Vanitas

So I've just had a chat with another member of the forums and found out that someone I consider a good friend has decided to leave the forum because of a moderator decision by Ryan H. Specifically, the member leaving is Nich-Nick, a longtime helper on this site and essentially the "mother" of the UK Regional Forum.
Can someone tell me why the hell she was suspended? Because this is getting ridiculous - do you actually want people helping on this site, or not? Because your moderator just caused one of the best helpers on this site to leave, and frankly it is an absolute disgrace.

Now you're going back a ways.
I'll be the first to admit that I've never been much help, facts-wise. Nich-Nick, on the other hand, was a gold mine of useful, helpful information and embodied the best of why most people come to VisaJourney. As a community, we exist to help people get through the process. If we lose the most knowledgeable people from this site, what is the point of coming here?

So I've just had a chat with another member of the forums and found out that someone I consider a good friend has decided to leave the forum because of a moderator decision by Ryan H. Specifically, the member leaving is Nich-Nick, a longtime helper on this site and essentially the "mother" of the UK Regional Forum.
Can someone tell me why the hell she was suspended? Because this is getting ridiculous - do you actually want people helping on this site, or not? Because your moderator just caused one of the best helpers on this site to leave, and frankly it is an absolute disgrace.

It won't happen. And there are so many reasons why not.

Nich-Nick is the backbone of the UK forum. You couldn't get an asset as good as her for this site if you paid someone. Well done for driving away one of the most helpful, knowledgeable and selfless people on the whole site!

That's so sad. Nich-Nick is essentially the only reason I stick around here. She does *so* much for people here (did you know she helps new immigrants do things like their tax returns on here, for instance?).
If she's out, I'm out.

Thanks for bringing this to everyone in the UK forum's attention. Believe it or not, I used to be helpful in here, but when Nich came to town -- level-headed, full of knowledge, organised -- I knew this place was better left to someone who cared. And that's what Nich has done for years here -- really, truly cared about people. Even the most outlandish, childish, unrealistic posters got a dose of Mama Nich's good advice. She's the BOMB. Her absence is noted and notable, and depressing because I can think of others on VJ over the years (meauxna, dr_lha come to mind; elsewhere payxibka and aussiewench) who have been driven off. When we lose these people, we lose years of knowledge. Nich stuck around longer than many of the people (who I will not name) who swore they'd stay -- and then promptly did a runner when they were reunited with their beloved.

I can't stand for capricious application of rules, and that includes the TOS. We all know where someone has gotten away with a slap on the wrist for being a class A so-and-so. Coincidentally, for coursework today I had to state a favourite legal quotation. I chose this, from Cicero: "Law applied to its extreme is the greatest injustice." If Nich violated the TOS -- if -- it was an unintended violation. Suspension may be the letter of the TOS for such a violation, but for a person like Nich it is the greatest injustice.

This is ridiculous, users like Nich Nick are a huge asset to this site and a big reason why this site is so useful. If the moderator's drive away the knowledgeable people who put so much of their own time into the site to help others then this site will go backwards fast :/

I got my first. Though as previously mentioned, that might not last.

It won't happen. And there are so many reasons why not.

So as I've mentioned in another thread, Nich-Nick is currently no longer on these forums.
The reasoning for this is because about two weeks ago, she was suspended for a comment in another thread. We're not entirely sure what the offence is because the moderators are hiding behind the TOS (e.g. they won't tell me) and Nich herself disputes the warning, but cannot post to this effect until she even accepts said warning. Since then, she's said she's had enough of VJ and won't be coming back anytime soon.
Now, most of you who've been through the K1 process in the past will know who she is and how she helped you out. In the last couple of weeks, it's just been me and some of the more recent K1 successes. She's held the UK forum together alongside myself, Lost and those who have stuck around here and there to help out even after they've moved.
I'll be the first to say that my knowledge isn't as complete as hers, but that's why we pooled our resources and wrote the K1 guide. So I'll be the first to ask the following things:
*If you have new information to add to the guide about something that's changed, please post it in the Guide thread.
*If you need help, please read the guide first - if your question isn't answered, then post a new thread and ask it. If it is answered in the guide, then you'll be linked to the specific post of the guide where the answer is.
As for Nich.. well, we're discussing what the heck is going on down here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/322-tos-violations-and-moderator-responses/?view=getnewpost - If you want to add your voice and say this was unjust, go right ahead.

So I've just had a chat with another member of the forums and found out that someone I consider a good friend has decided to leave the forum because of a moderator decision by Ryan H. Specifically, the member leaving is Nich-Nick, a longtime helper on this site and essentially the "mother" of the UK Regional Forum.
Can someone tell me why the hell she was suspended? Because this is getting ridiculous - do you actually want people helping on this site, or not? Because your moderator just caused one of the best helpers on this site to leave, and frankly it is an absolute disgrace.

So I've just had a chat with another member of the forums and found out that someone I consider a good friend has decided to leave the forum because of a moderator decision by Ryan H. Specifically, the member leaving is Nich-Nick, a longtime helper on this site and essentially the "mother" of the UK Regional Forum.
Can someone tell me why the hell she was suspended? Because this is getting ridiculous - do you actually want people helping on this site, or not? Because your moderator just caused one of the best helpers on this site to leave, and frankly it is an absolute disgrace.

So as I've mentioned in another thread, Nich-Nick is currently no longer on these forums.
The reasoning for this is because about two weeks ago, she was suspended for a comment in another thread. We're not entirely sure what the offence is because the moderators are hiding behind the TOS (e.g. they won't tell me) and Nich herself disputes the warning, but cannot post to this effect until she even accepts said warning. Since then, she's said she's had enough of VJ and won't be coming back anytime soon.
Now, most of you who've been through the K1 process in the past will know who she is and how she helped you out. In the last couple of weeks, it's just been me and some of the more recent K1 successes. She's held the UK forum together alongside myself, Lost and those who have stuck around here and there to help out even after they've moved.
I'll be the first to say that my knowledge isn't as complete as hers, but that's why we pooled our resources and wrote the K1 guide. So I'll be the first to ask the following things:
*If you have new information to add to the guide about something that's changed, please post it in the Guide thread.
*If you need help, please read the guide first - if your question isn't answered, then post a new thread and ask it. If it is answered in the guide, then you'll be linked to the specific post of the guide where the answer is.
As for Nich.. well, we're discussing what the heck is going on down here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/322-tos-violations-and-moderator-responses/?view=getnewpost - If you want to add your voice and say this was unjust, go right ahead.

So as I've mentioned in another thread, Nich-Nick is currently no longer on these forums.
The reasoning for this is because about two weeks ago, she was suspended for a comment in another thread. We're not entirely sure what the offence is because the moderators are hiding behind the TOS (e.g. they won't tell me) and Nich herself disputes the warning, but cannot post to this effect until she even accepts said warning. Since then, she's said she's had enough of VJ and won't be coming back anytime soon.
Now, most of you who've been through the K1 process in the past will know who she is and how she helped you out. In the last couple of weeks, it's just been me and some of the more recent K1 successes. She's held the UK forum together alongside myself, Lost and those who have stuck around here and there to help out even after they've moved.
I'll be the first to say that my knowledge isn't as complete as hers, but that's why we pooled our resources and wrote the K1 guide. So I'll be the first to ask the following things:
*If you have new information to add to the guide about something that's changed, please post it in the Guide thread.
*If you need help, please read the guide first - if your question isn't answered, then post a new thread and ask it. If it is answered in the guide, then you'll be linked to the specific post of the guide where the answer is.
As for Nich.. well, we're discussing what the heck is going on down here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/322-tos-violations-and-moderator-responses/?view=getnewpost - If you want to add your voice and say this was unjust, go right ahead.

So I've just had a chat with another member of the forums and found out that someone I consider a good friend has decided to leave the forum because of a moderator decision by Ryan H. Specifically, the member leaving is Nich-Nick, a longtime helper on this site and essentially the "mother" of the UK Regional Forum.
Can someone tell me why the hell she was suspended? Because this is getting ridiculous - do you actually want people helping on this site, or not? Because your moderator just caused one of the best helpers on this site to leave, and frankly it is an absolute disgrace.

So as I've mentioned in another thread, Nich-Nick is currently no longer on these forums.
The reasoning for this is because about two weeks ago, she was suspended for a comment in another thread. We're not entirely sure what the offence is because the moderators are hiding behind the TOS (e.g. they won't tell me) and Nich herself disputes the warning, but cannot post to this effect until she even accepts said warning. Since then, she's said she's had enough of VJ and won't be coming back anytime soon.
Now, most of you who've been through the K1 process in the past will know who she is and how she helped you out. In the last couple of weeks, it's just been me and some of the more recent K1 successes. She's held the UK forum together alongside myself, Lost and those who have stuck around here and there to help out even after they've moved.
I'll be the first to say that my knowledge isn't as complete as hers, but that's why we pooled our resources and wrote the K1 guide. So I'll be the first to ask the following things:
*If you have new information to add to the guide about something that's changed, please post it in the Guide thread.
*If you need help, please read the guide first - if your question isn't answered, then post a new thread and ask it. If it is answered in the guide, then you'll be linked to the specific post of the guide where the answer is.
As for Nich.. well, we're discussing what the heck is going on down here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/322-tos-violations-and-moderator-responses/?view=getnewpost - If you want to add your voice and say this was unjust, go right ahead.

Just emailed Nich, and here's the scoop:
"I was locked out of VJ for 24 hours. It was maybe 2 weeks ago. Ryan H I believe his name is. Could not even read why. No access. It now says I can't post unless I acknowledge the warning. Sod that. Done with VJ because there is nothing I would do inappropriate on purpose. How long have I been helping all these struggling people?
Offended."
So there you have it. Way to go, Ryan.

Nich was probably the most selfless VJ member I have seen in the past 7 years. Her dedication and commitment to giving the right information and keeping it up to date has always impressed me. She didn't have to do any of this -- she did it because she genuinely cared about people. Her suspension is completely bogus in the context of her overall spotless record.
Ewok, if you're reading, I think you need a come to Jesus chat with your moderator.

So I've just had a chat with another member of the forums and found out that someone I consider a good friend has decided to leave the forum because of a moderator decision by Ryan H. Specifically, the member leaving is Nich-Nick, a longtime helper on this site and essentially the "mother" of the UK Regional Forum.
Can someone tell me why the hell she was suspended? Because this is getting ridiculous - do you actually want people helping on this site, or not? Because your moderator just caused one of the best helpers on this site to leave, and frankly it is an absolute disgrace.

So I've just had a chat with another member of the forums and found out that someone I consider a good friend has decided to leave the forum because of a moderator decision by Ryan H. Specifically, the member leaving is Nich-Nick, a longtime helper on this site and essentially the "mother" of the UK Regional Forum.
Can someone tell me why the hell she was suspended? Because this is getting ridiculous - do you actually want people helping on this site, or not? Because your moderator just caused one of the best helpers on this site to leave, and frankly it is an absolute disgrace.

So I've just had a chat with another member of the forums and found out that someone I consider a good friend has decided to leave the forum because of a moderator decision by Ryan H. Specifically, the member leaving is Nich-Nick, a longtime helper on this site and essentially the "mother" of the UK Regional Forum.
Can someone tell me why the hell she was suspended? Because this is getting ridiculous - do you actually want people helping on this site, or not? Because your moderator just caused one of the best helpers on this site to leave, and frankly it is an absolute disgrace.

Anyway, to answer the actual questions:
1) Readiness Form is here: http://london.usembassy.gov/iv/notification_of_applicant_readiness_form.html
2) You send it in when the following two conditions are met: You've completed your DS-260 and you've got your Medical booked or completed.
Complete all the fields required (so don't touch the K1 ones, and if no-one is coming with you then don't fill out those fields but DO fill out the one asking for your intended date of travel. If you put this as a reasonably close date - say in 6 weeks or so - you may get a quicker interview).
After that, it's unfortunately just a case of "wait and see". You can, as always, check with the NVC after 3-4 weeks to see if a date's been assigned.

Of course, Comrade M.

So I've just had a chat with another member of the forums and found out that someone I consider a good friend has decided to leave the forum because of a moderator decision by Ryan H. Specifically, the member leaving is Nich-Nick, a longtime helper on this site and essentially the "mother" of the UK Regional Forum.
Can someone tell me why the hell she was suspended? Because this is getting ridiculous - do you actually want people helping on this site, or not? Because your moderator just caused one of the best helpers on this site to leave, and frankly it is an absolute disgrace.