Please update your timelines and not just your profle "signature."

[thongd4me 69]

Yeah yeah you tell 'em. Seriously this is a community and it cannot be a good community if everyone doesn't participate as they are expected to do so. We should have a public internet version of "tar 'n' feather"ing for people who don't update their timeline or don't even have a profile. From now on, if someone asks a question and doesn't have a timeline we shouldn't respond until they fillout the timeline.

That would depend on whether the question was time sensitive or not.

I often respond to questions from folks with no timelines but I always

ask them to fill them out.

Tar'n featherin' - interesting educational concept; wish I had thought of that one...

Edited May 21, 2010 by thongd4me

[rsn 135]

Yeah yeah you tell 'em. Seriously this is a community and it cannot be a good community if everyone doesn't participate as they are expected to do so. We should have a public internet version of "tar 'n' feather"ing for people who don't update their timeline or don't even have a profile. From now on, if someone asks a question and doesn't have a timeline we shouldn't respond until they fillout the timeline.

I have a better idea: politely remind them to fill out their timeline, point them at the proper directions to do so if necessary, and then help them as this is a community of people attempting to help others, not "tar 'n feather" others.

[thongd4me 69]

I have a better idea: politely remind them to fill out their timeline, point them at the proper directions to do so if necessary, and then help them as this is a community of people attempting to help others, not "tar 'n feather" others.

It does irk me, like the OP, not to see a timeline when I am responding to a post.

Many questions do not require timelines, but a timeline should be done as a

courtesy as this is a voluntary forum.

To give an example of what the OP meant when looking at the timeline-based database,

take a look at the extreme right of this sorting which is done by clicking on the right triangle

in the I-129F NOA1 to NOA2 calculated field.

That effects a sorting of the calculated field (showing the number of days between NOA1 and NOA2).

However, if there is no value for one or both of those dates, the result will show "N/A" instead of a

numerical value. Some people announce their NOA1 in the timeline and skip a few fields and then

fill it in again when they get to the consulate or receive their visa. These kinds of entries make

the database less accurate and not reflective of the member's status. Omitting these dates

is not a crime, just thoughtlessness. Not everybody has the time or the intention to help others

here and if they can't they shouldn't be put down for it. For those who only ask questions, it

would be hoped that at least they fill in their timelines. I have a friend who participates in this

way and he always fills in his timeline. I don't criticize him because he never helps other members.

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?cfl=0&op1=n&op2=a&op3=1&op4=1&op5=&op6=All&op7=All&dfile=No

[rsn 135]

It does irk me, like the OP, not to see a timeline when I am responding to a post.

Many questions do not require timelines, but a timeline should be done as a

courtesy as this is a voluntary forum.

To give an example of what the OP meant when looking at the timeline-based database,

take a look at the extreme right of this sorting which is done by clicking on the right triangle

in the I-129F NOA1 to NOA2 calculated field.

That effects a sorting of the calculated field (showing the number of days between NOA1 and NOA2).

However, if there is no value for one or both of those dates, the result will show "N/A" instead of a

numerical value. Some people announce their NOA1 in the timeline and skip a few fields and then

fill it in again when they get to the consulate or receive their visa. These kinds of entries make

the database less accurate and not reflective of the member's status. Omitting these dates

is not a crime, just thoughtlessness. Not everybody has the time or the intention to help others

here and if they can't they shouldn't be put down for it. For those who only ask questions, it

would be hoped that at least they fill in their timelines. I have a friend who participates in this

way and he always fills in his timeline. I don't criticize him because he never helps other members.

http://www.visajourn...p7=All&dfile=No

I understand that timelines are important, but taking a "I won't answer your question until you fill out your timeline" is a bit heavy-handed & hostile, especially since new posters are likely not immediately aware of such a responsibility. I think once new posters are made aware of this, they will get to it as soon as they can, and that seems reasonable.

[Darnell 8,478]

Here is some example of 'having timeline' being useful when answering -

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/256208-reaffirmation-of-i130-and-the-interview/

(Just saying)

[tena13 0]

Come on people just update ur time it only take a few min n its not hard its easy.

[thongd4me 69]

Here is some example of 'having timeline' being useful when answering -

http://www.visajourn...-the-interview/

(Just saying)

Good example

(Ray & Kat): I understand that timelines are important, but taking a "I won't answer your question until you fill out your timeline" is a bit heavy-handed & hostile,

especially since new posters are likely not immediately aware of such a responsibility. I think once new posters are made aware of this, they will get to

it as soon as they can, and that seems reasonable.

Sometimes I don't answer a question (while asking for the timeline) because I really don't think I'm qualified in that area.

No hostility intended; if I don't think I have enough information I will ask for the timeline because if the answer is

date/event sensitive we have to have that first. Too often it's also a case of someone who has been a member

for months or years and still (thoughtlessly, not maliciously) doesn't fill it in.

[Darnell 8,478]

FWIW - the topic of 'fill in your timeline' is cyclical - it comes up here on VJ. I found one thread about it last year, responses were all over the place, from 'who cares?' to vitriolic 'not answering yer question unless you have a timeline'. Interspersed was a common ground of 'send a monthly email to all folksen, reminding to update the timeline'.

IMO, stats are skewed from ppl who don't fill it in.

Stats are important here, is only a window, sometimes the ONLY window, to give some idea of whats going on, gives the newbies some idea of what to expect.

When the data is skewed and flawed, the computations suck from lack of data.

And it shows.

Oh well - I don't want to beat a dead horse on this. Bug yer new buddies, gently - I always use phrase of 'Please fill in yer timeline, it helps others coming up behind you, you betcha!' as opposed to 'sorry, yer a retard for not filling out a timeline'.

I'd say the accuracy of the 'predictions' are only as good as the data put in, so when the data is not put in, the predictions become 'less accurate'. I do remember bugging one lass about it, she had most timeticks in her signature area, then hardly nothing in her official timeline, and didn't understand where her official timeline was. She seemed righteously happy that she could put it in her signature area, for all to see in the forums, didn't understand, initially, that this data 'serves a purpose'.

Happy TimeLine Day !

GoGoGadget UseYerKeyboard!

[bextavaz 4]

Come on people just update ur time it only take a few min n its not hard its easy.

Clearly I've done something wrong with mine, because I can only update as far as the NOA2...

I've actually sent my DS230 now and am awaiting SIF/CC... although can't update my timeline...

mods/admins... why is this?

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

I have fixed / upgraded the timeline entry page. It should work now (and with hopefully many other new features).

[Sufrank 4]

Hi,

I was wondering how you know your process has been touched.... every time that I look at the USCIS website says the same thing... is that mean they never touch my process?!

Thankns a lot...

Suellen

Hi everyone!

I am one of those OCD people that check the USCIS website every chance I get and am still waiting on our NOA2. I love Visa Journey and am so glad to have this resource to turn to for information and encouragement. And even if the "estimated approval times" and "Igor's List" info is just an estimate, it's still really nice to not only see your little name move slowly up the list, but also to see that others are being approved and that the process isn't just at a standstill. So, please...update your timelines people! If you click on the member profiles of people still waiting for their NOA2 on Igor's List, there are SEVERAL with profile signatures showing that they've already received theirs...but because their official timelines weren't updated, it still has them on the waiting list. And there are a few showing multiple profiles for the same couple, like they started one profile and then started over, and are taking up two or more spots on the list because of this.

So, in summary, do all of us that are THIS CLOSE to pulling our hair out a favor...update your timelines! Show the rest of us non-NOA2ers that there is hope!

Thank you all and good luck,

Jessica

[IndigoSkies 168]

If your last updated date doesn't change on USCIS website then it means it hasn't been touched since last time. You won't see a lot of touches on your case until toward the end when it's about to be approved. If your case takes 3 months for approval, for about a month or couple your case sits there gathering dusts. Once they start touching, they don't stop touching until you get RFE or approval.

Speaking of timeline, my timeline doesn't predict a day anymore. It says there are no data available to make prediction. This sucks very much and makes me depressed even though I know things are still going as they should. Please people keep your timeline meticulously updated. It would be nice if the same sort of data could be fed from USCIS. Someone should use the FOIA on USCIS.

[Darnell 8,478]

Indigo - ya, sorry - bug yer buddies . We should make new contest - if can get 10 ppl each to fill in their timelines, then the 'goader' gets 25 dolla gift certificate to AppleBee's or Cho Nguyen's House of Fine Pho - with a weekly quota to hit.

[IndigoSkies 168]

What? No Subway coupon?

Not worth it.

But yeah people, fill out your timelines.