Question: Where's the best place to get expert advice and answers on the
Internet?
Answer: It depends on your question. These days, thousands of
people claiming to be experts are doling out advice. It's
important to scrutinize each source.
"If you're looking for some advice on medical issues, stocks or law, then
you want someone who is in that field and knows their stuff," said Steven
Gordon, founder and vice president of expert systems for Allexperts.com.
How do you examine an expert's qualifications? Ask yourself the following:
- Do they have a degree that suits the question (Ph.D., law, culinary, etc.)?
- Are they affiliated with a reputable organization (government agency, not-for-profit, industry leader)?
- Have they published a book about a related issue?
- Is it a free service?
If you're using a general "expert" site, check to see if other users have rated
that person's performance. Browse his or her answers to previous questions.
Gordon says someone's familiarity with a topic will shine through. If they
simply say "I know all about such-and-such," it may be more cause for
suspicion than an expert who is willing to expand upon his or her experience.
General Topics
- Allexperts.com
Who's the expert?
Volunteers range in experience; for the more serious
categories they are lawyers and doctors, for entertainment categories less
strict. A 10-point user rating policy based on four characteristics
(knowledge, clarity and politeness) aids in finding a trustable source.
What you'll find:
Gordon's site, which is now affiliated with About.com
claims to be the oldest Q & A type site. It was founded in 1998. If you're
looking for advice on anything from anthropology to art history, you'll find
a volunteer expert here.
- Pitsco's Ask an Expert!
Who's the expert?
Connects to volunteer experts, across a wide range of
knowledge. A recent "featured expert" was a retired chemist with over 50
years of experience.
What you'll find:
Pitsco, which develops educational products, connects you
with experts in a range of fields who will respond to e-mailed inquiries.
Questions are not posted.
Specific Topics
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