Why should you trust advice from a website that will accept you as an expert?

Answer 1

Nobody should expect advice from experts here. In fact, it's very important that you don't. For reliable advice of any sort you must consult a trained professional in your local area.

This is just a site for people to share what they know with each other.

Another View

The question of authority is a difficult one: one can find experts on Graphology, Dowsing and Crystal Emanations in any phonebook.

The only experts one can trust are ones whose advice you have personally found to be reliable - or else experts whose competence is acknowledged by other people whose opinion you have reason to trust.

A brass plaque on the door is easy to come by.

Answer 2

First, "experts" come in all shapes, sizes, and walks of life.

1. The first type of expert has education and (usually) employment experience in an occupation related to that specific education. WikiAnswers has a wide-ranging community of people with education AND work experience in a variety of fields.
2. Second, many people who gain an education do not only get a degree, but also earn a professional licensure in their field, for examples: physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, psychotherapists, and more. Most professionals must also obtain a certain number of Continuing Education credits each year, so they continue to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. Most psychotherapists also receive Supervision from a Senior Practitioner on an ongoing basis.
   
3. Third, many people earn certificates in non-professional fields. For example, Microsoft offers MVP status; even car mechanics can seek certification through various classes.
4. A fourth area is general life experience and the individual's pursuit of knowledge. They don't have a degree-- yet, if they wanted to go to college, they could take tests to "challenge" and receive credit for the knowledge they already possess and potentially pass

However--- It is ALWAYS wise to review ANY information you see online AND double-check its accuracy. In high school, all students are taught to "critically read" and evaluate. We must answer for ourselves WHO wrote this and WHY--what is their purpose; WHAT is their education or source of knowledge; WHEN was it written--is it current; and lastly, HOW does their information compare to other "experts" and/or HOW well does the information compare with Generally Accepted Knowledge that most anyone can answer.

WikiAnswers does review "Expert Answers" and anyone who abuses this priviledge can be removed. If you spot an Expert Answer that doesn't sound correct, you can report it in the Community Forum or to any Supervisor.