Who deserves a Gold Watch?

[^KK^ 3]

Maybe you all are taking this VJ site way to personal....

[Dr_LHA 3]

Maybe you all are taking this VJ site way to personal....

Yes, perhaps we should all "get a life" eh? Thanks for stopping by.

[rebeccajo 14]

But I've not stayed around here with a "what's in it for me" expectation. I stayed because I wanted to contribute. I hope those who follow me - with that same feeling of wanting to return what they gained - well, that they won't experience some of what I have.

Becca, I've always respected your view on things, even if we didn't agree and I really appreciate all the help you've given to me as well as others.

May I ask, do you feel a bit of resentment towards the fact that some people use VJ as a playground? Or a place to mingle socially?

Resentment? Heavens no.

The only problem I have with the 'playground' is when someone doesn't play nice. You know - "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten"?

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

But I've not stayed around here with a "what's in it for me" expectation. I stayed because I wanted to contribute. I hope those who follow me - with that same feeling of wanting to return what they gained - well, that they won't experience some of what I have.

Becca, I've always respected your view on things, even if we didn't agree and I really appreciate all the help you've given to me as well as others.

May I ask, do you feel a bit of resentment towards the fact that some people use VJ as a playground? Or a place to mingle socially?

Resentment? Heavens no.

The only problem I have with the 'playground' is when someone doesn't play nice. You know - "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten"?

If that book didn't come with illustrations, I think many of us skimmed over it.

[Fandango 1,440]

I never said they can't work together, but I do think that since life moves on...the newbies of today will be the 'seasoned vets' of tomorrow & they'll be dishing out posts based on their experiences. And I think that with life and responsibilities and whatnot, one cannot really maintain the level of attention to immigration, especially when there's no dog in the fight. Think about it...take me for instance....obviously I'm just starting the process and technically a noob, but at the same time, I've read craploads. And I spend copious amts of time here. Because D's not here, my nights are free, yadda yadda. Once D gets here, things will change. And when we have kids, that's going to usurp a lot of my time. So as much as I say now that I will most certainly give back to VJ....it's not a job & real life obviously will come first. So there's a limit to my time.

Everyone seems to be mad...it's on both sides....why just the other day I was told 'just because you filed you think you know immigration?'

I know you will take this wrong, but I will try to explain so as not to offend. It's about delivery.

Here, you imply anyone who has a spouse/kids here shouldn't be on VJ anymore. That when YOUR hubby is here, you will be offline, doing more important things. Not all jobs require 'work' all day long. Or 'doing laundry'.

We have lives too, but some of it we choose to spend here & help newer members. As long as I read up on immigration & am useful & current, I will continue to post here. And hopefully, help some people. I've got a year of VJ under my belt + IMBRA + K1 interview + AOS approved + an RFE + CSC transfer + Cincinnati biometrics. I think know I have something to offer here, beyond bantering in OT.

Just my .02.

I didn't say people 'shouldn't' be on VJ anymore...but imo a single person waiting for his/her honey to get here will have more disposable time than one with his/her spouse here, maybe if they have a kid or two, two jobs....sorry, I can't see the disposable time being equal.

[featherB 1]

I personally don't think there is a divide between old and new members, I think there are a few new members who are cocky and think they know everything, when they don't. This causes friction when that person posts wrong information, which is then corrected by one of the "old guard". In reality it has got nothing to do with "old" vs "new" but everything to do with those people having attitude problems and not wanting to accept that they are wrong.

I think that is exactly it. There seems to be a minority of people round here who will always take the most well-meant and politely-delivered advice (or, heaven forbid, correction or clarification on something they're not fully understanding or are just plain wrong on) as some sort of personal insult/affront to their ego, if it comes from an 'old timer' - I think they believe the only reason the 'oldies' could possibly be posting around here is to show off all that fancy lah-di-dah knowledge and experience they've picked up along the way. That's the only explanation I can think of for the snappy and bitchy responses I've seen lately when someone like RJ/Kezzie/Devilette/Dr_LHA/etc dares to offer the voice of experience... the sneering comments about 'bullying/intimidating/dogmatic' 'old timers' is getting out of hand from a few people around here... (well, okay, one in particular that I'm thinking of, but that's not the only one who does NOT appreciate advice from anyone who might conceivably know more about immigration than they do).

It's weird. I don't get it. I have to say, I'm always delighted when one of VJ's doddering geriatrics ( ) takes the time to respond to one of my questions, explain something to me or correct me on something I've got totally wrong. Thank you, oldsters - allow me to present you with your well-deserved carriage clocks.

Edited August 1, 2007 by featherB

[Sinergy 3]

I do see a divide SOMETIMES. From some older members who do think they are better bc they been here longer, but then there are many newbies who come on and think they are better and choose to argue over anything told to them. I also find that i had respect a bit more for the older vjers when i started bc they have been here longer, they know more than i did, its like work, learn from the elder members/employees, dont fight them.

[TracyTN 237]

As one of the geriatrics, is it any wonder that I am late to the party?

I won't name names, but there are definitely those who think we oldsters have nothing relative to add to their journies. My response to that is just to not interact with those members whatsoever. Has worked for me so far!

The larger majority are those who want their questions answered, and don't give a toss who answers it (oldster or newster).

As twisted as this sounds I find this whole process (family based visas and adjustments) incredibly interesting. I wish I could work for an immigration attorney, actually! So I am keen to keep reading and keep learning - and I am also like RJ in the fact that I learn something new almost every day around these boards. Literally.

I'm not afraid to say that I don't know something, or to apologize when I've gotten something wrong and thank the person who corrected me. This is something I would like to see more of around here. I mean, how do you learn if you're NEVER wrong?

[Clarky and Tarah 0]

I for one appreciate all the information I get here, whether it's from old members or new ones.

I hope none of the old members take any of the rude comments they get to heart. I would be lost without the help you guys have given me. I feel honored that people would take time from their busy lives to reply to me, especially when they have already completed the process.

[Cassie 8]

this particular doddering geriatric (LOVE it! ) has taken to starting a Biting My Tongue thread, it has helped a lot.

[Jenn! 918]

Can I get mine with some bling on it?

Edited August 2, 2007 by jenn3539

[rebeccajo 14]

WOW!!

Can I get mine with some bling on it?

[Sinergy 3]

Ill take what jenn is having less bling since shes been here longer than me LOL

[no name 1]

My preference:

[Sinergy 3]

My preference:

oooo thats nice