Have you ever been an "expert"?

[Speicher]

I had Elle magazine approach me a while back about something I (and pretty much only I) research. However they'd already got a story in mind and I didn't have any data to support it. So they got another rent-a-quote psychologist instead*.

Needless bitchiness aside I'm amazed by how far certain experts are prepared to stray from their actual sphere of expertise. Specifically they start spouting common-sense platitudes which sound like the ought to be true (but aren't necessarily).

[* She wasn't too bad actually, and I respect some of her other work.]

I remember you continuing that research on a forum, cannot remember which one. By the time I had decided that I might be able to help you with your research, the thread was very difficult to find, says I diplomatically. I would have been very interested in the how the parameters of any data would be defined.
Where you watching "No Comparision" last night by any chance?

 

[Kirstie]

I had Elle magazine approach me a while back about something I (and pretty much only I) research. However they'd already got a story in mind and I didn't have any data to support it. So they got another rent-a-quote psychologist instead*.

Needless bitchiness aside I'm amazed by how far certain experts are prepared to stray from their actual sphere of expertise. Specifically they start spouting common-sense platitudes which sound like the ought to be true (but aren't necessarily).

[* She wasn't too bad actually, and I respect some of her other work.]

It wasn't Petra Boynton was it? I shared an office with her when I worked at Aston. She very good!

 

[fossyant]

Other than a 'works' excel expert and the family 'computer expert' or 'bike expert' that's it........

The 'bike expert' doesn't go down too well on a Christmas Eve after a bottle of Champers, and the "relly's" phone up saying they can't put a bike together..... you still put it together though with an oily glass of champers in one hand and a spanner in the other.....

 

[Abitrary]

I have a very strange and unexpected ability to *sound* like an expert about most things, but the minute people start listening to me a bit too much, I get unnerved and have to walk away and just leave them to it

 

[yenrod]

I'm an expert in anything - it wont be correct but it'll still an experts view !

 

[Speicher]

I am not always right but I am never wrong

 

[Tetedelacourse]

I had Elle magazine approach me a while back about something I (and pretty much only I) research. However they'd already got a story in mind and I didn't have any data to support it. So they got another rent-a-quote psychologist instead*.

Needless bitchiness aside I'm amazed by how far certain experts are prepared to stray from their actual sphere of expertise. Specifically they start spouting common-sense platitudes which sound like the ought to be true (but aren't necessarily).
[* She wasn't too bad actually, and I respect some of her other work.]

Robert Winston immediately springs to mind.

I think I'm supposed to be an expert in my current job but I haven't been found out yet thankfully. It's one of my biggest worries in life.

On the other hand, I do get to listen to "experts" in my field and I reckon most of them are winging it.

 

[Dave5N]

It wasn't Petra Boynton was it? I shared an office with her when I worked at Aston. She very good!

WHen were you at Aston, Kirstie? I worked there for a few years (not as an academic though - I had a proper job. )

 

[gbb]

I have a mate in a similar situation, he services the machines which seal a certain type of tin can used in tuna canning and beer canning. He is one of only a handful who can do this thing to that machine! Strange, you would have thought that more people would learn to do it.

Similar thing here...there are maybe 6 fruit packing factories in the uk, very specific machinery to that industry, so a very limited number of engineers. Take into account some of those guys knowledge is limited (the UK agents words, not mine)...skills are sought after.

 

[Kirstie]

WHen were you at Aston, Kirstie? I worked there for a few years (not as an academic though - I had a proper job. )

Oi don't be so cheeky!
I did my PhD at aston from 1993 - 1996, and then I was there as a postdoc until mid 98, in the business school.

 

[Dave5N]

Oi don't be so cheeky!
I did my PhD at aston from 1993 - 1996, and then I was there as a postdoc until mid 98, in the business school.

We overlapped then. I was there from March 93 until Sept. 97.

In fact, I did know a Kirstie - bet she was you - is you.

 

[LordoftheTeapot]

I was on radio and TV (BBC1) reguarding my expertese.

 

[simon l& and a half]

I've been referred to as a 'guru'. The downside was that the person that I was referred to couldn't form 'r' properly - a fact that the person referring me knew only too well. So this chap would call me up and address me as 'the planning guwu' - and I would be struggling to control myself from then on in.

 

[Jaded]

I was on radio and TV (BBC1) reguarding my expertese.

Oh. Illusion shattered. I would have thought it was for your Expert Teas.

 

[freakhatz]

I am apparently 'one of the world's leading experts on the social consequences of surveillance'...

Hmmm.. I see..

As for me, I have no expertise at all except meddling in things I know nothing about. This is good because the older I get the less I seem to know and thus my field of expertise grows.