[Jobs] Making LiveOpps Accessible?

Tue May 8 06:18:36 CDT 2007

I can tell you I had trouble getting through their training modules because
it uses flash extensively, and I was having trouble moving from one slide to
the next. The buttons weren't labeled, and clicking on any of them with JAWS
version 5 did not produce any results. Maybe later versions of JAWS would
work better, I'm not sure. They do also use JAVA, and their scheduling uses
blocks of different colors to tell you what shifts are available. You are
also considered to be an independent contractor for LiveOps, so they
probably aren't going to be as willing as a company where you are hired as
one of their employees. This has just been my experience, and if anyone else
has better luck with it than I did, that's great. I did not have any more
luck with the work at home agent opportunities through West for the same
reasons.

-----Original Message-----
From: jobs-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:jobs-bounces at nfbnet.org]On Behalf Of
David Andrews
Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 1:29 AM
To: Jobs for the Blind
Subject: Re: [Jobs] Making LiveOpps Accessible?

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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