site ownership change?

[Darnell 8,479]

what the heck ?

http://www.visajourney.com/ask

come on - this site has historically been anti-lawyer.

Why to have a menu item on it, now?

[N-o-l-a 7,168]

Simple reasoning:

[Captain Ewok 1,900]

No ownership change, this is just a quick way for members to directly engage with:

1) screened lawyers

2) ask questions to a professional at $10-20

2b) if they are not satisfied they don't pay a penny

3) Q&A with the lawyer continues until the member is satisfied with the answer, or see 2b above (the member doesn't pay)

4) quick replies (minutes to hours max)

5) lawyers receive feedback from reviewer and if there are issues they lawyer is dropped from the service

In short, we are not pushing this service -- it is just value added. Many folks get stuck or want a professional second opinion. For $20 to get a professional double check on something incredibly important... seems like a great deal. There are lots of folks that may want to do it themselves -- this is just a way to get professional answers for little but important details, at a very good price point, versus having to have a pro service an entire case.

[NikLR 13,232]

I don't consider VJ to be anti-lawyer, just pro-DIY.

The two are not inclusive.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Perhaps some non-lawyer members foresee a reduction in their cash-flow.

[Darnell 8,479]

well, i don't solicit for work via pm. I am aware of others that do, and that (IMO) is really off-putting.

No ownership change, this is just a quick way for members to directly engage with:

1) screened lawyers

2) ask questions to a professional at $10-20

2b) if they are not satisfied they don't pay a penny

3) Q&A with the lawyer continues until the member is satisfied with the answer, or see 2b above (the member doesn't pay)

4) quick replies (minutes to hours max)

5) lawyers receive feedback from reviewer and if there are issues they lawyer is dropped from the service

In short, we are not pushing this service -- it is just value added. Many folks get stuck or want a professional second opinion. For $20 to get a professional double check on something incredibly important... seems like a great deal. There are lots of folks that may want to do it themselves -- this is just a way to get professional answers for little but important details, at a very good price point, versus having to have a pro service an entire case.

Still, it smells bad, on a DIY site.

If you'd release the calendar lock on the advanced search tool, folk could find real answers (IMO).

[Teddy B 17,252]

well, i don't solicit for work via pm. I am aware of others that do, and that (IMO) is really off-putting.

Really? I wasn't aware of this, that is pretty sad on a DIY site where people are supposed to be helping people because they want to and don't expect anything in return.

Edited February 27, 2015 by Teddy B

[Darnell 8,479]

yup yup and exactly.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Those people should be outted and banned from the site imo.

[luckytxn 2,265]

One of the main reasons I have helped out on this site for so many tears is people helping people and DIY. This is a kick in the gut. Very sad.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Those people should be outted and banned from the site imo.

I agree. All lawyers. I am anti lawyer 24 7

[Captain Ewok 1,900]

All-

I want to clarify my comments above a bit deeper. If you want to ask any other questions I really welcome you PM'ing me. Ultimately, the goal has always been the same. We want to help folks. VJ was founded by a real person and a community of folks literally going through the process with their families. We all understand the pain and struggle the US immigration system brings to folks.

Here are your founders, founding members, etc...

... folks who literally stood in front of the TSC and protested all day, weeks on end, to get cases moving. This legacy and many folks from then are still here.

Additional comments in bold.

No ownership change, this is just a quick way for members to directly engage with:

1) screened lawyers (historically folks would have to guess or do a lot of research online to find someone qualified with a solid track record. We provide access to qualified lawyers, with no marks on their record, solid reviews, and continued feedback mechanisms in case things change.)

2) ask questions to a professional at $10-20 (traditionally folks would have to pay a lot just for a consultation or case assistance. A la carte pricing for a quick question was not available. We hope folks can get community insights and/or figure it out on their own. For complicated items we have always recommended a pro and when folks can almost get there DIY style, but have a nagging question or a small detail they need to be certain on, this is a great option. I fact a lawyer relying here is placing their name behind the reply, their reputation, and liability. For $10-20 this seems like a solid option that is very complimentary."

2b) if they are not satisfied they don't pay a penny (this is just pretty impressive in my opinion... have you seen a traditional lawyer offer a refund if you didn't think they did a good job or you were not satisfied with the answer they gave you?)

3) Q&A with the lawyer continues until the member is satisfied with the answer, or see 2b above (the member doesn't pay)

4) quick replies (minutes to hours max) (scheduling a call, sit-down or consultation traditionally took a long time... this seems like a good thing to offer in the internet age)

5) lawyers receive feedback from reviewer and if there are issues they lawyer is dropped from the service (we ensure their is transparency and feedback is a native part of this)

In short, we are not pushing this service -- it is just value added. (Members on the site typically are looking for DIY. Sometimes there are nits or items of extreme importance to their case and more importantly their family. Many times in these cases they may want to be sure they understand something and having an option to get a quick answer from a qualified lawyer -- with full liability covered -- may be of interest. This was typically complicated and this service simplifies this help being available).

Many folks get stuck or want a professional second opinion. For $20 to get a professional double check on something incredibly important... seems like a great deal. There are lots of folks that may want to do it themselves -- this is just a way to get professional answers for little but important details, at a very good price point, versus having to have a pro service an entire case.