[Jobs] Making LiveOpps Accessible?

[Donald Wardlow]

I asked a guy who had Jaws 8 to see what he could do with liveopps, and his 
results were, sadly, the same as yours with Jaws 5. and this is a guy who 
knows what he's doing.
www.musicmantravel.com, a FREE CD to our first 76 travelers! NOW_--new and 
improved, ask me about the chance to work from home. no investment needed!
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Terra Syslo" <tlsyslo at yahoo.com>
To: "Jobs for the Blind" <jobs at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 7:18 AM
Subject: Re: [Jobs] Making LiveOpps Accessible?


>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.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>Jobs mailing list
>>Jobs at nfbnet.org
>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/jobs
>>
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