k1 visa and noobs

[rebeccajo 14]

Any 'buddy' system could definitely put folks in a precarious position. I enjoy 'knowing my stuff' around here, but I wouldn't be sticking my neck out on issues if I didn't feel there were other members around to help round out the discussion.

But there is a concern too for the site - that we keep it a place where you gather information. That is one reason for the message board format. As Lisa stated above, a place you can read about anecdotal experiences. Where you can find out what happened in a consulate last week, etc.

It's like anything else in life - if ten people tell you something, you can pretty much believe it to contain some substance.

As much as I personally have looked to seasoned members here as a 'beacon', when it came to my own case I always felt better when two or more of them gathered. I also found any personal story they could give me to have more weight than a difficult to interpret section of the Code.

Last afternoon (for research purposes) I was digging through the posts of a member who no longer participates on VJ. He was a rabid poster when he first joined, and clanged the 'no lawyer necessary' gong loudly whenever a member asked if they themselves might need representation. He also freely admitted his fiance' would be in need of a waiver and felt he was his own best counsel because 'no one will more diligently advocate ones case than oneself'. Last I heard, his fiance' had received a ten year bar and the appeal is in the hands of an experienced immigration attorney. It seems there were a few wrinkles he had overlooked. The tone of the last of the poor mans posts were very different than his original entries.

I know we all want to help each other here, but we should always allow for discussion. Even if it's with noobs who refuse to read. And we should never ever tell someone they don't need a lawyer. Unless they ask if they need one to lick the stamp and affix it to their package.

Edited July 27, 2007 by rebeccajo

[cheeky^Wolf 0]

Maybe I'm not explaining myself correctly. Sorry if this is the case.

A buddy/friend/shoulder/vent.. NOT a lawyer/advisor. I'm thinking more along the lines of them asking the buddy a question and the buddy saying read this thread on VJ, it should answer your questions. Much the same as is done now in threads, but to avoid the repetitive questions being asked and avoid new, seemingly (to older VJers) pointless threads, because the information is in VJ somewhere. Maybe it would avoid the posts.

Also a buddy could advise a newbie on filling out their timelines to avoid the posts too!

Basically a person to soften the blow that some newbies may feel when beginning their journey and asking questions on VJ.

I agree that discussions on VJ are invaluable, as is the information that comes from them.