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[rebeccajo 14]

Every now and then I feel compelled to pop in here and say to all the newbies....

When researching information, please first read the guides, FAQ and links that are provided on this board.

Then ask questions.

BE SELECTIVE THEN in disecting the information. Pay particular attention to those who are applying for visas at the SAME CONSULATE as you and your partner will be going thru.

NOT ALL CONSULATES ARE CREATED EQUAL. Read and you will understand why.

This little bit of extra effort will make your life SOOOOOO much easier, not to mention make you smarter!

[aussiewench 9]

[rebeccajo 14]

I know this sounds egotistical, but I wish we could pin this.....

[aussiewench 9]

Just wanted to add.......

The Search function in particularly the Advance Search function is your friend Whilst this new board has a wealth of information and it will continue to grow, so does the old board that has a couple of years of information now in archives which can be accessed in the advanced search function by looking for this at the top..............

You are now searching posts on or after Jan 28th 2006. To search prior to this date click here (to view the archives).

If you are searching for something containing only 3 characters one must include an asterisk * Example: to search for EAD one would put EAD*

A mistake to just limit yourself to asking questions as you may not always get all the correct information that will be available by doing a search and just generally researching. Ultimately each of us is responsible for our own petition and application. What we have here on VJ is a collective of information from experiences, learned knowledge, research, and from government links/sources. Take advantage of ALL the resources available.

Wishing all here on VJ a successful journey.

Lorelle

[ryecatcher25 0]

very good points, but you must realize how easy it is for you to complain about others now that you are nearly through the process. It is like the saying "hindsight is 20/20". So really by now you should have adapted to some people's constant non stop whinning on this board. I know i have. I personally don't beleive their is such a thing as a dumb question, those don't bother me. So to anyone who really doesn't understand something and who has tried to find an answer, go ahead and ask away.

What used to bother me though, but what i have grown accostomed to, are peoples pointless rants. My current favorite is about someone who believes that they have been singled out by VSC to be the only person in history to have to endure what should be "normal" 90 waiting period to get an NAO2. "But i am going through speedy vermont, F*** everyone else, i am going through vermont and i want to be approved in 5 business days or else"

I know everyone here misses their loved one, but does love really make people so extremely self centered? Maybe love makes people blind to how the real world works. I mean i am going through the philippines embassy that may take 6 months to schedule an interview, but i am not calling my congressman. IT IS CALLED LIFE PEOPLE, DEAL WITH IT.

[Jasman0717 9]

[aussiewench 9]

very good points, but you must realize how easy it is for you to complain about others now that you are nearly through the process. It is like the saying "hindsight is 20/20". So really by now you should have adapted to some people's constant non stop whinning on this board. I know i have. I personally don't beleive their is such a thing as a dumb question, those don't bother me. So to anyone who really doesn't understand something and who has tried to find an answer, go ahead and ask away.

Who's complaining Perhaps you are reading more into rebeccajo's and my posts then you need to be. What we have given is helpful advice especially to new members. And never was it said that members shouldn't ask questions. NEVER have I complained about anyone asking a question no matter how repetitive and quite frankly I resent it being insinuated. I personally might be almost at the end of my journey, but I still have at least 3 months to go and I am doing CR-1 and I have not seen my husband in a year. So don't give me that ####### you spill.

Lorelle

[hafiz 1]

rock on lol

[ryecatcher25 0]

sorry aussie, i was actually referring to the original post, not your followup.

[rebeccajo 14]

OP here.

The original post was put up ONLY to be helpful. Not to be overbearing. I have travelled this VJ road for nearly 15 months, and seen all sorts of posts, personas, and incidents. I frequently see people here who have NO IDEA where to look for answers. I also see them take advice from other well-meaning members that is WRONG or will not help them.

Your case in point, ryecatcher25. What works for the London consulate will hardly fly in Manila. It has been said here before even that for a filipina fiance, the preparation of the I-129 packet itself should be a bit more detailed with more info on the relationship, so that the Manila CO has a chance to 'picture' the couple BEFORE the interview.

All I was doing was suggesting that members look to information pertinent to their consulate when posting. And trying to encourage other members to look and see where the OP is from before answering.

I think you have your panties bunched up unnecessarily. Hope you feel better tomorrow.

[Englishsammy 17]

Well said When I was a newbie I made sure I read all the guides and info and then I only posted about things I was unsure about - I guess some people just prefer to ask 100's of questions (even though the guides tell you pretty much everything!!)

[rebeccajo 14]

Well, there is NOT ONE THING WRONG with asking questions. Even these very well done guides don't answer everything. So that's why there are forums!

But a lot of newbies don't even realize the guides are here. And I remember initially reading them, and my head swimming afterwards. Conversation helps clarify the process.

I feel it is oh so important, when looking for answers, to pay particular attention to the country and consulate.

Each person here has their own 'visajourney' tale. We've all had our struggles with the paperwork and suffered separation from our loved ones. And some of us old-timers feel almost duty bound to come back and assist, even though our journey is perceived to be over or nearly over. We've learned a lot - if you are wise you will use that knowledge just as we did from our predecessors. You see, no matter how far along one is, there is always more to learn - nearly every day I learn something new here.

So people, look well to your petitions. Your journey will be all the smoother for it.

Edited February 21, 2006 by rebeccajo

[arwensun1965 1]

Aussie and Rebeccajo are right, people should read the guides to get a good picture of what they are doing or going to do, NOBODY suggested that peeps should not ask QUESTIONS. In the real world as one peep suggested (or his world maybe) people are ranting and raving over nothing, this whole process is one big stress ball for some, I know it is for me and im going through quite an easy Embassy. Each and every service Centre is different and so is each and Every Embassy, while we may want a smooth journey (and some actually have that) most would say it is not. I wish every member the best of luck with there particular situation.

Janice

[charmac7 4]

very good post

my only addition and my pet peeve...is the people who do not have a f**king clue so they answer a post with - better get a lawyer....grrrrrrrr

Char

[pax 0]

I think it might be perceived as more unfriendly to newbies if this were to become a thread in which all our pet peeves become enshrined.

As others here have stated, no one wants to discourage new folks from asking questions, but it is wise for those folks to get some background information first. There will always be consulate-specific questions, out-of-the-ordinary situations, and the like that will require individual attention and discussion. I'm one of VJ's many satisfied customers who did, in fact, read the guides (as well as the websites of USCIS, the U.S. Embassy in London, and others) before I started posting, and I think a lot of new folks would benefit from attempting an initial digestion of the facts first.