Everyone is an Expert Except You
How often do you productively interact with popular business forums(how to)? I emphasize productively because if you spend any more than an hour at these places, you might find yourself wondering why everyone is an expert except you. This, instead of learning new information, networking with knowledgeable members, forming new business partnerships(how to), and everything else forums are supposed to encourage. To understand what I mean, think of the following scenario:
A forum member asks a simple question, such as, “Where can I find good information about SEO requirements?” Fifteen to thirty posts later, you find the following.
- Company XYZ is the cheapest, yet leading SEO service on the internet with guaranteed results.
- Member ConeyTrip_xxx posts a list of his business degrees and his experience with companies you’ve never heard of.
- “Bob’s” sister has been an SEO expert for the last 10 years and can be contacted by email only.
- Member Sasquatch4651_Z00 works for the number one SEO company listed in Google for the key phrase “Chicago SEO Sasquatch4651_Z00″
- There’s a Special Offer on the forum that answers SEO questions “Free” after paying a $25/month membership fee.
- Member 99_glourius_99, a member with a bunch of forum icons by his name, posts a lengthy response composed of commonly known SEO ‘tricks and tips.’
- 12 additional members give kudos to member 99_glourius_99 because his numerous icons indicate he’s extremely knowledgeable (even though he may have posted completely outdated information).
- Member Terip888 read all the top SEO books at Amazon, and can answer all the OP’s questions for a one time payment of $99.99.
On the one hand, we’re inundated with enough spam to feed a country of starving email boxes. On the other hand, we’re stuck with purported expert advice shaped by unchallenged misinformation. It’s unfortunate, but that’s just what you get with forums where everyone’s a pro.
Even “Pros” Can Play USENET Games
Is the need to sell on a forum so strong, issues aren’t open to intelligent debate anymore? Could this need be so strong, it could compel “pros” to use sock puppets, delete comments, and play all those other USENET games we’re all too familiar with? I’m afraid the answer is, yes.
I once encountered a forum member who didn’t like the fact his post about outsourcing was grossly incorrect. After pointing out his errors, I noticed the guy deleted the post I responded to, and then later claimed he didn’t know what I was talking about in another thread.
It’s Impossible to Know Everything
Look, it’s impossible to know everything about anything. To assume otherwise is childish. I don’t know everything about outsourcing, but that doesn’t mean I’m any less professional about my research. And believe me, when I encounter information that’s new, I make an extra effort to thank the person who put it out there. I don’t advertise, boast, lie, hide my identity, or charge for more information when I make an error.
If this is what it takes to be recognized as a pro, and everyone’s doing it, I’ll happily remain in the minority of those who are seemingly out of the loop. Because when everyone’s a pro, no one learns a single thing!
External Resources:
1. Virtually You: The Dangerous Powers of the E-Personality
2. The influence of personality traits on internet usage activities
3. Net.People: The Personalities and Passions Behind the Web Sites
