OT: ChaCha

[Jenna45]

I am not sure, I keep expecting a QC but have not gotten, one I assume, that based on the volume of inquires that they randomly QC and then if you are and made a mistake the flag you and they look at more , because contrary to what is said it is virtually impossible that they read every answer, and I know at least twice I answered something wrong, once on a hints and once I used a Wiki site.

I am aggrivated. I got QCed 3 times today. One of them I was responding as a followup and they marked my response as wrong(when in fact it was a joke that the person wanted, so I gave a joke). How do these negative QCs affect us?

 

[mafibisha]

Don't forget if you have office space to work in and it is a dedicated spot , you can claim it as an home office deduction for the average amount of hours you chacha!

( I work from home FT for my "real" job and that deduction saves me a pretty penny each year) just note, you should alway's take a dated picture of said space a few times of year to have on file ( tax tip) and if you have a tv in the room you can't claim it.. The accountant told me this..

Oooooh, I have to warn everyone to be careful!!!

The VAST MAJORITY of people will not be granted the deduction, unless their ENTIRE office is used for work. That means no photo albums, scrap books, misc stuff that is not work related.

This is the FIRST and WORST RED FLAG for the IRS, the one they look for first. If you don't want to be audited then don't do it.

Again, if you truly work in it FULL TIME and THAT IS ALL you do in it, then maybe you'll be okay.

But again, that is more often the *exception*, than the *rule.*

 

[Jenna45]

My office is dedicated to my work completely, for two reasons my employer requires me to have dedicated space, and it is in violation of federal laws for me to have my work information in public view.

Also, I work for a company who can verify I work from home Full time, I spend less than 3 days a year onsite, and I travel at most 12 days a year.

I have been taking the deduction for 7 years now, but again that is why I said it has to be a dedicated space.. I have an actual room... The account said a computer in a corner of the tv room would not qualify, nor would my office space if I had a tv in it...

 

[mafibisha]

The account said a computer in a corner of the tv room would not qualify, nor would my office space if I had a tv in it...

Exactly. And that is what everyone really needs to know - and remember!

 

[Miz Diz]

.

This is the FIRST and WORST RED FLAG for the IRA, the one they look for first. If you don't want to be audited then don't do it.

This is what my accountant (retired IRS) also said. If you write this off - make sure you know all the implications. I believe when you sell your house, there could be some issues also, but ask a tax advisor.

I am self employed. Personally, I have an office that is only used for work and I do not write it off. It is also my personal opinion that if chacha is the only thing you are doing, it is hard to justify that you have an entire room that is only used for that purpose.

Also - be careful with writing your internet connection off. Another thing you want to ask a tax advisor. I have to have an internet connection for my work and my tax person would only write off a percentage of my internet because she said that the IRS does not believe that you would have internet in your house and only use it for work - no personal stuff and no one else in the house is using it. She said they are cracking down on the write offs for internet access when they do audits. Again - she is retired IRS.

 

[Jenna45]

Boy, I am sorry I even said anything, I don't take an internet/phone deduction my employer pays it all, Again, I am not self employed, so I am not concerned they "won't' believe me, and I have been taking the deduction for some time now.

I also do not skew my numbers at all, my office deduction just tends to be slightly higher than my standard deduction , a difference of maybe 3, 000 dollars.

If you are entitled to take the deduction, why shouldn't you the IRS is welcomed to come on over to my house and have a look around.

I can back up my information 110%.

I also knock on wood have never been audited.

I also think maybe my comments were misunderstood, I mean if someone is truly doing chachash 40 hours a day from a dedicated space, why shouldn't they claim it. I don't need to claim it for chacha I was just making a comment.

This is what my accountant (retired IRS) also said. If you write this off - make sure you know all the implications. I believe when you sell your house, there could be some issues also, but ask a tax advisor.

I am self employed. Personally, I have an office that is only used for work and I do not write it off. It is also my personal opinion that if chacha is the only thing you are doing, it is hard to justify that you have an entire room that is only used for that purpose.

Also - be careful with writing your internet connection off. Another thing you want to ask a tax advisor. I have to have an internet connection for my work and my tax person would only write off a percentage of my internet because she said that the IRS does not believe that you would have internet in your house and only use it for work - no personal stuff and no one else in the house is using it. She said they are cracking down on the write offs for internet access when they do audits. Again - she is retired IRS.

 

[Miz Diz]

Boy, I am sorry I even said anything, I don't take an internet/phone deduction my employer pays it all, Again, I am not self employed, so I am not concerned they "won't' believe me, and I have been taking the deduction for some time now.

My comment was not aimed at you personally. I don't care if anyone claims the deduction. I was just saying that I don't. The reason I posted the info I did is because a couple of people asked about taxes and I feel they should be getting advice from a tax advisor. My "if you write this off" comment was not to you, though I can see why you thought I meant that. It was directed at those who were given the advice to write it off. Just because one person writes something off, doesn't mean it is what is best for another. As far as the internet connection - I probably would take the risk and write the entire thing off if I were doing my own taxes, but my accountant refused to do it because of her experience. That was another thing someone recommended. Again - not directed at you and I don't think it is something you even mentioned.

Also - the chacha comment was not meant about you or toward you, either. People posting here have been talking about making about $100 a week or even less, so I doubt they are doing chacha 40 hours a week. But of course, if they have dedicated space, they can write it off. I still feel they should consult a tax advisor.

Sorry - didn't mean to offend you.

 

[Jenna45]

No, I did not take it personal, I was just making a general comment, which was not intended to give tax advice, just that for someone who is doing it as a FT gig, and while I agree that while it does not appear anyone here is , based on what I see some people are, then they might be eligible, again I think it is much easier for me to claim the deduction because my employer can verify my employment status.


But, ChaCha aside, some people have to take advantage of the credit, ( and everything they are eligible for )especially when self employed that deduction can make a big difference when you are paying 50-60k in taxes a quater. ( why can't I spell that tonight )


Ok I am done with the talk and I retiring mo.

My comment was not aimed at you personally. I don't care if anyone claims the deduction. I was just saying that I don't. The reason I posted the info I did is because a couple of people asked about taxes and I feel they should be getting advice from a tax advisor. My "if you write this off" comment was not to you, though I can see why you thought I meant that. It was directed at those who were given the advice to write it off. Just because one person writes something off, doesn't mean it is what is best for another. As far as the internet connection - I probably would take the risk and write the entire thing off if I were doing my own taxes, but my accountant refused to do it because of her experience. That was another thing someone recommended. Again - not directed at you and I don't think it is something you even mentioned.

Also - the chacha comment was not meant about you or toward you, either. People posting here have been talking about making about $100 a week or even less, so I doubt they are doing chacha 40 hours a week. But of course, if they have dedicated space, they can write it off. I still feel they should consult a tax advisor.

Sorry - didn't mean to offend you.

 

[Mom2micayla]

Has the site been slow for anyone else lately? It's taking forever to validate and send. I'm assuming it's because of the high volume.

How do you know if you've gotten QC'ed? I haven't as far as I know.. no emails or anything. I didn't realize for the first day or two that I couldn't use Wiki and used it all the time! It's actually kind of annoying we can't b/c a good 75% of the time I find my answers on wiki right away.

 

[ajh88]

Has the site been slow for anyone else lately? It's taking forever to validate and send. I'm assuming it's because of the high volume.

How do you know if you've gotten QC'ed? I haven't as far as I know.. no emails or anything. I didn't realize for the first day or two that I couldn't use Wiki and used it all the time! It's actually kind of annoying we can't b/c a good 75% of the time I find my answers on wiki right away.

It has been really slow for me too. I've gotten the text messages saying they are having high volume, but when I try to log on, it is SO slow. It isn't worth it to stay on when it is taking almost 5 minutes per question! It is fine during non-peak times though.

There is tons of Wiki discussion on the ChaCha forums. I have been taught (not by ChaCha) never to cite Wiki as a source (in school). That doesn't mean you CAN'T use it - just don't cite it as your source page. Most times, there are links to Wiki's source websites on their page. Get your answer from wiki then link to one of their sources for confirmation & use that as your source. It definitely makes some questions go faster!

 

[Jenna45]

I have been slow too, but I don't think it is the site, I think it is Firefox, because I never downloaded the new version downstairs and that computer is much quicker!

Both my pc's are wireless,and that one drops the connection more, so that is why I prefer to use my laptop.. ( see I could never claim any deductions personally for chacha, only my work owned pc is in a room by itself) I chacha all over

 

[Jonny_Duck]

lol thx for posting this. I read through all the pages its pretty interesting. It actually seems up my ally cuz thats all I do at work all day sit at my laptop and browse forums and search google. I actually googled the site and asked the question it came back with a google answer hehe. Asked how many classes were in EQ and answer came back fast. I have a feeling now that I have unl txt on my phone plan I will probably making some of you tons of $$.

 

[Miz Diz]

Can you use a blog as a source? I was on the chacha forum on a thread that shows answers and gives better answers, someone cited a blog. It seems you don't know if that is reliable, like Wiki.

Today is my first day, so I am wondering if I gave okay answers on some of mine. Someone asked me "Do you get paid?" I said, "I do make money and pay taxes and complete the required IRS forms." Then I made a cutesy comment, but I used irs.gov as my source. Was that okay?

 

[Mom2micayla]

I think when they ask if (and how much) we get paid, we're supposed to link them to the "become a guide" page for chacha. I'm pretty sure a blog is a grey area. I'd try not to use them as a source if possible.

I've made a bunch of mistakes already. I had no idea we couldn't use emoticons until perusing the forums today. I've used smilies quite a few time already. I never use them on regular questions. just the one where they were being converstaional, you know? I won't be doing that again. It just seems sort of a contradiction.. first they want you to be "cute" in your responses, but smilies are viewed as non professional?

 

[Sunshineanddaisys]

When asked if I get paid, I reply that I get paid per txt answered and link to the becoming a guide page.

HTHS

Randi

 

[Jenna45]

Whenever you cite from knowledgebase you should be using the chacha.com as the site page.

You can use a blog if it is the specific place to get the information, I have only had one situtation, and I was using a site a prior guide had used, I was continuing his response, but it had to do with resetting the ps3 connection, and there were various instructions with in the blog.

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Ok, I've read through most of the pages and think this is something that would be great! Since this is me all day

Let me see if I have the basic idea (sorry if this has been stated somewhere. I read through a lot of the pages but not all. But I'll need all the info I can get to take the idea to my DH. He's a bit leary of these things )

So you apply to be a guide and take tests that I assume test your ability to research the net??? Then if you become a guide, you get questions on your computer which you research and then you answer back on your pc and cite a source for your answer. Is that the basic idea? Is there some sort or training? Are the videos you guys are talking about training vidoes?

Ok and if I decide to do this a couple of you said that if I list you as a reference you get a little extra $$. Do I need your e-mail address or what?

Also, about how long does the test take? Just wondering if I should wait til the kids go to bed before I start

Again I'm sorry if all these have been answered. Thanks for you patience!!

 

[ajh88]

I'm kinda surprised they don't give guidance on the use of blogs. Same thing about forums too. I get a lot of video game questions and there are TONS of forums that offer good information. I'll do the same thing as with wiki - if I can't find the info anywhere else, I'll quote the info from the forum, but use a gaming site as my citation.

I'll also check a couple of sources - if the some info is popping up on multiple blogs or forums, I'm more likely to quote it than if not.

I haven't gotten any QC emails yet, but I figure it's just a matter of time. I don't think they expect perfection though - you only have to be above 95% accuracy with 250 or more questions to be a Top Guide and I'm achieving that so I won't complain!

 

[ajh88]

Ok, I've read through most of the pages and think this is something that would be great! Since this is me all day

Let me see if I have the basic idea (sorry if this has been stated somewhere. I read through a lot of the pages but not all. But I'll need all the info I can get to take the idea to my DH. He's a bit leary of these things )

So you apply to be a guide and take tests that I assume test your ability to research the net??? Then if you become a guide, you get questions on your computer which you research and then you answer back on your pc and cite a source for your answer. Is that the basic idea? Is there some sort or training? Are the videos you guys are talking about training vidoes?

Ok and if I decide to do this a couple of you said that if I list you as a reference you get a little extra $$. Do I need your e-mail address or what?

Also, about how long does the test take? Just wondering if I should wait til the kids go to bed before I start

Again I'm sorry if all these have been answered. Thanks for you patience!!

The first round of tests is 3-fold:
1 - Information about ChaCha - you read a couple of pages about the company and take a multiple choice quiz about what you read.
2 - Typing test - speed and accuracy
3 - Research test - fill in the blank questions - you research them online and get graded on whether or not you give the correct answers

If you do well on these, you may be invited to take the simulator test. The training is through videos and reading articles/links given by ChaCha. It is a simulation of how things work when you're a guide.

The first round of 3 quizzes took me about a half-hour - definitely less than an hour. I "studied" for the simulator for a couple of days - and taking it took me about an hour. Figure about 3 minutes per question and you have to answer 15 of them.

Training in general is sort of on-going. They have a whole collection of policies and information to help you. They also have a forum with message boards just like the Dis where people talk about various issues and questions. Not sure at what point you can access the forums (before simulator, after, etc.), but they can be helpful.

If you choose to use someone as a refer-er, you enter their email address when you sign up.

I'm sure I didn't cover everything, but hopefully that helps a little!

 

[AUDramaQueen]

The first round of tests is 3-fold:
1 - Information about ChaCha - you read a couple of pages about the company and take a multiple choice quiz about what you read.
2 - Typing test - speed and accuracy
3 - Research test - fill in the blank questions - you research them online and get graded on whether or not you give the correct answers

If you do well on these, you may be invited to take the simulator test. The training is through videos and reading articles/links given by ChaCha. It is a simulation of how things work when you're a guide.

The first round of 3 quizzes took me about a half-hour - definitely less than an hour. I "studied" for the simulator for a couple of days - and taking it took me about an hour. Figure about 3 minutes per question and you have to answer 15 of them.

Training in general is sort of on-going. They have a whole collection of policies and information to help you. They also have a forum with message boards just like the Dis where people talk about various issues and questions. Not sure at what point you can access the forums (before simulator, after, etc.), but they can be helpful.

If you choose to use someone as a refer-er, you enter their email address when you sign up.

I'm sure I didn't cover everything, but hopefully that helps a little!

Yes this has helped a lot. DH and I are the type of people who need to know exactly whats going on before going into anything!

Thanks!