone.

Good point indeed, however, there should be rules to being a buddy...example above in TBoneTX's post

What kind of rules could be created to stop people from privately sending inaccurate information?

Perhaps rather than a buddy scheme, a mentor scheme. The difference being, whereas everyone could be a buddy,

mentors would have to be appointed or elected. If information is to disseminated off forum, we need to at least have a reasonable

belief that the contributor is appropriate to the need. In my opinion, there's nothing worse than giving someone information that could

slow down their immigration efforts.

To that end, I suggest a nomination committee be created to determine criteria and method for selection of mentors.

I still think the Travel and Job forums are worthy of further consideration. Besides bringing an idea to this forum, is there an official means for consideration?

Edited January 9, 2009 by Ling Ling

[Sinergy 3]

I foresee a danger (random, but a danger nevertheless) that newbies or newer members would begin asking their "buddies" for advice on immigration paperwork/policy/procedure. Some VJ members would give wildly inaccurate responses. I believe that this would be an overarching negative that would be difficult to prevent, despite initial warnings, and nearly impossible to reign in, once it starts. Thoughts, si man?

Great point TBone.

Good point indeed, however, there should be rules to being a buddy...example above in TBoneTX's post

What kind of rules could be created to stop people from privately sending inaccurate information?

Perhaps rather than a buddy scheme, a mentor scheme. The difference being, whereas everyone could be a buddy,

mentors would have to be appointed or elected. If information is to disseminated off forum, we need to at least have a reasonable

belief that the contributor is appropriate to the need. In my opinion, there's nothing worse than giving someone information that could

slow down their immigration efforts.

To that end, I suggest a nomination committee be created to determine criteria and method for selection of mentors.

I still think the Travel and Job forums are worthy of further consideration. Besides bringing an idea to this forum, is there an official means for consideration?

your suggesting the same thing ewok is, only you changed the name from buddy to mentor...

and even if we did a "mentor" youd still need rules, bc just as you sd with a buddy, who is to say they wont give private immigration information that is wrong.

I think the thing is, ewok needs to select the ppl he knows have the most knowledge and can trust them. I dont think we should vote on it, it should be up to ewok solely.

[Ling Ling 22]

I foresee a danger (random, but a danger nevertheless) that newbies or newer members would begin asking their "buddies" for advice on immigration paperwork/policy/procedure. Some VJ members would give wildly inaccurate responses. I believe that this would be an overarching negative that would be difficult to prevent, despite initial warnings, and nearly impossible to reign in, once it starts. Thoughts, si man?

Great point TBone.

Good point indeed, however, there should be rules to being a buddy...example above in TBoneTX's post

What kind of rules could be created to stop people from privately sending inaccurate information?

Perhaps rather than a buddy scheme, a mentor scheme. The difference being, whereas everyone could be a buddy,

mentors would have to be appointed or elected. If information is to disseminated off forum, we need to at least have a reasonable

belief that the contributor is appropriate to the need. In my opinion, there's nothing worse than giving someone information that could

slow down their immigration efforts.

To that end, I suggest a nomination committee be created to determine criteria and method for selection of mentors.

I still think the Travel and Job forums are worthy of further consideration. Besides bringing an idea to this forum, is there an official means for consideration?

your suggesting the same thing ewok is, only you changed the name from buddy to mentor...

and even if we did a "mentor" youd still need rules, bc just as you sd with a buddy, who is to say they wont give private immigration information that is wrong.

I think the thing is, ewok needs to select the ppl he knows have the most knowledge and can trust them. I dont think we should vote on it, it should be up to ewok solely.

Nope...sorry, mentors and buddies are not interchangeable concepts. Think about it. Would a shopping buddy and a shopping mentor be the same thing?

Would a drinking buddy and a drinking mentor be the same thing? Nice try, but a FAIL.

I'm still waiting to hear about these "rules' you suggest for buddies. For the mentors we have the TOS, as well as common sense. I think if both are followed, there won't be a problem. I feel like you've got a personal issue with me or my ideas. You come here and only add boos to anything I say, and cheers to anything by an old comrade.

If this were in the OT forum, I might be tempted to suggest that you're an ####### kissing hypocrite, but I won't.

Instead, I'll ask why in earlier posts you were against creating any more work for the over worked Capt. Ewok, but now you'd like him to take on sole responsibility for a new initiative? Really, does-not-compute.

Edited January 10, 2009 by Ling Ling

[LaL 418]

A buddy system is a pretty bizarre concept for a site where no one is required to post or participate.