PLEASE READ!!! VERY DISAPPOINTED!

[SweetDefiance 0]

I really don't understand the point of this topic....I think everyone on here is helpful, just because someone didnt give you the break down step by step of what you want to know doesn't mean you have to post a whole topic bitching to everyone. There are reasons people spend hours making the Guides and FAQ's. Get over youself, were all in the same boat.

[Jenn! 918]

I'd recommend that the OP learn to use the tools already available at VJ to answer the Frequently Asked Questions. That way she won't have to worry about asking questions that can be perceived as ridiculous.

Things like the timelines, processing times, Guides and Embassy-specific info at the top of every page would've helped her to see that CSC takes several months for NOA2.

Reading other posts is a good way to get information too. The message boards should be the post-of-last-resort, when you can't figure it out on your own. Caveat: you should at least TRY to find the info on your own first.

I'm just curious as to why this should be. Ok, I agree that ideally this sounds great. But is it really obligatory that people try to find the info on their own before asking, when they can just as easily post and get a reply? I get annoyed with answering the same questions over again and again too, but I usually either put a link to the guide or just don't respond.

When I was a newbie, I never would have thought of the message boards as a last resort. How would people be expected to know that? Maybe if we really want things to be as you suggested, then the "Please consider reading the FAQ's and Guides before posting" should be worded a bit more forcefully?

I'll answer, because I said it and it's been a long time since the topic came up.

This is a legal process we've entered. The legal professionals say that even the act of telling someone which form to fill out for which benefit is giving legal advice. There have been negative consequences for people who answer questions on immigration message boards--things that have happened in actual, real life.

If someone is doing their case on their own (I think the term is pro se), that is legally allowed--you are not required to have a lawyer to file your case. But, everytime you ask someone else for their OPINION on "how to do it" you put that person, and the site itself, in an awkward position. This very site has had issue on this topic in the past.

There is a difference between asking for others' experiences with something, and asking someone else here (non legals) how TO do it. All of the above is the same reason that I don't answer immigration questions in private message or email, and why I encourage people to not solicit or accept private information. The whole DIY immigraiton community was founded on the tidea of us helping each other by sharing our experiences. Now, it's hard to get ANYONE to post to the experience sites (www.kamya.com/interview etc), to contribute to the FAQ, to make updates to the Guides. New users here do not seem to understand that no one really owns visajourney, that Ewok is not a lawyer, or necessarily even knows anything about immigration or that this "community" is about MUTUTAL sharing of information. Not glomming a freebie off of others.

When someone drops in and wants to know everything, step by step without researching on their own, it's insulting, frankly.

It's also dangerous. My own experiences are getting dated.. my Consulate doesn't operate exactly like it did 4 years ago. It's far better to keep our discussions in public and up to date so that the information is fresh.

I could probably rattle on, and might have more thoughts on this later, but I agree w/you about the strength of the wording. I advocated for a tougher approach myself when it was discussed here, and there are some who think that a certain amount of reading should be required before posting permissions are given out. I think that Ewok is a very polite person, and that felt strong enough for him/her. That can change, at the request of the group.

Bottom line: if you are going to do your case yourself, you should be prepare to actually DO it yourself, not ask a question from others because you want to save time and money. You're already on the shortcut list for that by not hiring a lawyer. You are also opening yourself up to the personal interpretations of legal questions that may or may not be correct (same goes for calling USCIS and asking them---they don't know the answers, and aren't obligated to give you correct information).

Great info, meauxna, thanks. I had no idea about all of the legal issues. What you've said makes very good sense. I would have to say that there could definitely be some design improvements to the site that would make all of this more clear to newbies, and really push the reading of the guides and FAQs before all else.

[calidreamer80 0]

And why address the whole forum and not stick to the original post ?

It's called attention-whoring...

[gimygirl 0]

go meauxna! it's your birthday!!!

you so ROCK!! i also advocated for the tougher approach because a new person starts posting. i think they should have to read all the FAQ's & Guides and THEN have to take a quiz before being able to post!!

important posts & information get lost due to redundant questions & drivel!!

[*Robert* 2]

And why address the whole forum and not stick to the original post ?

It's called attention-whoring...

hehehe This is almost as good as some of the threads in OT, which is where this thread is headed!!!

[Alex+R 0]

I completely disagree with everyone who has suggested that the OP's other post was inappropriate, and I believe that there is NO PLACE to be rude in the world. Whether you're really really mad because your petition is taking a long time or not. This reminds me of my 9-year-old cousin, who was reprimanded on father's day for appearing to be bored. lesson: sometimes showing outward respect for other people is more important than indulging your own feelings.

Someone mentioned that this place is the only place to find a link to other people going through this situation, and I agree. That's why I'm here, despite the many rather em, catty posters.

When you are new to the board (as I also am) it's difficult to get the hang of it. Most of us have had to do a TON of research on this process, even if we are just sending off our I129F. If you've used another message board in your life, it will not be immediately apparent to you that you are not supposed to ask for any help from more experienced people (which is apparently the case).

I respect the legal issues here... but can't everyone just relax and try to find joy in helping people or pointing them to the right FAQ? Or else just... oh I don't know... NOT respond to a post?

[iceyspots 0]

cant we just all get along

[calidreamer80 0]

cant we just all get along

Apparently not! I still think she's childish for calling attention to herself over something so frickin stupid. Have balls and address the people you are pissed off with not create a thread to start drama and be an attention #######.

[Cristy 4]

Note to self: if you want to get real negative responses, post a topic like this.

[calidreamer80 0]

Note to self: if you want to get real negative responses, post a topic like this.

Go Cristy. Anyhow, if she didnt like what was being said before I bet she doesnt like what is going down now. Oh well. last post I'm making on this thread. She's getting too much attention as it is. That's obviously what she wants.

[mozplay 29]

go meauxna! it's your birthday!!!

you so ROCK!! i also advocated for the tougher approach because a new person starts posting. i think they should have to read all the FAQ's & Guides and THEN have to take a quiz before being able to post!!

important posts & information get lost due to redundant questions & drivel!!

Gimy, I'm quoting you only because your post was the most recent on the topic... so don't think this a personal attack please This thread is about many different things, after all.

I am new to VJ. Only about a week and a half old at this point. I'm also new to message boards (used one before this - people were horrible - got advice to come here). I read a few posts and then posted myself BEFORE going through the guides in detail. Honestly, when you are as new to this as I am (we have not even filed yet - still researching) even the guides are overwhelming (USCIS was just downright scary!) and the absolutely fabulous help I got from my first post (from Qdilly et al.) just pointed me in the right direction to search the guides intelligently.

Of course, I then spent the next 48 hours straight immersed in the guides and I think my eyes grew to be square and my azz flat!

All I'm saying is that this seems to be a case of "which came first, the chicken or the egg". I don't think it should matter so much if someone asks a redundant question at first --- that may be their way to get on the right path (or break into the 'gang' here at VJ). It's what they do after the first few questions that really matters, right?

Mo

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

but can't everyone just relax and try to find joy in helping people or pointing them to the right FAQ? Or else just... oh I don't know... NOT respond to a post?

The best thing said in this entire thread! AMEN!

[PlatyPius 5]

I completely disagree with everyone who has suggested that the OP's other post was inappropriate, and I believe that there is NO PLACE to be rude in the world...

blah, blah

... can't everyone just relax and try to find joy in helping people or pointing them to the right FAQ? Or else just... oh I don't know... NOT respond to a post?

If there's room for "sickly sweet dripping gooey nice", then there's a place for rude as well. Not everyone wants to walk through meadows of dancing wildflowers and bounding fluffy bunnies as the sun sings a happy tune. Life isn't like that, so why should I be? I didn't realize it was in my human being contract that I had to happy and nicey-nice all the time.

Why is it always "agree and support the person or shut the hell up"? Why are only supportive posts "allowed"? Don't you think that a sarcastic post is going to get the point across just as well as a post politely telling the person to read the damn FAQ?

Just think.....if no negative comments were ever allowed again, we'd have no enviromental movement, no politics, no MADD, no SADD, no jails....nothing. Finding someone guilty of a crime might hurt their self-esteem. Members of the jury might be heckled by spectators for "not being nice". Maybe they should just keep their damn mouths shut, if they can't say something nice about the accused molester/murderer, eh?

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

I completely disagree with everyone who has suggested that the OP's other post was inappropriate, and I believe that there is NO PLACE to be rude in the world...

blah, blah

... can't everyone just relax and try to find joy in helping people or pointing them to the right FAQ? Or else just... oh I don't know... NOT respond to a post?

If there's room for "sickly sweet dripping gooey nice", then there's a place for rude as well. Not everyone wants to walk through meadows of dancing wildflowers and bounding fluffy bunnies as the sun sings a happy tune. Life isn't like that, so why should I be? I didn't realize it was in my human being contract that I had to happy and nicey-nice all the time.

Why is it always "agree and support the person or shut the hell up"? Why are only supportive posts "allowed"? Don't you think that a sarcastic post is going to get the point across just as well as a post politely telling the person to read the damn FAQ?

Just think.....if no negative comments were ever allowed again, we'd have no enviromental movement, no politics, no MADD, no SADD, no jails....nothing. Finding someone guilty of a crime might hurt their self-esteem. Members of the jury might be heckled by spectators for "not being nice". Maybe they should just keep their damn mouths shut, if they can't say something nice about the accused molester/murderer, eh?

It must be Monday...hehehe. This thread has turned into the proverbial punching bag for everyone's frutstrations. Hopefully everyone's thrown their punches and feel better for it. Me, I hit the gym during lunch - it took all the fight out of me...hehehe. Cheers people! Monday is almost over!

[desert_fox 32]

I think you all need some compassion. After all, she has been waiting for a whole 17 days.