[Jobs] Making LiveOpps Accessible?

[David Andrews]

Everet,  Before you get all high and mighty, and give us a lecture, we probably should know why this LiveOps opportunity has been said to be inaccessible.

At the risk of speculating, I noticed that one of the requirements was to have a certain version of Java installed.  So, I would guess that their system is not accessible because of the use of Java.  This is not a situation that can be fixed with JAWS scripts.

It could take hundreds of thousands of dollars, and months, if not years of development time to fix a problem like this.  

It isn't to say that it shouldn't be done, however we should find out what is going on before we run off yelling.

Dave

At 10:43 AM 5/7/2007, you wrote:
>Hello All,
>
>This kind of thing saddens me.  A few people on this
>list have asked if this LiveOpps opportunity was
>"accessible."  Most basically said, "No," with no
>further input.
>
>It's so easy to write-off actual income opportunities
>and job opps.  I know it's much easier than actually
>finding a way to make something work.  Something that
>might be a little struggle in the beginning, even
>frustrating at times, with payout/payoff coming later.
>So I know many of those who could work here will simply
>keep looking, and looking, and looking.  I wonder, how
>many here have been on these jobs lists for years,
>supposedly looking for work, without ever having
>actually tried for even one job that's come through?
>Truly tried, I mean.  Not just looked for or thought of
>some excuse not to?
>
>Now, I don't know why someone hasn't worked with such a
>company as LiveOpps yet, to make them accessible.
>Maybe efforts have been made.  Maybe it's them.  Maybe
>they don't care to be accessible to the more than
>10-million visually impaired persons in America alone,
>nevermind globally?  At least, last I checked, that's
>the number the American Foundation for the Blind
>(www.afb.org) gave for such stats.
>
>Or maybe no one has inquired, to try to help them?  The
>NFB has worked with large companies, entities such as
>UPS, NASA, and more.  This single company, it seems to
>me, would be a better fit for a small accessibility
>company.  A company who could work with LiveOpps.com
>and help to make them accessible and then both sides
>could easily get great PR from it all.  All while
>helping a few more job-seekers and workers that are
>blind, get jobs.
>
>Now, if LiveOpps.com is just clueless at the moment, as
>so many seem to be, someone here could, if they wanted
>a job bad enough, go to a company like Freedom
>Scientific, or to the numerous JFW lists out here--and
>ask around for a Scripter.  There are even JFW
>scripting tutorials for those who might think of trying
>to do it themselves.  For those who want more out of
>life than to just hope an easy job comes through a list
>such as this.
>
>Just ask around.  One could probably find a company who
>trains people on assistive tech, who is willing to work
>on such a project--realizing the opportunity to do some
>good, and also get some positive press out of their
>efforts to help others.  Rather than simply asking, "Is
>it accessible?," one could just as easily not stop
>there, and begin to make it so.
>
>But I rarely hear of such things?  What I hear most on
>these lists is a short question about accessibility,
>and a shorter answer, with no real help or initiative
>being shown.
>
>How bad do you want to work, truly?  I'm not speaking
>to anyone in particular here.  These kinds of quick,
>defeating Q&A's come through here all the time.  It's
>depressing, really.  Such a lack of initiative.  Why?
>Some amazing opportunities come through this list.  How
>many have you passed on, because it might have taken a
>little work to be able to, well, work?
>
>For the record, I've done the
>"easier-to-avoid-than-actually-try" thing myself.  I'm
>not above anyone else.  Perhaps that's the reason it
>saddens me so much.  Because I'm so close to being at
>that next level, of being able to help others more.
>and yet I'm still so far, it sometimes seems.  All I
>can do today is try to urge others on, to inspire
>others to greater things.  So, please, consider the
>simplicity of what I suggest above, with a job such as
>LiveOpps.  There may be a chance that custom-scripting
>won't work.  But it's more likely it would, if
>attempted.  I think it could be done.  It just needs
>someone to take the initiative, and hook up the two
>entities.  Two companies that will work together , to
>ultimately allow a few more blind people to earn an
>income.  LiveOpps.com and... ???
>
>God bless your efforts, all who may have read this far.
>I hope LiveOpps becomes more accessible.  I also hope
>even more that each of you here who truly wants to
>work, finds a blessing of a job or career.
>
>
>Thanks,
>Everett
>www.everettgavel.com
>
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>To: "Jobs for the Blind" <jobs at nfbnet.org>
>Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 5:06 PM
>
>
>
> _______________________________
>From: Schopen, Nicole
>Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:12 PM
>Subject: Work From Home Opportunity
>
>Good afternoon! I just wanted to drop a note to let
>everyone know of a
>work from home opportunity that may work well for some
>of the clients.
>Please pass along to the counselors or clients you feel
>will benefit
>from having this information.
>
>When I previously worked at West Corporation
>interviewing home agents,
>many of them mentioned they also worked with LiveOps. I
>never heard bad
>things about this one. It is legitimate. Keep in mind
>when mentioning
>this one to clients that it is an Independent
>Contractor position rather
>than employment with a company. They will basically be
>self-employed so
>they can control the amount of hours they work and
>their income.
>
>This is information from their FAQ section on the
>website. You may
>further look into the opportunity at
>http://www.liveops.com
><http://www.liveops.com/> .
>
>
>Thanks!
>Nicole
>
>
>
>The LiveOps Opportunity
>
>Q:  What is an Independent Agent?
>
>A:  An Agent is an independent contractor that develops
>and manages
>their own business. An Independent Agent contracts with
>LiveOps under an
>Independent Contractors Agreement to receive calls from
>people
>requesting products or services from LiveOps clients.
>
>Q:  Does LiveOps certify Agents in every state?
>
>A:  Yes, LiveOps does have certified Agents in the
>contiguous 48 states.
>However, we make specific certification decisions based
>on needs within
>a state.
>
>Q:  How much money can I earn as an Independent Agent?
>
>A:  LiveOps engages Agents according to the volume of
>work available
>from our clients. Also, as an Independent Agent you do
>not have a
>minimum or maximum of time you need to work.
>
>In most cases, Agents invoice LiveOps per minute of
>talk time. Each
>program will have a unique rate per minute. On average,
>individual
>Agents invoice LiveOps $6.00 and $15.00 per hour
>depending on talk time
>and performance. New Agents typically invoice
>$6.00-$8.50 per hour. In
>addition, many clients provide additional selling
>incentives for certain
>products or services. These incentives can dramatically
>increase Agent
>revenue as Agents become more confident in their
>ability to sell the
>products and services. As Agents become more skilled
>they can invoice
>$9.00-$11.00 per hour. This is largely due to more
>calls being routed to
>higher performing and experienced Agents. Exceptional
>teleservices
>Agents can invoice as much as $20.00 per hour.
>
>Q:  How many hours can I work?
>
>A:  As an Independent Contractor, you can provide
>services as many or as
>few hours as your schedule permits.
>
>Q:  How are my Agent fees paid? How often?
>
>A:  Agents submit invoices using an online system.
>LiveOps pays Agent
>fees by either check or direct deposit. Fees are
>calculated from the 1st
>to the 15th, and from the 16th to the end of the month.
>Fees are paid
>(deposits made and checks mailed) on the first business
>day following
>the close of an invoice period.
>
>Q:  How long before my business generates revenue?
>
>A:  Once LiveOps receives all necessary documents and
>all equipment is
>in working order, you may begin our certification
>process. Motivated
>Agents can complete certifications and begin accepting
>telephone calls
>(thus generating revenue) within a week.
>
>Q:  Does LiveOps have opportunities that are of limited
>duration?
>
>A:  From time to time, LiveOps will have programs that
>are of limited
>duration that require a large number of Agents. These
>opportunities are
>usually seasonal, and last between one and four months.
>
>Agent Requirements
>
>Q:  What are the characteristics of the most successful
>Agents that
>contract with LiveOps?
>
>A:  Agents that successfully manage their home based
>businesses share
>the following traits:
>
>* They are professional and capable of providing a high
>level of
>service
>* They enjoy the freedom that running their own
>business allows
>them
>* They are positive and optimistic
>* They are tolerant and accepting of differing view
>points
>* They are even tempered and handle frustration well
>* They are comfortable with numeric reasoning
>* They log on on time, and honor all time commitments
>
>Q:  How old must I be to be considered by LiveOps?
>
>A:  If your business is a corporation, partnership, or
>LLC, there is no
>age requirement. However, the principle in your
>business must be 18
>years of age. If your business is a sole proprietorship
>(self
>employment), then you must be 18 years of age or older
>to be considered
>by LiveOps.
>
>Q:  Do I have to be a legal resident of the United
>States?
>
>A:  Yes, LiveOps requires that all contracted Agents
>legally reside in
>the United States.
>
>Q:  Can I live in Canada?
>
>A:  Unfortunately, LiveOps does not contract with
>individuals or
>businesses in Canada at this time.
>
>Q:  Will I need a Tax Identification Number?
>
>A:  Yes, as an Independent Contractor you will need a
>Tax Identification
>Number. If you are a corporation, LLC, or partnership,
>you will have a
>tax ID for that entity. If you are a sole
>proprietorship (self
>employed), you may use your social security number for
>your Tax
>Identification Number. Your state, however, may be
>different, so please
>check the requirements in your state. At year end,
>LiveOps will provide
>a 1099 - Miscellaneous Income Form for your year end
>tax reporting
>purposes.
>
>Q:  Are there minimum hours or a minimum amount of
>calls that are
>required?
>
>A:  Scheduling time is strictly up to each Agent.
>Agents can provide
>services as little or as often as their lifestyle
>allows. The only
>minimum call requirement for LiveOps agents is that a
>few calls are
>taken within a 60 day time period.
>
>Agent Selection
>
>Q:  What is the process for becoming an Agent?
>
>A:  Simply click on the "Let's Get Started!" Button on
>the LiveOps
>website. Once the basic information is provided,
>LiveOps tests for
>reading comprehension. We also require a voice
>audition. Depending on
>the business opportunities currently available. you may
>also be invited
>to complete a 45 minute assessment that helps LiveOps
>ensure a match
>between candidates and the company. When these steps
>have been
>completed, LiveOps will review your qualifications and
>objectively make
>a determination based on business need.
>
>If your home business meets LiveOps Agent
>Qualifications, you will be
>invited to a Virtual Business Presentation. This
>Presentation will
>provide an overview of the LiveOps business model, the
>role of the
>Independent Contractor, and all the necessary
>information you will need
>to determine whether LiveOps can assist you in growing
>your business.
>
>Q:  How will LiveOps contact me if I am selected to
>attend the Virtual
>Business Presentation?
>
>A:  You will receive an email from LiveOps with a web
>address and pass
>code for attending the Virtual Business Presentation.
>Once you receive
>this email, you will have 7 days to attend the online
>presentation, and
>respond to LiveOps indicating an interest in moving
>forward to the
>Certification Process.
>
>Q:  Is there a contractor's fee?
>
>A:  At this time, LiveOps does not charge a
>contractor's fee; however,
>LiveOps will require a $30 non refundable check or
>money order to cover
>a routine background and credit check for all
>candidates indicating an
>interest in moving forward in the LiveOps Certification
>Process after
>the Virtual Business Presentation. Certain short term
>and temporary
>business opportunities that do not involve access to
>caller personal or
>credit information may not require a background and/or
>credit check. If
>that is the case, candidates will be notified in
>advance, and will not
>be asked to pay for the background and credit check.
>
>Q:  Why does LiveOps require a $30.00 processing fee
>for a credit and
>background check?
>
>A:  LiveOps maintains the highest Agent standards in
>the industry. As a
>result, candidates to become Independent Contractors
>for LiveOps must
>pass rigid credit and background requirements. The
>$30.00 fee covers the
>cost of a thorough review of a candidate's background.
>
>Q:  Why does LiveOps run background and credit checks
>on their potential
>Agents?
>
>A:  Sometimes LiveOps Agents have access to private
>company or customer
>information, so LiveOps does this as a precautionary
>measure to help
>protect the security of information from both our
>callers and the
>clients who contract with LiveOps to take their calls.
>
>Q:  If LiveOps receives an low credit rating for me,
>will I still be
>considered to become an Independent Agent?
>
>A:  A low credit rating will not automatically
>disqualify you for all
>call types. LiveOps will contact you personally if a
>major issue arises.
>
>
>Technical Requirements
>
>Q:  What are the minimum equipment requirements?
>
>A: Offering services through LiveOps will require the
>following computer
>and software set-up:
>
>* A personal computer with at least a 1GHz Pentium III
>processor
>or better.
>* A minimum of 512 MB of RAM Memory.
>* Windows XP ( we do not recomment Home Edition), or
>Windows Vista
>(see important information below).
>* Internet 6 with Service Pack 2.
>* Java 2- Version 1.5
>* A minimum of one USB port (USB version 2)
>* System configured in accordance with Microsoft's
>recommendations
>as outlined on their 'Protect Your PC Web Site." These
>steps include:
>
>* Windows Update module enabled and configured to
>update
>automatically
>* Windows standard firewall enabled on systems where it
>exists
>* Anti-Virus software installed and configured to
>automatically update (please refer to Microsoft's web
>site for
>instructions on securing your system)
>* Microsoft also has free anti-spyware that is very
>effective in killing sypware. It can be downloaded for
>free at
>http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/
>software/default.mspx
><http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/softw
>are/default.mspx>
>
>
>* Ad-Aware installed and run at least once per week.
>You can get
>this tool at no cost at www.lavasoft.com
>* A monitor capable of displaying at least 1024 X 768
>pixels
>* A sound card installed
>* Speakers or headphones
>
>Important information aboutWindows Vista :
>Although Windows Vista is compatible with the LiveOps
>system, there are
>some VPN issues which our vendors are addressing. This
>means that as an
>Agent, you will be able to participate in most ( about
>95%) but not all
>Programs. The hardware system requirements for running
>Windows Vista are
>higher than XP (see below for detailed hardware
>specifications for
>running Windows Vista).
>
>Q:  Can I use a MAC computer?
>
>A:  Macintosh computers are not compatible with the
>LiveOps system.
>
>Q:  What are the internet connectivity requirements?
>
>A:  LiveOps requires either a DSL or Cable broadband
>connection. LiveOps
>will not support a satellite or dialup connection at
>this time.
>
>Q:  Can I use my home telephone to receive calls as an
>Agent?
>
>A:  No, a separate landline telephone that is dedicated
>to your home
>business will be necessary. This line must only be used
>to receive
>LiveOps incoming calls. This line cannot be used for
>any other incoming
>or outgoing personal calls. LiveOps does require you to
>provide to us a
>separate contact telephone number (i.e. your home
>telephone or cell
>phone number).
>
>Q:  What is a landline?
>
>A:  A landline is a telephone line that is connected to
>your local
>telephone company. LiveOps will not support a phone
>line from a cable
>company due to the digital signal. LiveOps will not
>support satellite
>signals (eg: VOIP) for similar security reasons.
>
>Q:  What are the specific requirements on the dedicated
>landline
>telephone?
>
>A:  The telephone must be corded, and be free from all
>features such as
>call waiting and voice mail. Cordless phones are not
>allowed.
>
>Q:  Will I need to call long distance?
>
>A:  Long distance will not be necessary.
>
>Q:  Can cell phones be used for incoming calls?
>
>A:  LiveOps will not support cell phones due to
>security reasons.
>
>Q:  Does LiveOps provide Agents with the physical tools
>to perform
>services?
>
>A:  As an Independent Agent, you are responsible for
>providing and
>maintaining all equipment and outside services
>necessary to provide
>contracted services to LiveOps.
>
>Q:  Does LiveOps charge agents to use their technology?
>
>A:  At the present time, LiveOps does not charge Agents
>to use the basic
>Contact Center technology.
>
>Getting Started
>
>Q:  What deadlines should I be aware of?
>
>A:  Candidates businesses selected to join the LiveOps
>Business
>Presentation will have 7 days from the date of the
>invitation to view
>the online presentation.
>
>Candidates that attend the online Business Presentation
>will have 24
>hours to contact LiveOps via email if they choose to
>move forward.
>
>Once candidates have returned required documentation to
>LiveOps,
>certifications must be completed within 30 days. (All
>certifications can
>be easily completed within a week.)
>
>Q:  What topics are covered in the Virtual Business
>Presentation?
>
>A:  The 30 minute LiveOps Virtual Business Presentation
>will cover the
>necessary documents required to become an Independent
>Agent, and
>reinforce equipment and software requirements that are
>noted on the
>LiveOps FAQ page. The Presentation will also provide
>Candidates with an
>overview of the business opportunities currently
>available through
>LiveOps, detail our Certification Process. It will also
>cover how Agent
>self scheduling system works, how Agents will invoice
>LiveOps for
>services rendered, and the resources available to
>Agents to build
>revenue for their home based business.
>
>Q:  How do I schedule time to accept telephone calls?
>
>A:  LiveOps issues scheduling opportunities for new
>agents twice a week.
>As an Independent Agent, you can commit to half hour
>time slots that fit
>into your schedule. The scheduling process will be
>covered more
>thoroughly in the Virtual Business Presentation.
>
>Q:  I am a former LiveOps Agent. How do I reactivate my
>independent
>contractor status?
>
>A:  If you were an active Agent with LiveOps during the
>last 6 months,
>please contact agentonboarding at liveops.com, and your
>records will be
>reviewed. If you left in good standing, your old
>account will be
>reactivated after completion of a certification
>refresher. If six months
>have passed since your last activity (accepting calls),
>you must reapply
>for certification.
>
>Life as a LiveOps Contractor
>
>Q:  Can other people take calls under my LiveOps
>account?
>
>A:  Yes. But, for security and contractual reasons, all
>individuals
>receiving calls must be certified. Therefore, all
>certified individuals
>may take calls on your account. If you take an extended
>vacation, you
>may change your dedicated phone line provided all
>LiveOps land line and
>telephone requirements are met. All individuals
>receiving calls must be
>certified and over 18.
>
>Q:  When is the heaviest call volume?
>
>A:  For new Agents handling food service calls, the
>most opportune times
>to generate revenue are between 5:30pm and 10:30pm
>across all time
>zones. As you might expect, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
>typically have
>the heaviest volume of calls. Other types of calls
>drive heavy call
>volume during different time slots. For example, Direct
>Response calls
>are heaviest during Saturday and Sunday mornings.
>
>Q:  Can I work when I travel or while I am on vacation?
>
>A:  LiveOps requires that Agents receive calls only on
>the dedicated
>business line. Calls will not be rerouted to any other
>number
>
>Q:  I will not be able to take calls for an extended
>period. Will I lose
>my status?
>
>A:  Your IC account will remain active until you have
>not taken a call
>in 60 days.
>
>Q:  Does LiveOps reimburse Agent expenses?
>
>A:  No. LiveOps contracts with Independent Agents to
>provide services.
>It is the Agents responsibility equipment and materials
>to maintain
>their home business.
>
>Q:  Do all agents receive the same call volume?
>
>A:  The volume of calls that an Agent receives will
>vary based on a
>variety of factors. Agents that "commit" to being
>available during peak
>television infomercial and commercial time slots will
>obviously have a
>much better opportunity to receive additional calls.
>Additionally,
>LiveOps has a proprietary call routing system which
>routes calls based
>on, but not limited to, Agent's schedule adherence,
>talk time, and
>average order.
>
>Q:  How can I generate additional revenue?
>
>A:  Agents have much control over how much they can
>invoice LiveOps. As
>noted above, schedule adherence, efficient talk time,
>and increased
>average order size will probably receive more calls.
>LiveOps will offer
>sales fees and /or performance incentives for specific
>time periods.
>Finally, some clients provide Agents with additional
>sales opportunities
>with enhanced earnings potential. Agents can
>self-schedule themselves to
>programs matching their program skills.
>
>Q:  Is it possible to lose my certification?
>
>A:  Agents can lose their certification and have their
>Independent
>Contractor Agreement cancelled if the agreement terms
>are violated.
>
>Q:  Can LiveOps unilaterally terminate my Agent
>relationship?
>
>A:  An Agent's Independent Contractor Agreement will
>not be terminated
>by LiveOps provided the terms of the Agreement and the
>published
>standards are fulfilled, and as long as an Agent
>remains active. LiveOps
>determines "active" to mean taking a minimum of two
>calls every 60 days.
>
>
>
>
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