Have Certain VJ Members Designated As Guides

[one...two...tree 2,762]

As generous as some have been in providing help to questions concerning the immigration process, bad advice or misleading information can often be even more troubling than getting no information at all.

I would like to suggest that certain members (most likely members who've been here awhile) be designated as 'Guides' with some kind of of logo near their avator that indicates that they are an officially recognized VJ Guide.

This would not only give credit where credit is due, it will also help to alleviate some of confusion over which information is more reliable when newer members get answers to the their questions from all directions.

Unfortunately, I know of several long time members who have consistently provided reliable information that have all but given up helping people because of the amount of disinformation and bad advice by those who have yet to prove their reliability, and that's a shame to both this forum as well to those who come here seeking help and support.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Good idea. However, even the 'veterans' sometimes disagree with each other and prove each other wrong, from time to time. It would be dangerous, IMO, to give the impression to n00bs that anything coming from a "Guide" must be correct. Sometimes, they too, are wrong.

This is a message board and anyone coming on here should understand that it is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney or official guidance from USCIS/Dept of State.

[Fandango 1,439]

Good idea. However, even the 'veterans' sometimes disagree with each other and prove each other wrong, from time to time. It would be dangerous, IMO, to give the impression to n00bs that anything coming from a "Guide" must be correct. Sometimes, they too, are wrong.

This is a message board and anyone coming on here should understand that it is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney or official guidance from USCIS/Dept of State.

Totally agreed.

And coming on here is not the quick fix immigration help-desk that some seem to think it is. Like 'answer my question and NOW!' type mentality I've seen go on here. This is only a message board with regular people just sharing their own experiences. Someone is more than free to ask a question, but it should be rec'd with the old 'caveat emptor' mentality. Personal responsibility trumps everything else

Edited January 20, 2007 by LisaD

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Good idea. However, even the 'veterans' sometimes disagree with each other and prove each other wrong, from time to time. It would be dangerous, IMO, to give the impression to n00bs that anything coming from a "Guide" must be correct. Sometimes, they too, are wrong.

This is a message board and anyone coming on here should understand that it is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney or official guidance from USCIS/Dept of State.

Good point but the problem isn't about differing opinions, but for those who are seeking help, not knowing how to make heads or tails between those that are giving them advice. If it's clear to the newcomers that any advice given here should not replace legal advice, but that there are designated Guides who have a wealth of knowledge then people can better navigate through all the information.

What I've noticed is that some people willingly give advice on something they have yet to do themselves. I don't think that's bad as long as they are upfront about it and say, "I'm not certain, but from what I have read...blah, blah, blah." The problem is that some of those members give out advice with a tone of certainty and authority even to the point of being argumentive when someone who's actually been through the process contradicts them.

Again, by having designated Guides with the disclaimer that no one here is a substitute for an attorney, newcomers will feel less overwhelmed with the amount of information thrown in their direction. It's like walking into an office for the first time - you want to know who's been there awhile as a reliable guide until you have a better feel for the office.

Edited January 20, 2007 by Steven_and_Jinky

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

The problem is that some of those members give out advice with a tone of certainty and authority even to the point of being argumentive when someone who's actually been through the process contradicts them.

Steven,

This doesn't happen in real life? It does. There are always going to be morons who think they know it all and challenge anyone who disagrees.

Any reader who acts solely on advice he/she got on VJ deserves the consequences. That reader is as much of a moron.

Deciding who to listen to and who not to listen to should be the sole responsibility of the reader. If a reader is too lazy or too retarded to read USCIS.GOV or STATE.GOV, then they should let an attorney handle their case. Advice from random people on a message board is just that... advice from random people on a message board.

Verify, verify, verify. The burden for verifying information recieved should lie on the reader, not on VJ.

[Chris-n-Veronica 0]

And then you have the problem with changes within the embassy's and consulates.. I"ve seen 3 different packet 3 contents in a Month for Romania....

It's almost like each individual case is handled differently..even down to the questions asked.. So in effect no advise would be perfectly right..

There are only about three people on this board that I even come close to taking their word as gospel and even then I try to verify it.. because of the changes in policy's

But the best we can do is relay our experiences... and the only time I get wind up some is when people give advise about using the bare min in the requirements.. like in Proof of Relationship.. Like i said before... "Better Safe Then Sorry" and Bury them with Paperwork.... I think in this K-1 process you can never have to much evidence

[PlatyPius 5]

There are already "guides".... they just aren't advertised on the board as such.

Edited January 21, 2007 by PlatyPius

[payxibka 10,045]

A lot of times different or conflicting answers from members are the result of incomplete information or a poorly written question by the OP. Newbies (and non-newbies) ask the question but have failed to provide the "big" picture because they simply do not know what is important. Even what they think is insignificant can have a material effect on there case but they simply do not know any better. How many times do questions get asked and members have no idea what visa type, consulate, time line, etc... is involved. It is not a simple one-sided solution.

[Chris-n-Veronica 0]

A lot of times different or conflicting answers from members are the result of incomplete information or a poorly written question by the OP. Newbies (and non-newbies) ask the question but have failed to provide the "big" picture because they simply do not know what is important. Even what they think is insignificant can have a material effect on there case but they simply do not know any better. How many times do questions get asked and members have no idea what visa type, consulate, time line, etc... is involved. It is not a simple one-sided solution.

Fwaguy... Your one of the few...I respect your opinion....Even though you have just started your journey...You seem to know this stuff pretty well....

[payxibka 10,045]

Fwaguy... Your one of the few...I respect your opinion....Even though you have just started your journey...You seem to know this stuff pretty well....

Second time.... Not all the way through, but a second time....

[kitkat1 5]

I have more or less "guided" the Mexico thread for the past six months, answering a zillion questions. Now that the last IMBRA-affected girls have their visas, I'm done. It's incredibly exhausting.

[Chris-n-Veronica 0]

I have more or less "guided" the Mexico thread for the past six months, answering a zillion questions. Now that the last IMBRA-affected girls have their visas, I'm done. It's incredibly exhausting.

I really beleive this is what VJ is really about.. Helping others..!! but they all should realize that what we say is only from our own experiences.. which the info could differ from consulate to consulate... So in a way this "Guides" isn't a bad idea since people are doing it now anyway... but maybe it should be focused more on a guide for each Consulate/Country... when it gets to that part of the process... Everyone pretty much knows the CSC and NVC process.. and thats mostly the questions I answer since I've been there and done that.....But A little more detailed help would be nice for each country/Consulate...

So far I've had great help from Callina and Jetson for the Romanian Consulate... and plus I'm trying to add things as I get them from the consulate...

Kudo's to everyone that is here day in and day out... helping others.. Heck I get tired of Congratulations for the NOA2's hahhahahahaha...But they all deserve this as the NOA1 to NOA2 is the longest wait with no word there is in this process...

At least after that you have things to do..calls to make..papers to get Notarized and it helps pass the time..

[kitkat1 5]

I totally agree - it would HAVE to be consulate-specific.

The other thing is it would help if there was a pinned list of questions/answers to the oft-repeated newbie questions i.e.

Do I need a lawyer?

I heard NSC sends their petitions to CSC

Why doesn't TSC show I-129F processing times?

Why is VSC so much faster?

I read I can pay $1000 my petition - how do I do that?

Is there a way to expedite if I am pregnant?

What if I cannot send a check?

How can I track my petition at the service center?

How can I find out if my petition is at the NVC

How can I find out if my petition is at the consulate?

What does touch mean and is it good or bad?

Why did they touch my file after approval?

Plus, the constant questions about the medical and the vaccinations (I would add a paragraph explaining WHAT they are looking for at the medical and why it's rather ridiculous to worry if you: wear braces, use contacts, have large tonsils, have a urinary tract infection, have a bruise on your leg, blah blah blah).

Maybe it's already there somewhere but I feel like there should be a HUGE pop-up that says "Newbie, read this BEFORE you post". . .

[rebeccajo 14]

Unfortunately, I know of several long time members who have consistently provided reliable information that have all but given up helping people because of the amount of disinformation and bad advice by those who have yet to prove their reliability, and that's a shame to both this forum as well to those who come here seeking help and support.

There do seem to be a lot of the 'old-timers' showing up less frequently on the board, but I don't feel its because of the reason Steven mentions. From my perspective it's the rudeness and hostility of some people that is making this board a less-attractive place to hang out.

I'd rather see the hammer put down on fire-starters. I've seen the comment that we shouldn't have a heavier-handed Admin because 'we are all adults here'. As adults, some are making the decision to leave the board rather than have to justify every word or comment we make to those with nothing better to do than stir up trouble.

[payxibka 10,045]

A tutorial on the "search" function as well... Even though it should be obvious because we all use search engines but ....