NEED PEOPLES OPINION

[Jersey Girl 2]

Unfortunately, you have no idea how the Writer and Editor will spin your story. While they're giving you the impression now that it will show you in a good light, you'll never know until it's in print. You may want to tell the story from the point-of-view of people doing things the right way, but they're in the business of selling newspapers and will tell whatever story they want.

I wouldn't be worried about your photograph, but about allowing yourselves to be used without having any veto power over the text. If you want to ensure the story is what you intend, write a Letter to the Editor and include your photos if you want.

(Disclosure: I'm a Writer. I understand how flattered and flustered you feel right now.)

[billsgirl 0]

Unfortunately, you have no idea how the Writer and Editor will spin your story. While they're giving you the impression now that it will show you in a good light, you'll never know until it's in print. You may want to tell the story from the point-of-view of people doing things the right way, but they're in the business of selling newspapers and will tell whatever story they want.

I wouldn't be worried about your photograph, but about allowing yourselves to be used without having any veto power over the text. If you want to ensure the story is what you intend, write a Letter to the Editor and include your photos if you want.

(Disclosure: I'm a Writer. I understand how flattered and flustered you feel right now.)

...

just found out they want a pic of him here in the us....and one of me in canada.....however i think i just answered my own question(not that u guys were not helpful, you were)...this is not solely about us, it is about everyone...and how it affects EVERYONE. so the pics will more than likely ruled out as far as i am concerned...i just want the story out there.

[Nessa 23]

I definitely understand why you would be hesitant, but at the same time, you've got a great opportunity to get the word out about this. If they are only going to use your first names I would think you'd be ok. Do you think USCIS has it together enough to put two and two together right now? There are thousands of petitions waiting. I don't know, but I would say go for it.

oh please don't be naive. Do you think Vermont Center has thosands of Debbies from Montreal Canada and Bill filling the petition?

[raymaga 25]

I think you should do the story and demand that they only use your first names (or different names like they do in a lot of news and magazine stories where the people involved don't want their real names used). That way, the pictures couldn't do any harm. Sometimes a story has a lot more "punch" when people can put a "face" to the situation.

How did they get your name and number in the first place?

[karakmitchell 0]

I definitely understand why you would be hesitant, but at the same time, you've got a great opportunity to get the word out about this. If they are only going to use your first names I would think you'd be ok. Do you think USCIS has it together enough to put two and two together right now? There are thousands of petitions waiting. I don't know, but I would say go for it.

oh please don't be naive. Do you think Vermont Center has thosands of Debbies from Montreal Canada and Bill filling the petition?

Do you think they'll actually take the time to check it out? That's what I was referring to......

[billsgirl 0]

I think you should do the story and demand that they only use your first names (or different names like they do in a lot of news and magazine stories where the people involved don't want their real names used). That way, the pictures couldn't do any harm. Sometimes a story has a lot more "punch" when people can put a "face" to the situation.

How did they get your name and number in the first place?

when everyone was calling their congressmen and senators, bill also called the associated press,that was about 2 weeks ago....they called him back today and want very much to do a story on this imbra stuff.

[Qiao - 108 days 0]

Unfortunately, you have no idea how the Writer and Editor will spin your story. While they're giving you the impression now that it will show you in a good light, you'll never know until it's in print. You may want to tell the story from the point-of-view of people doing things the right way, but they're in the business of selling newspapers and will tell whatever story they want.

I wouldn't be worried about your photograph, but about allowing yourselves to be used without having any veto power over the text. If you want to ensure the story is what you intend, write a Letter to the Editor and include your photos if you want.

(Disclosure: I'm a Writer. I understand how flattered and flustered you feel right now.)

...

just found out they want a pic of him here in the us....and one of me in canada.....however i think i just answered my own question(not that u guys were not helpful, you were)...this is not solely about us, it is about everyone...and how it affects EVERYONE. so the pics will more than likely ruled out as far as i am concerned...i just want the story out there.

I really don't think the pics would hurt you. They would get bashed if anyone thought they were out for retribution. Pics can also help readers identify with those involved.

[believeinluck 0]

HI ALL, BILL(US FIANCE) JUST RECIEVED A CALL FROM THE REPORTER FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS. SHE REALLY WANTS TO DO A STORY ON THIS, AND IT WILL BE NATION WIDE. HOWEVER........SHE WANTS THIS TO BE ON THE FRONT PAGE WITH BILL AND MY PICTURES ON THERE.....NOW WE WANT THERE TO BE A STORY, BUT WE ARE FRANTIC ABOUT THE PICTURES. RIGHT NOW THEY HAVE BILLS FULL NAME, BUT HE ONLY GAVE MY FIRST NAME. WE ARE JUST AFRAID WITH HOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS, THAT IF WE DO THIS, AND SOMEONE (IN PATICULAR SEES THIS), WE WILL BE DOOMED. PLEASE, ANYONE WITH ANY INPUT OR SUGGESTIONS...................BILL SAID THERE WOULD STILL BE THE STORY, BUT THEY WOULD LIKE TO PUT THE PICS IN AS WELL. SHOULD WE TELL HER NO PICS?.......THANKS ALL

I would say defiantly go for it. If I were you I would put my picture on a front page and I would not be afraid. I am sick of USCIS. All they do is cause pain to people.

Recently I had to file a law suite against a director of FBI and a director of USCIS in order to get my citizenship. They did absolutely nothing for 2,5 years(My name check was sitting at FBI for over 2 years) and only my lawsuit forced them to give me my citizenship.

If I were you I would read this article before they publish it then I would agree to publish my pictures. There is nothing to be afraid of. Go for it. They will be nothing done for a long time unless we do something.

[Nessa 23]

Do you think they'll actually take the time to check it out? That's what I was referring to......

Well i think if USCIS sees an article with example of couples they'll be curious to know who are they, and it's easy, i'm sure they have all on a computer system they can just check: beneficiary: bill, petitioner: debby from montreal canada. Easy.

I think they shouldn't worry about USCIS tho, if they want to talk to the press do it, i wouldn't give my real name nor my pictures, i wouldn't want the hassle. But that's me.

[billsgirl 0]

Do you think they'll actually take the time to check it out? That's what I was referring to......

Well i think if USCIS sees an article with example of couples they'll be curious to know who are they, and it's easy, i'm sure they have all on a computer system they can just check: beneficiary: bill, petitioner: debby from montreal canada. Easy.

I think they shouldn't worry about USCIS tho, if they want to talk to the press do it, i wouldn't give my real name nor my pictures, i wouldn't want the hassle. But that's me.

i think that will be the way we will go...no pics, and if we can use other names(as they do in montreal)..one way or the other...they really want to do this story whether the pics are there or not.....oh and another thing, bill has a buddy, and didnt know that his wife works for immigration here in vermont, but in the accounting dept....she is going to make some phone calls....if anything comes up...will post....thanks nessaandcharles and everyone that answered the post....feeling a whole lot better now

[rebeccajo 14]

First names only and separate pics? What's wrong with that?

If you want it seen by millions, it needs pictures. People flip through newspapers quickly. A picture catches the eye.

I personally hope the article is about MORE than IMBRA. I hope it's about the debacles that have been going on for many years with this process.....not just this new problem.

Edited June 9, 2006 by rebeccajo

[billsgirl 0]

First names only and separate pics? What's wrong with that?

If you want it seen by millions, it needs pictures. People flip through newspapers quickly. A picture catches the eye.

I personally hope the article is about MORE than IMBRA. I hope it's about the debacles that have been going on for many years with this process.....not just this new problem.

i do understand what you are saying, but i dont want this centered on us....yes we are caught up on this imbra thing, however there are sooo many people who are much deeper in this than we are....as long as the story is based on all of as a whole....i wish they could do this with a whole bunch of pictures.

[Jersey Girl 2]

billsgirl, if they're doing a story on IMBRA, it will be sensationalist. They'll publish all the grisly details of the abuse and murders. Your story will simply be an aside: look at this nice American-Canadian couple who have to wait.

Please be smart about this. Recognize that you have no control over what they print and how you will be positioned.

[A Man of Action 0]

HI ALL, BILL(US FIANCE) JUST RECIEVED A CALL FROM THE REPORTER FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS. SHE REALLY WANTS TO DO A STORY ON THIS, AND IT WILL BE NATION WIDE. HOWEVER........SHE WANTS THIS TO BE ON THE FRONT PAGE WITH BILL AND MY PICTURES ON THERE.....NOW WE WANT THERE TO BE A STORY, BUT WE ARE FRANTIC ABOUT THE PICTURES. RIGHT NOW THEY HAVE BILLS FULL NAME, BUT HE ONLY GAVE MY FIRST NAME. WE ARE JUST AFRAID WITH HOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS, THAT IF WE DO THIS, AND SOMEONE (IN PATICULAR SEES THIS), WE WILL BE DOOMED. PLEASE, ANYONE WITH ANY INPUT OR SUGGESTIONS...................BILL SAID THERE WOULD STILL BE THE STORY, BUT THEY WOULD LIKE TO PUT THE PICS IN AS WELL. SHOULD WE TELL HER NO PICS?.......THANKS ALL

Apparently u do not know anything about media management. Just because somebody from the media contacts you that does not mean you must cooperate. There is no law that states or compels you to talk. Many people who are "in the publics eye' and corporations have media consultants or a publicist. Usually the first question will be what does the editor or producer what to communicate? If the story is positive toward their clinents and controlable by their clients media consultants or the publicist will explore further to see if final "copy" can be reviewed by their clients before they participate. Usually a contract between AP other media etc. and whatever is signed to ensure what and to how much extent and who has control of information exchanged including which angles of camera shots will be allowed to be used and who has final approval.

So, don't let your ego whcih may be starving fo attention even if for "15 minutes" trample on your sane decisions. The Writer may be nice but the Producer/Editor will have another "angle" that could really hurt you emotionally. That is why most people who have anything to lose stay far away from the media unless their activities require interaction with media workers/employees.

Regarding USCIS they are not swayed by your personal lawful activities either way. Your interaction or not with the media does not affect wether or not you meet the simple requirements for your visa type. So, check your ego and your fantasies and simply ask yourself do you meet the requirements for your visa type? Binary answer: 1 = true = yes or 0 = false or no. No one can answer that question except you and the USCIS.

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Make sure you mention VJ! Then we can all be famous