Take it easy on the Newbies

[TracyLuis 0]

Although I have found this site to be a most welcome reprieve and source of encouragement/information, I have also sadly discovered that those of us who are new members tend to get a bad rap from the more senior members. Yes, we might ask questions that have been asked a trillion times. And yes, we may seem a bit lost and perplexed. (Because most of us are)

But this website is not very simple to navigate. I would even say it's not that user-friendly, for the most part. So give us Newbies a break already. We are all frustrated, depressed, worried, and waiting like the rest of you....

please

[meauxna 15]

Free navigation help in my signature.

But your site ideas would be *greatly* welcomed in the Site Discussion forum! Hard to see the place with fresh eyes like yours.. any help welcome~!

[*Robert* 2]

What she said!!!

Seriously, it can be a little intimidating, but it's not meant to be understood in 30 minutes either! It takes time... lots of time, to do the proper research, reading, and to digest everything. I was here for a couple of months before I ever started posting, and when I did, I did it in a region specific thread. I also PMd a few people before hand, to clear up some questions. After that, I started venturing out more!

Welcome to VJ and Good Luck!

[iceyspots 0]

Newbies have feelings too

[000OOO000 0]

Don't worry you ask away if there is something you don't understand even AFTER reading FAQs and guide sections. Those senior members don't own the board and you have every right to be here as they do. Everyone starts out green and doesn't understand. The process is long and complicated. A lot of members see one pounce on a newbie about a question already answered in the guides and they follow ...pay 'em no attention its like bullies in highschool.

[Nearly Done 8]

Don't worry you ask away if there is something you don't understand even AFTER reading FAQs and guide sections. Those senior members don't own the board and you have every right to be here as they do. Everyone starts out green and doesn't understand. The process is long and complicated. A lot of members see one pounce on a newbie about a question already answered in the guides and they follow ...pay 'em no attention its like bullies in highschool.

Very well said!!!!!!!

Things may be written in black and white and plain for some to see, but the answers are not always what is right for each individual!!!! I have NEVER saw it as a problem when someone asks the same question several million times!!! and ofcourse you will soon have someone jumping in fast!!! and telling them to read the Links, Guides, and Visa FAQ. Ofcourse it is easier to look there so carry on newbies ask away. I did when I first came joined here over 2 years ago, but then I am a lazy so and so

As 00000O0000(or whoever ) said "Those senior members don't own the board "

Just my humble opinion

[TracyLuis 0]

Thanks, guys. There are seriously a lot of great people here.

So far, everyone has been a tremendous help. I have a long way to go yet, I'm afraid, so many more questions lie ahead. I am confident that I'll get the answers I need.

[I'm Gone 60]

Don't worry you ask away if there is something you don't understand even AFTER reading FAQs and guide sections.

That's right AFTER you have done a little research. No reason to ask questions that are answered in the form's instructions and that happens all the time here.

[shirlJ831 0]

I know what it is like to come to VJ and be a newbie it is overwhelming anyways cause like you said you have a million questions, and sometimes you just need a quick answer and a hug

[snz1802 0]

I would just say ignore childish comments or negative comments, these people obviously don't have anything better to do with their time, if you ever have any questions and I know the answer feel free to PM me and I will help as much as possible.

~Stacey

[moondancer627 0]

See your already a Junior member. I know I came here with lots of stupid questions. I think our experiences are all different anyway. The guides and links are very helpful, but it is nice to hear from a real human being about their experiences and opionions of the Journey.

I know there are people that like to make fun of, maybe for fun rather than meaness, or they are having a bad day. Some times I come on and read some of the posts and questions and want to write something smart "azz" too, just cause I am tired or having a bad day, although in the year and half I have been a member there have been some crazy posts, you just have to wonder are these people for real..

Good Luck and Welcome on board,

Moondancer

[sadie33138 0]

Don't worry you ask away if there is something you don't understand even AFTER reading FAQs and guide sections.

That's right AFTER you have done a little research. No reason to ask questions that are answered in the form's instructions and that happens all the time here.

Sometimes folks just need to have their understanding reinforced even after reading instructions and trying to do research. The information can be pretty intimidating and if English is not your first language it probably can be confusing. I think most people on here are patient and willing to repeat answers and help others when they can because they were newbies at some point. I believe that most are grateful that they found this site and the help they were given. I know I am. The information and support given here helped me immensely when I was beginning and was very unsure of how to fill out forms, etc. I'm sure I asked a lot of things that had been covered numerous times too, but still received answers that helped me. I am so grateful I found VJ.

Welcome to the Board

Edited July 9, 2006 by sadie33138

[JC75 0]

pay 'em no attention its like bullies in highschool.

[I'm Gone 60]

Don't worry you ask away if there is something you don't understand even AFTER reading FAQs and guide sections.

That's right AFTER you have done a little research. No reason to ask questions that are answered in the form's instructions and that happens all the time here.

Sometimes folks just need to have their understanding reinforced even after reading instructions and trying to do research. The information can be pretty intimidating and if English is not your first language it probably can be confusing. I think most people on here are patient and willing to repeat answers and help others when they can because they were newbies at some point. I believe that most are grateful that they found this site and the help they were given.

With the K visas one person is a U.S. citizen, so not being able to understand the forms because English is no excuse. Plus some people are just TOO lazy to search for the answer. Perfect example is for AOS "what is the nonimmigrant visa number?" I would like to have a dollar for the times that's been asked, but if people would take 5 minutes to search the site they would find the answer.

[rebeccajo 14]

Ya know how sometimes you can just TELL that someone has just jumped onto the board, created a profile and started asking questions immediately without even BOTHERING to read? That's probably what gets to those of us who have been around a while.

Hell, I remember my first few weeks on VJ. In fact, I didn't even log in as a member for a few weeks. I read. And I remember my head ABSOLUTELY swimming and my chest sort of tightening up - trying to grasp all the details.

If I have one word of advice to Newbies it would be to NOT worry about every single detail right now. Try to get a decent grasp of the stage you are either at right now or are about to enter. After you've studied that a bit (I would suggest absorbing the information over a few days) then try to get just a vague overview of what will be coming up down the road. For me, I just tried to learn the names of the different 'stages' of immigration and the current approximate cost.

If you try to take it all in now, it will overwhelm you and take your focus off where you should be - which is the present. Right now you need to concentrate on creating the most perfect complete petitions you can, as that will speed the rest of your journey.

If you take each step as it comes, you'll be a whole lot less stressed and in my opinion, less likely to make mistakes.